Interview: Dave Dictor of MDC

For more than four decades, Dave Dictor has remained a steadfast voice of dissent in American punk rock. As the frontman of MDC (Millions of Dead Cops), he has built a legacy on fiercely political lyrics, raw haste, and an unyielding commitment to confronting authority through music. With the band currently in the midst of an extensive European tour, Dictor continues to prove that MDC’s message is as relevant today as it was in the Reagan-era underground.

In a recent conversation, we spoke about the band’s forthcoming compilation of cover songs, their approach to navigating an ever-shifting punk rock scene, and the creative process behind MDC’s incendiary lyrics. Still sharp, still passionate, and still resolutely punk, Dictor offered insight into the inspirations that keep MDC pushing forward, and why, in his view, staying relevant is about more than just volume or speed.Enjoy!

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You’re right in the middle of an intense European tour, how’s it going so far? Any particular cities or shows that have stood out to you?

Dave: I got to say its been great show after great show … Really love Ungdomshuset and Copenhagen, Helsinki and Finland rocked and the Baltics all were great … people got heart in the Baltics!!!  Always look forward to Prague , Berlin and Amsterdam!!!

How does it feel to still be on the road, playing packed shows, and seeing new generations of punks showing up for MDC in 2025?

Dave: I guess I really love it … I’ve clocked in over 3000 shows ….I have a great home life but touring is bliss for me!

You’ve said you’re happy to still be relevant at this point in your life. What does “relevance” mean to you now, both personally and politically?

Dave: It means the songs still ring true and people get that … and I feel good about the first album…. Business On Parade, Dead Cops, Corporate Death Burger, the Multi Death Corporation, Greedy and Pathetic…. MDC’s first album is one of the best ever…. I put it up against anyone…. Rancid, Agnostic Front, NOFX …anyone.

You’ve got a new covers compilation coming up, The Last War. What inspired you to tackle songs by Motörhead, Slayer, The Rolling Stones, and others? Were there any tracks that challenged you creatively?

Dave: Yeah … had to approach Stevie Wonder’s “Haven’t Done Nothing “  a few times … get the funk w hardcore took a minute …. Everything else smooth.

With Bill Collins joining you on this tour, it feels like a full-circle moment. What’s it been like playing alongside him again, and how has that influenced the band’s chemistry on stage?

Dave: Bill Collins is a great soul… Union song write , guitar teacher…. I always knew he’d come back to … Barry Da’Live is on break!

“War Is A Racket” was a fierce return. What were the core messages you wanted to get across with that release, and how have fans responded to it live?

Dave: War sucks and they try to make seem so clean and antiseptic….

From Reagan-era protest songs to climate collapse and global inequality today, your lyrics remain hauntingly relevant. How do you personally process the fact that not much has changed after all these decades?

Dave: Well I would have hoped for a better world… but the more I read history … the Greeks and the Romans …I realize we were doomed to make terrible mistakes as a society…. And here we are 40 years later…

The tour includes some very DIY spaces and underground venues. Why is it still important for MDC to stay connected to grassroots scenes rather than just playing larger clubs or festivals?

Dave: Cause the DIY was always more comfortable…. I mean I love to play for everyone but I love the squatter kids in C Copenhagen…. They are open to change…. Big Festival circuit w $100 tickets … it’s recreation… which is fine …I prefer the grit.

You’ve always been outspoken about inclusion and solidarity, especially for people on the fringes. Do you feel the punk scene is still a safe space for those voices, or has that changed?

Dave: Its better than it was … like society right now in America anyway people can slide into being jerks…. Trump gives license to bad  behavior…. Its way better than 45 years ago… fighting w the skinheads…

After so many years of screaming truth to power, what keeps you inspired to keep writing, recording, and performing at full force?

Dave: Well there is no where else to go…. I don’t want to hide… throw my energy to continue Truth To Power this!!!

Any memorable fan encounters so far on this tour? Stories that reminded you why you do what you do?

Dave: Well the Ungdomshusett told me the house is a totally vegetarian house because of me and my song Chicken Squawk…pretty nice to be remembered for that!!!

Looking ahead – is The Last War the final chapter, or is there more MDC fire coming after this tour?

Dave: WE have a bunch of cover songs we recored and didn’t use … but I believe as long as I’m able we are going to write and record….

I love this life we chose.

Finally, for those seeing MDC for the first time on this tour, what do you hope they walk away with after the show ends?

Dave: That the songs and energy holds upon… to what we stated with … people in the states have told me we got better with time…I hope to live up to that!!!