Leftöver Crack, Gay Rude Boys Unite | Wacky Wednesday

In the 33rd edition of Wacky Wednesday (2025), we break down the unique “Gay Rude Boys Unite,” performed by Leftöver Crack.

Do you know what day it is? It is Wednesday, folks! Do you know what that means? Why, it is Wacky Wednesday! In the spirited column Wacky Wednesday, we analyze, break down, and explore songs from various musicians of various genres that can be considered unique, unusual, or ‘wacky.’  These songs can be new or old; the only requirement is that they ‘catch the ears’ because of their distinctiveness.  With the background established, in the 33^rd edition of Wacky Wednesday (2025), we break down the unique “Gay Rude Boys Unite”, performed by Leftöver Crack. Wacky Wednesday vibes commence! 

“Unity? Ha! You’re such a saint today / You may be antiracist / But then you’re antigay.” Facts, Leftöver Crack! The punk/ska/crust punk band never shies away from socially and politically charged topics.  Homophobia was the choice for “Gay Rude Boys Unite”, the fifth track from their 2001 album, Mediocre Generica. Infuriated by the double standard, frontman Stza (Scott Sturgeon), asserts in the second verse, “You know I’m not PC: / I’ll shoot your kid at school / ‘Cause he’s gonna grow up to be / A fuckin’ asshole just like you.” Oh, snap! Ara Babajian (drums), Alec Baillie (bass, d. 2020), and Stza (vocals) wrote “Gay Rude Boys Unite.” Ezra Kire played guitar in Leftöver Crack at the time (Sturgeon is the only original member still in the band).  With a brief duration running well under three minutes, Leftöver Crack has plenty to say, sing, and play!

“You can celebrate your unity / Till every gay is dead / But why don’t you stop your fronting / With real unity instead?” Preach, Stza, preach! He is assertive and at times, aggressive with his vocal performance. Sometimes he shouts, while at other times, he’s more melodic. Punk to the nth degree, the energy is a constant on “Gay Rude Boys Unite.” Notably, the verses have a cleaner, lighter instrumental sound – more ska-like. The chorus, however, is heavier and more in your face. Rich, distorted, driving guitars and bass bring the heat. Those drums pummel something fierce, too.  Stza keeps the same energy, crying foul to these hypocritical homophobes!

“Intolerant society rears its ugly face

You’re turning the hardcore music

Into a homophobic disgrace

The gay one, the straight one

The white, tan, yellow, and black

The gay rude boys and girls (Yeah-yeah)

Are gonna take the dance hall back!”

Ooh-wee, right the fuck on, Leftöver Crack! In the third and final verse, Stza continues to promote authentic unity, stating, “racist, sexist homophobes / And piggies gotta pay,” and urging everybody to “Get out of your fuckin’ seat / And jam out to the faggot rhythm / Crack-rocksteady beat.” In the context of “Gay Rude Boys Unite”, the f-slur appears to be reclaimed. This song is rad 🤘, and the message endures!