In Memoriam of Jerry Finn (1969-2008)

By TONY MARTIN

Most young people may not know it, but a man that helped revolutionize contemporary punk has died. Jerry Finn passed away Thursday, Aug. 21, as a result of a severe brain hemorrhage. Saying that Jerry Finn’s albums were influential would be an understatement. However, the proof is in his undeniable body of work.

Have you ever listened to “Dookie” or “Insomniac” by Green Day? “Enema of the State,” “The Mark, Tom, and Travis Show,” “Take off Your Pants and Jacket,” or “Untitled” by Blink 182? These are arguably some of the biggest albums of the 1990s and early 2000s, all produced or mixed by Jerry Finn. He also produced “…And Out Come the Wolves” by Rancid, “Destination Failure” by the Smoking Popes, and “Dear You” by Jawbreaker, a personal favorite.

Jerry Finn as a producer will be sorely missed, as his collaboration on the sounds of dozens of records that are considered staples to the genre have been lost. Let’s all take the time to go back and revisit some of Jerry’s work, in memory of a man who shaped punk music from behind the scenes.