PUNK PAYOFFS?: Is the ultimate independent punk...

PUNK PAYOFFS?: Is the ultimate independent punk icon Fugazi finally ready to accept that big-label offer? And how about Epitaph Records, the L.A.-based home of the Offspring that has also steadfastly refused to align itself with the majors?

Recent rumors had it that each had finally gotten an offer it couldn’t refuse, with Fugazi’s Washington, D.C.,-based Dischord label signing a $15-million distribution deal with MCA, and Epitaph in discussions with Virgin about a deal for 25% of the indie.

Not true. The Fugazi rumor, says Dischord spokeswoman Cynthia Connolly, was merely the result of an anonymous hoax message posted on a computer on-line service.

“In a million and a half years they wouldn’t do that,” Connolly said.

Epitaph’s Gina Davis wouldn’t prognosticate so far into the future, but she also said that label owner Brett Gurewitz has continued to turn down offers. He did recently meet with Virgin founder Richard Branson and CEO Ken Berry--but only to pick up tips, since Branson began his operation as an underdog independent back in the ‘70s.