DOA OOI Tour

Mapping the first North American tour of the Canadian punk rock band, DOA.

The Canadian punk band D.O.A. (Dead on Arrival) formed in Vancouver, British Columbia, in 1978, centered around vocalist and guitarist Joey “Shithead” Keithley. They quickly became one of the founders of the hardcore punk sound, blending loud, aggressive music with politically charged lyrics.

This map poster, illegibly signed ‘G. Bob ’79’ in the lower right, was published to promote the band’s first tour in North America. Possibly helpful for a predominantly Canadian audience, the geography of America is defined by a series of ‘belts’ – i.e, Bible Belt, Wheat Belt, Retirement Belt, and the Cancer Belt. Amusing sketched vignettes showcase some of the memorable highlights from the tour, including ‘pigs’ at the Canadian border, an oil spill in the Gulf, and anti-Nazi demonstrations in the Midwest (referencing the Skokie Affair – I hate Illinois Nazis).

Example at the Vancouver Punk Rock Collection here.