| El Hefe | |
| Landscape: | yes |
| Background: | non_vocal_instrumentalist |
| Birth Name: | Aaron Abeyta |
| Alias: | Hefe |
| Birth Date: | August 8, 1965 |
| Occupation: | Musician |
| Years Active: | 1991–present |
| Associated Acts: | NOFX, Crystal Sphere |
| Current Member Of: | NOFX |
Aaron Abeyta (born August 8, 1965), better known as El Hefe or simply Hefe, from el Jefe (Spanish for "the boss"), is an American musician, best known as the lead guitarist and trumpet player for the American punk rock band NOFX.[1] He started playing guitar at the age of 13, but he states that he started taking it seriously at the age of 15, joining his first band. He joined NOFX in 1991 and his first recording with the band was his contribution to their EP The Longest Line.
Abeyta was given his nickname by NOFX founder Fat Mike because at the time when Abeyta joined the band, Fat Mike was dating a girl named Erin and he didn't want there to be any confusion. According to Fat Mike, "I suggested a Mexican-sounding name, like 'El Jefe.' I don’t speak Spanish, so I didn’t realize the 'h' sound is usually spelled with a 'j.'"[2]
El Hefe once owned a nightclub called "Hefe's" in Eureka, California, and now lives in Stevenson Ranch, California. He has two children and is divorced from Jennifer Abeyta.