A ‘Dynamite’ Interview with Rick Sims of the Didjits!
By Justin Smulison
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One of the unsung heroes of the Midwest’s rock and punk scenes is Rick Sims – one of the most dynamic guitarists to emerge in the 1980s and 1990s. He led a rough, rowdy and influential trio, the Didjits, which released five studio LPs and one EP – most of which were released on Touch & Go Records – before disbanding in 1993. It’s unfortunate they couldn’t maintain the momentum of their final album, 1993’s Que Sirhan Sirhan, because just around that time, they were discovered by wider audiences, thanks to the Offspring’s cover of “Killboy Powerhead” on their multi-platinum album, Smash, the video for “Judge Hot Fudge” appearing on the original run of “Beavis & Butt-Head.”
Sims stayed active in other groups through the years and now owns and operates Rick Sims Sound Design, near Chicago, Illinois. There, he composes music and sound effects for theater companies and other live events.
But the Didjits have resurfaced with different bassists and drummers through the years, and they have reactivated again for RiotFest 2025 in Chicago, where the band were one of the featured performers on Sept. 19, 2025.
Additionally, Touch & Go will release Strictly Dynamite: The Best of Didjits on Oct. 3, in various physical formats (as well as digital). With all this excitement, I had to connect with him to discuss all the happenings in Sims/Didjits-land, especially since I’ve been a fan for 30 years. We look back and forward.
This is the first in a two-part interview, where we keep the focus on Didjits developments; The follow-up will delve into Rick’s post-Didjits work, including the Supersuckers, Gaza Strippers, other special bands and operating his sound design studio.
Please enjoy watching me geek out!
Song clips: “Killboy Powerhead,” “Spicy Little Outfit,” “Judge Hot Fudge,” “Que Sirhan Sirhan.”
Rick Sims and Didjits online:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCptg-tx6aBIuH6ksKnLDwdA
Rick Sims Sound Design: https://www.ricksimssounddesign.com/
Touch & Go band page: https://store.touchandgorecords.com/collections/didjits
Strictly Dynamite: The Best of Didjits: https://store.touchandgorecords.com/products/didjits-strictly-dynamite-purple-lp
Bandcamp: https://didjits.bandcamp.com/