Matty Matheson and Pig Pen: The Loud, Thrashing New Chapter of the Multi-Talented Chef
Matty Matheson, the Canadian chef known for his larger-than-life personality, has taken his love for loud music to the next level with his new hardcore band, Pig Pen. Famous for his role as Neil Fak on FX’s ‘The Bear’, Matheson has built a diverse career spanning across the culinary world, acting, and even executive producing. Now, he's adding another title to his resume: lead vocalist of a hardcore band.
Matheson recently took to social media to announce the formation of Pig Pen, a band that features some familiar faces from the Canadian music scene. Joining him in the group are Wade MacNeil, best known for his role as guitarist and backing vocalist in the beloved screamo band Alexisonfire, Daniel Romano, an indie-country artist who plays guitar, and his brother Ian "SKI" Romano on drums. Rounding out the band is Tommy Major, a longtime collaborator of Daniel Romano, who takes on bass duties.
In an Instagram post that captured the spirit of the band, Matheson explained the genesis of Pig Pen: “A few old friends got together a couple of years ago and wrote and recorded 10 songs over 2 days. We just wanted to hang out and see what’s up. This is our band. We are Pig Pen.” For Matheson, the band is about pure enjoyment and connecting with old friends in a new and exciting way.
The band’s name, Pig Pen, speaks to the raw and untamed energy that Matheson and his bandmates are bringing to the table. It’s not a polished, studio-crafted project—it’s about the spirit of punk rock and hardcore. For Matheson, who’s made a name for himself with his outspoken personality and love for chaotic creativity, this new venture feels like a natural extension of who he is.
Fans of Pig Pen are eagerly awaiting the band’s first live performance, which is set to take place on April 25 at Toronto’s iconic venue, Sneaky Dee’s. The event, which is already sold out, will feature support from the bands Best Wishes and Pluto’s Kiss. Those who missed out on tickets can still join the waitlist for a chance to attend.
The band has also teased their fans with a snippet of one of their songs, along with a clip from their upcoming music video. While an official release date for the album has not yet been confirmed, it’s clear that Pig Pen is already generating buzz, and anticipation is building for the full reveal.
Matty Matheson’s move into the music world might seem like a surprising one to some, but it’s hardly unexpected for those who know him. Matheson’s journey from being a chef at Toronto's Meat & Bones to becoming a TV personality, host of ‘Matty Matheson: Home Style Cookery’, and a fixture on VICE, has already shown that he's not afraid to step out of his comfort zone. His portrayal of Neil Fak in ‘The Bear’ has made him a breakout star, but it seems the world of food and television wasn't enough to fully contain his energy.
In addition to his culinary and acting careers, Matheson has become a cultural icon in his own right. His no-nonsense approach to food and life has earned him a devoted following, and now, his new musical project is gaining attention for all the right reasons.
Pig Pen’s formation, in the midst of filming Seasons 3 and 4 of ‘The Bear’, marks a new chapter in Matheson’s creative journey. His involvement in the show has seen him not only star as the loud but loveable Neil Fak but also serve as the show’s culinary advisor and executive producer. It’s a role that’s allowed Matheson to bring his vast knowledge of food and creativity to the set, further blurring the lines between his various artistic pursuits.
As Pig Pen prepares to take the stage for their first show, there’s a sense that this band is more than just a side project for Matheson—it’s a true passion. The punk-rock energy of the band fits perfectly with his persona: unapologetically loud, raw, and real. It’s clear that Matheson is just as committed to his music as he is to his culinary and acting ventures. Fans of his work in the kitchen, on screen, and now in the mosh pit, will no doubt be watching closely to see where this new musical journey takes him.
As the band continues to generate excitement ahead of their debut show and potential album release, one thing is clear—Matty Matheson isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Whether he's cooking in the kitchen, acting on screen, or screaming into a microphone, Matheson’s commitment to his craft and willingness to take risks ensures that Pig Pen will be a project to watch in the coming years. Keep an eye out for more updates from the band, as their fiery sound and energy are bound to make waves in the hardcore music scene.
For those lucky enough to get tickets to the debut show, it’s clear that Pig Pen will be delivering an unforgettable performance. The waitlist for the sold-out Sneaky Dee’s show is already filling up, proving that fans are ready for the next phase of Matheson’s multifaceted career. It’s safe to say that Pig Pen is just getting started—and this wild ride is only going to get louder.
