'I'm trying to hear Charlie': Punk show drowns out Charlie Kirk rally at SF State

A rally Tuesday at San Francisco State University drew hundreds of supporters and protesters of Charlie Kirk, who was speaking on campus. But across the street, a punk show in a grassy roundabout drew a similar-size crowd, including many who came over after heckling the right-wing personality.

“This song goes out to them,” singer Joey S. said, pointing to the Kirk supporters. “It’s called ‘Fuck You.’”

The local band, Surprise Privilege, also played tracks like “Bite Your Dentist” to a crowd of students and other young fans. Numerous mosh pits broke out and, between songs, chants of “Free Palestine” and appeals for working-class solidarity.

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The protesters gathered around a stage in a public field outside the university health center, where Kirk and anti-trans activist Riley Gaines debated members of the public. Topics included abortion, immigration, quality of life in San Francisco, and whether the Bible endorses slavery. But some in attendance found it tough to make out the finer points of the arguments over the music.

“I’m trying to hear Charlie,” said a man in a MAGA hat and a “Filipinos for Trump” shirt who declined to provide his name. “I’m trying to hear a good conversation, and all I hear is, ‘AGGHHH.’”

“Yup, that’s the idea,” said Donovan McNitt, a Surprise Privilege fan.

https://sfstandard.com/2025/05/06/charlie-kirk-sfsu-rally-punk-show-protest/

https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2025/05/punk-bands-drown-out-anti-lgbtq-speakers-on-college-campus/