Biography
Joe Sib refined his ability to manage unruly crowds while fronting a punk outfit, an experience that equipped him ideally for stand-up comedy and its frequent hecklers. Born Joseph Subbiondo in California, he spent his formative years exploring his parents’ record shelves, absorbing classic rock alongside the stand-up routines of George Carlin, Richard Pryor, and Steve Martin. The Ramones, the Clash, and the Sex Pistols sparked his punk devotion, prompting him to launch Front Line, his first significant band, in the mid-’80s. In 1991 he became Wax’s lead singer; the group landed a deal with Interscope Records and issued 13 Unlucky Numbers in 1995. Its single “California” secured MTV exposure through the striking video directed by Spike Jonze. While promoting the Interscope debut, Sib and Bill Armstrong founded Side One Dummy Records to champion emerging independent acts. After Wax disbanded in 1996, Sib immediately formed 22 Jacks with guitarist Steve Soto of the Adolescents, Legal Weapon, and Agent Orange. The band recorded and toured until 2001, then reunited in 2007. In 2010 he fused his punk history with comedy in the one-man “broken word” show California Calling, recounting episodes from the California punk scene. The production drew strong reviews, and after touring it nationwide Sib chose to pursue stand-up full-time. He released the comedy album Don’t Call Me Dude, Bro in 2015, followed by Nowhere Near the Top in 2017.
Singles
