Veteran Punk Band Dillinger Four Release First New Song in 18 Years

The Minneapolis group has a 'stack of new stuff' ready to go after nearly two decades without new music.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 3:39pm

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Veteran Minneapolis punk band Dillinger Four have released their first new song in 18 years, titled "Don't Happy Be Worry." Despite not releasing any new music for nearly two decades, the band has remained active, playing shows and continuing to write new material. In a statement, singer-guitarist Erik Funk explained that the band has never felt pressure to release music as a career, but they now have the time and space to start finishing and sharing some of their new songs.

Why it matters

Dillinger Four is a respected and influential punk band with a loyal fanbase that has been eagerly awaiting new music from the group. The release of this new song after such a long hiatus is significant for the band's dedicated fans and the broader punk rock community.

The details

"Don't Happy Be Worry" is described as a direct and melodic punk rock track that has a pop punk sound reminiscent of the Buzzcocks, blending power pop anthemics with a driving punk base. While the song did not come with a full album announcement, Funk noted that the band has a "stack of new stuff" ready to be released.

  • Dillinger Four last released new music 18 years ago.

The players

Dillinger Four

A veteran Minneapolis punk band that has remained active over the past 18 years, playing shows and continuing to write new material, despite not releasing any new music.

Erik Funk

The singer and guitarist of Dillinger Four, who explained in a statement that the band has never felt pressure to release music as a career, but they now have the time and space to start finishing and sharing some of their new songs.

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What they’re saying

“So it's been something like 18 years since we released any new music, and the inescapable questions are why? And…why now? The honest truth? I have no fucking idea. We've been active that whole time playing shows, and we never really stopped writing music; we just sort of stopped finishing music.”

— Erik Funk, Singer and Guitarist, Dillinger Four

What’s next

Dillinger Four are about to kick off a short tour of Japan, where they are expected to perform their new song "Don't Happy Be Worry" alongside their classic punk rock hits.

The takeaway

Dillinger Four's return to new music after an 18-year hiatus is a testament to the band's enduring passion and commitment to their craft, as well as the loyalty of their dedicated fanbase. This new song is a welcome addition to the punk rock canon and a sign that the band still has more to offer in the years to come.