Matty Matheson Launches Hardcore Band Pig Pen: A Culinary Star's New Musical Venture

Table of Contents

1. Key Highlights
2. Introduction
3. A New Sound in the Making
4. Debut Show: Instant Popularity
5. Matheson’s Culinary and Television Legacy
6. The Impact of a Multifaceted Career
7. Future Aspirations
8. Conclusion
9. FAQ

Key Highlights

• Matty Matheson, known for his role in "The Bear," has formed a hardcore band named Pig Pen, featuring musicians connected to prominent Canadian acts.
• The band’s debut show at Toronto's Sneaky Dee’s is sold out, indicating strong initial interest despite Matheson's limited musical background.
• Matheson emphasizes the personal nature of the project, showcasing his journey from chef and TV personality to musician.

Introduction

A culinary connoisseur skyrocketing to fame on the small screen has now taken a bold step into the music industry. Matty Matheson, celebrated for his role as handyman Neil Fak in FX's acclaimed series "The Bear," has announced his latest venture—a hardcore band named Pig Pen. The announcement comes shortly after a string of successes in his cooking career and acting, leaving many to wonder: could this be the birth of a new rock sensation or just a culinary star's fleeting dalliance with music?

Matheson's band, which also features members from notable bands like Alexisonfire, has generated an exciting buzz within the music community. Let’s dive into the origins of this project, its lineup, and the implications for both Matheson’s and his bandmates’ careers.

A New Sound in the Making

Matty Matheson's foray into music might surprise some who only know him as a chef and a television personality. On March 18, 2025, Matheson took to social media to introduce Pig Pen, revealing that the project started a few years back when he and some old friends got together to write and record music. "A few old friends got together a couple years ago and wrote and recorded 10 songs over 2 days," Matheson shared on his platforms.

Matheson's unique approach focuses more on camaraderie and creativity than commercial aspirations. “We just wanted to hang out and see what’s up. This is our band. We are Pig Pen,” he said, highlighting the project's grassroots nature.

Band Members: A Powerful Lineup

Pig Pen consists of a formidable group of musicians. In addition to Matheson, the band features Wade MacNeil, a guitarist and backing vocalist known for his work with the Canadian band Alexisonfire. Rounding out the lineup are Daniel Romano on guitar, Ian Ski Romano on drums, and Tommy Major on bass. MacNeil humorously acknowledged the formation of Pig Pen on his Instagram account, noting, “Just when you thought I couldn’t possibly join ANOTHER band, we go and start Pig Pen.”

The collaboration between Matheson and these established musicians raises expectations for the band's sound, merging hardcore elements with Matheson’s unique personality and influence.

Debut Show: Instant Popularity

Pig Pen's debut performance is slated for April 25 at the iconic Sneaky Dee’s in Toronto. The venue is known for supporting up-and-coming artists and has hosted numerous influential acts over the years. Excitingly for fans, tickets for this event have already sold out within a short period, despite no prior musical releases from the band. A waitlist has been established due to overwhelming interest, showcasing a promising start for Matheson and his crew.

Community Buzz and Fan Anticipation

The rapid sellout of the tickets signifies not only the appeal of Matheson as a personality but also reflects a growing interest in punk and hardcore music within Canadian culture. The announcement has sparked conversations across social media platforms, with fans eager to see how Matheson translates his energy from the kitchen and television to the stage.

Musical Influence and Style

While specific details about the band's music remain scarce, a teaser clip offered hints of their sound, suggesting hardcore influences aligned with Matheson’s punk rock sensibilities. His previous collaborations, such as playing in various bands during his youth, may influence the direction of Pig Pen.

Matheson’s Culinary and Television Legacy

Before venturing into music, Matheson built a remarkable reputation as a chef. Rising to prominence in the early 2000s, he was named the executive chef of Parts & Labour, a gastropub in Toronto known for its innovative dishes. His culinary expertise led to his appearance on numerous cooking shows, where his charismatic personality shined, setting him apart in the competitive food industry.

Transition to Acting

More recently, his transformation from chef to actor garnered significant attention. In 2022, Matheson joined the cast of "The Bear," playing the aforementioned character Neil Fak. The show's emphasis on the culinary world resonates with his background and has allowed him to engage an entirely new audience. The series has enjoyed critical acclaim, even securing a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series—a testament to Matheson’s multifaceted talents.

The Impact of a Multifaceted Career

Matheson’s shift towards music has drawn attention not only because of his new artistic path but also due to the ways it reflects broader trends in celebrity culture. As public figures increasingly venture into diverse realms beyond their primary careers, the lines between different forms of entertainment continue to blur.

Why Music Matters to Matheson

For Matheson, entering the music scene may represent a return to roots. His affection for music has always been present; he often cites his early influences and the role of rock and hardcore bands during his formative years. This transition is not just another project—it's a personal journey back to self-expression and passion outside of the culinary realm.

Future Aspirations

While specific plans for Pig Pen's music releases remain under wraps, buzz surrounding their sound and appealing stage presence suggests many avenues for growth. The band has the potential to not only follow a unique musical path but also tap into Matheson's existing fan base formed through his culinary and television successes.

Looking Ahead

The fusion of matheson’s backgrounds may lead to an enriching experience for fans and potential music lovers alike. Whether Pig Pen will emerge as a significant name in the hardcore scene remains to be seen, but the anticipation surrounding the band illustrates a promising future for Matheson and his collaborators.

Conclusion

Matty Matheson’s announcement of his hardcore band Pig Pen invigorates both his personal brand and the musical landscape of Toronto. By drawing from his culinary roots, television success, and now music, he remains a versatile figure inspiring many. As the band gears up for its debut performance and potential music releases, it exemplifies how artistic expression may take diverse forms while maintaining a core essence of creativity and community.

FAQ

1. What is Matty Matheson’s new band called? Matty Matheson's new band is called Pig Pen.

2. Who are the members of Pig Pen? The band features Matty Matheson, Wade MacNeil (guitar, backing vocals from Alexisonfire), Daniel Romano (guitar), Ian Ski Romano (drums), and Tommy Major (bass).

3. When and where will Pig Pen perform their debut show? Pig Pen's debut performance is scheduled for April 25, 2025, at Sneaky Dee’s in Toronto.

4. Are tickets for the first show available? All tickets for the initial performance are sold out, but a waitlist has been established.

5. What inspired Matheson to form Pig Pen? Matheson expressed a desire to reconnect with friends and create music, emphasizing the project’s grassroots nature.

6. Will Pig Pen be releasing any music? Details regarding music releases have not yet been announced, although a teaser clip indicates the band has worked on studio materials.

7. What other projects has Matty Matheson been involved in? Before Pig Pen, Matheson was known for his culinary and hosting roles and gained wider recognition through his role in the FX series "The Bear."