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Showing posts with label new york hard core. Show all posts
Showing posts with label new york hard core. Show all posts
If you haven't picked up your copy of "The Merciless Book Of Metal Lists". What are you waiting for? It is not a fine piece of literature by any means, but it is a very entertaining book that was put together by Howie Abrams and Sacha Jenkins.
One list that definitely caught our attention, was the list compiled by Hoya Roc from NYHC legends MADBALL. His list is called "10 Reasons Why ANTHRAX Should Never Be Associated With Hardcore" and he only needed eight reasons to prove his point. 1) Going to a (hardcore) show once every leap year doesn't make you part of a scene. 2) Going bald and then fronting like you shaved your head on purpose doesn't make you hardcore.
3) Synchronized stage moshing is corny!
4) The "NOT MAN"??? WEAK!!! 5) Destroying Public Enemy's "Fight The Power"
6) Never taking a hardcore band on tour!
7) Dissed hardcore until they figured out they would never be Metallica.
8, 9, AND 10) Attempting to trademark the NYHC symbol makes them officially the WACKest wannabe, never-was band to try and claim the glory of hardcore music!!!
Sometime during 1980 searching for a harder/faster outlet than the current NYC punk rock trend, three teenagers from Jackson Heights, Queens: Jack Flanagan, Jose Gonzalez and Ralph Gebbia formulated THE MOB. Once the concept was established they added high-school bud Jamie Shanahan on drums, to round out the 4 piece assault. The early MOB sound was heavily influenced by what was going on in L.A. and D.C. With NY not having a true representative taking up this new sound and culture THE MOB chose to carry the flag. THE MOB were not alone in this endeavor and these ideas, as others were feeling the same excitement and picked up guitars, mics and sticks in pursuing these same ideas: which turned into the first wave of the NYHC scene.
Fast forward to 2012 and THE MOB is back in business. This year's Black N' Blue Bowl marked THE MOB's return to the stage and to the forefront of the NYHC Scene after a ten year absence. Along with performing at the Black N' Blue Bowl this year, THE MOB has recorded their newest offering "Back to Queens" which will be released in true "MobStyle" as a 7" vinyl including the track "That's It". This release is limited to 1000 individually hand numbered copies which were signed by all four members of the band and then shrink-wrapped making this a true collector's item. The EP is available for pre-order on Amazon.
'Back To Queens' is the first in a series of four 7" singles that will be released by THE MOB on Weathermaker Music. The artwork for the singles was created by famed New York tattoo artist Mr. Den. While each single has its own distinct artwork, once all four are released each piece takes on a new meaning as one part of a complete piece of art.
There will also be a digital version of the single available which includes a bonus offering of "Zoo Crew".
Stereo Killer is hosting an exclusive premiere of "Back to Queens" below. Be one of the first to hear it before it is released.
THE MOB recently completed work on a video for 'Back To Queens'. The video was directed by Drew Stone, who is known for his work documenting the Boston Hardcore Scene, particularly in his film "xxx All Ages xxx". Photos from the video shoot can be viewed on The Mob's Facebook page. Look for the video to be released in the coming weeks.
"As I reflect on the spirit of revolution that got me into the 'REAL' punk-rock back when everything else was full of shit, the feelings I had the first time I went to Max's Kansas City, or CBGB's, when I saw The Clash, Bad Brains, The Damned, SOA, Minor Threat, Black Flag... then, I knew I had found my tribe. Never raise your hands in surrender to this corrupt system to go lead quiet lives of desperation. FIGHT!"
On Friday, July 6th Bowery Presents:
CRO MAGS, SICK OF IT ALL & VISION OF DISORDER!
Where?
Webster Hall: 125 East 11th Street Manhattan, NY 10003
One year ago, when we heard the sad news that Mario Comesanas had passed away at the young age of 30 from a brain hemorrhage that was caused by a rare form of leukemia, we were completely shocked and saddened. Mario, we miss you brother!
Throughout his career in music, Mario left his mark as been a genuine, passionate, and charismatic guy. Ever since he started doing radio at WSOU 89.5 FM with a show called "Hardcore Reality", it was evident that Mario was a huge supporter of Heavy Music and that he wanted to devote his career to all things heavy.
Soon after he graduated from Seton Hall University, he joined Sirius Satellite Radio (now Sirius XM) and started working with Jose Mangin as a DJ in Hard Attack (now Liquid Metal). During his tenure there, he also started working with Revolver Magazine at the Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival, were he hosted artist meet and greets and did tons of marketing work for the magazine. Before his passing, Mario had joined the independent label distributor RED Distribution.
Mario was also the singer of December Aeternalis, and most recently, Low Road. Ironically, we had plans to book Low Road for the first Horns Up Rocks show in New Jersey. This never happened.
Please put your Horns Up for Mario Comesanas, our Metal and Hardcore brother!
"NOT A DAY GOES BY THAT I DON'T COUNT THE BLESSINGS AT MY DOOR!!!!!!"-Mario Comesanas (Low Road)
Mario's last interview was with New York Hard Core legends Agnostic Front, a day before the 2011 Black N Blue Bowl! This song is dedicated to Mario, keep rocking in Peace brother!
Mario, in behalf of the entire Heavy Music community: Thank you so much for everything you did for all of us! You are not forgotten and we all love you!
The King of all Media, Howard Stern, got the sad news about the untimely death of his colleague Mario Comesanas from Sirius XM Liquid Metal and this is what he had to say:
"I was reading about a guy, worked here at Sirius. I didn't know him but this is pretty sad. His name was Mario Comesanas, he was one of the hosts at Sirius XM's Liquid Metal channel. He was working here for ten years, 30 year old guy. He had a fiance, family, friends and stuff. Evidently for those in the Liquid Metal fan area, they really liked this guy. Mario was dedicated to Heavy Metal Music. He died from an aggressive form of leukemia at thirty years old."
It is with heavy hearts that we here at Sirius XM say farewell to our fellow metal soldier and Liquid Metal host Mario Comesanas… Mario peacefully passed away the evening of June 13th in Jersey City, New Jersey due to an aggressive form of leukemia from which Mario was very recently diagnosed with…he was 30 years young… Our thoughts are with his fiancé, family, friends & fans worldwide…
“Hey everybody this is Jamey from Hatebreed. He was a really great guy. Always looked out for me. Great supporter of Hardcore and Heavy Metal and this is just such a huge loss for the scene. Guys like Mario are few and far between. I'm really just deeply saddened by this. My deepest sympathies to Sirius XM Liquid Metal Listeners and Marios family and close friends, my heart goes out to you.”
Mario started his radio career at Seton Hall’s Pirate radio station in NJ then joined the Sirius XM family back in 2002 where he came on as one of the original satellite metal DJs… since then he’s help spread heavy metal music & more importantly hardcore music to a massive audience both on and off the air, through his work with Revolver Magazine & RED Distribution & of course in his own bands December Aeternalis & more recently Low Road, who just finished recording their debut with Joey Z from Life Of Agony producing…
“This is Joey Z from Life Of Agony. Mario was a genuine caring friend. Most enthusiastic person you'll ever meet. We had the greatest time. He dropped some great, great vocal tracks. He's the type of person that always knew what he wanted, and worked hard to get it. He just left a little too young. From all of us, we love you brother. We'll never forget you.”
Mario’s passion for music, energy, spirit, laugh & attitude towards life, video games & metal will live on forever….
“Mario my brother this is Roger from Agnostic Front. Everything we've done together, musically, that kind of stuff, that’s true brotherhood that lives forever. The Superbowl [of Hardcore], all the bands you love I love, all the great New York bands. Just want to say that your dedication, your commitment, was one of those that stood the test of time. And I could just see you out there, taking a stage dive for Hardcore. For the love of it all man. You’re a good dude brother. God rest your soul.”
Rest in Peace dear friend… you will be missed and never forgotten… Heaven just got heavier…
When we heard the sad news that Mario Comesanas had passed away at the young age of 30, from a brain hemorrhage that was caused by a rare form of leukemia, there was no doubt in our minds that this sad news would affect everybody within the Heavy Music community.
Throughout his career in music, Mario left his mark as been a genuine, passionate, and charismatic guy. Ever since he started doing radio at WSOU 89.5 FM with a show called "Hardcore Reality", it was evident that Mario was a huge supporter of Heavy Music and that he wanted to devote his career to all things heavy.
Soon after he graduated from Seton Hall University, he joined Sirius Satellite Radio (now Sirius XM) and started working with Jose Mangin as a DJ in Hard Attack (now Liquid Metal). During his tenure there, he also started working with Revolver Magazine at the Rockstar Mayhem Festival, were he hosted artist meet and greets and did some marketing work for the magazine. Mario had also recently joined the independent label distributor RED Distribution.
Mario was also the singer of December Aeternalis, and most recently, Low Road. Ironically, we had recently talked to Mario about booking Low Road for the first Horns Up Rocks show in New Jersey.
Please put your Horns Up for Mario Comesanas, our Metal and Hardcore brother!
This is what his friends and colleagues had to say about Mario's passing:
"It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to our very close friend & fellow Liquid Metal host Mario Comesanas, who passed away earlier this evening at 8:39 PM ET in Jersey City, NJ... I got the chance to say goodbye, hold his hand, kiss his head & tell him thank you for being a Metal soldier with me all these years & to say hi to Dime for me... Our thoughts & prayers are with his fiance Liz, Mario's family, friends & fans worldwide... For respect for the family any other information will have to wait. We love you Mario & thanks for coming into our lives swinging & kicking! Rest in Peace..." - Jose Mangin (Sirius Xm Liquid Metal)
"I am in utter shock, he is a young young man, with a fiancee, and a whole future ahead of him - we worked together for close to 5 years - the Revolver family is collectively speechless..." - Josh Bernstein (Revolver Magazine)
"RIP Mario Comesanas. A true supporter of Metal & Hardcore & all around great guy. Condolences to his friends and family, and all at Sirius XM Liquid Metal." - Jamey Jasta (Hatebreed, Kingdom Of Sorrow, Jasta)
"I hate that this is how it has to be and that you will never be able to hold me or smile at me or say "marry me?" in that retarded voice, but I love that I will forever be able to hear your voice through recordings and music until the day I die. I'm so glad you have SO many people in your life that love you deeply and post pictures of you that I can gaze at for hours. I don't know how to live without you but like you said, I'm the strongest person you know and I'll spend the rest of my life trying to live up to that. This blunt is for you." - Liz (Mario's Fiance)
"We would like to send Prayers to the Friends/Family of Mario Comesanas... Besides Metal... Mario was always a Hardcore kid, a 1000% genuine friend. Helped BNB in more way than 1! Its a VERY SAD DAY for all of us... He was at the BNB Bowl a few weeks ago doing what he always did... SUPPORTING The HC Community! Mario, we love you... May you R.I.P." - Black N Blue Productions
"It is with a sad heart that I say goodbye to a good friend & fellow Liquid Metal host Mario Comesanas who passed away earlier this evening at 8:39 PM ET. My prayers are with his fiance Liz, Mario's family, friends & fans... for respect to the family any other information is private at this time. Mario, I can still hear your laugh in my head. Thank you for blessing our lives with laughter and love. Rest in Peace..." - Kayla Riley
"Mario, thank you for being a true pioneer to all that was Metal. Your kindness and everything about you. It brought me great pleasure to work with you. Your talent and compassion for everything you did. I am a little short of words right now, I will miss you my brother. God bless you." - Munsey Ricci
"My ally in brutality at Sirius, I will miss you, Mario." - Ian Christie
"Mario Comensanas was one of the most inspirational people to fucking grace this earth. RIP my coworker, my peer, my fellow musician, hustla & dear friend. We were but once just kids." Zeena Koda (Sirius XM Liquid Metal)
"NOT A DAY GOES BY THAT I DON'T COUNT THE BLESSINGS AT MY DOOR!!!!!!"-Mario Comesanas (Low Road)
Mario's last interview was with New York Hard Core legends Agnostic Front, a day before the Black N Blue Bowl! This song is dedicated to Mario, Rest in Peace brother!
Mario, in behalf of the entire Heavy Music community: Thank you so much for everything you did for all of us! You will never be forgotten and we all love you!
Last night we headed to the East Village Radio headquarters to interview Cuz Joe (Black N Blue Productions) and Vinny Stigma (Agnostic Front) about the upcoming "Black N Blue Bowl". The interview came out great and it will be online within the next few weeks, for now we have some exclusive updates which you can read below.
Before interviewing the two Hardcore ambassadors, we ran into Lou Koller of Sick Of It All who was there to promote their upcoming 25th anniversary show at Webster Hall. This very special show will take place on Saturday March 26th and it will feature live performances by Sick Of It All, Snapcase, Merauder and Razor Blade Hand Grenade. You can purchase tickets online by clicking here or at Mercury Lounge.
Since we are all about making people unite, we asked graffiti artist Joe Janaro to come with us and to bring his Sick Of It All painting for Lou and the Black N Blue crew to see it. The response was amazing, and it was real cool to see everyone recognizing Joe's talent.
What made this night very special was that we actually came across Joe after seeing a Sick Of It All graffiti (which you can see below) he had done years ago! We want to thank Lou from Sick Of It All and Cuz Joe for making Joe's dream come true!
Here are some updates about the Black N Blue Bowl:
- Lineup: Gorilla Biscuits, Agnostic Front, Terror, Absolution, Antidote, Maximum Penalty, Backtrack, Down To Nothing, Take Offense, No Turning Back, Bottom Out and a surprise special guest.
For those who say that Hardcore music is "old" news. we suggest you start thinking twice about such effortless statement and perhaps bite your tongue a little bit. While the whole music industry has changed, and the "game" has become a lot harder to play. The underground Heavy Music scene is finally in the rise once again. Don't believe us? We suggest you start getting out there and explore the scene in depth.
Ever since we started Horns Up Rocks we have come across hundreds of bands, promoters, and fans, that are helping to resurrect the scene. We believe that a big beneficiary of the global economic crisis is the underground Heavy Music scene! Think about it, while there are still a lot of national tours happening, not everyone can afford to go to such tours. And since going to a show is a necessity for any Heavy Music fan, it works beautifully.
In order to celebrate this awesome accomplishment, join New York Hardcorers G.F.Y. as they take over Club Europa in Brooklyn this Friday February 25th, along with Fed Up! and Carnage Krew! Additionally, a few birthdays will be celebrated! And the official after-party at Lucky 13. Here are all the details you need:
The mighty Madball taped a video for their song called "All or Nothing" this past November at Southpaw in Brooklyn for their song "All or Nothing", which is taken from their latest album titled "Empire". In case you don't know, Madball are one of the top Hardcore bands of all time and this is why:
- Madball was formed in the late 1980s in New York City, as a side-project of Agnostic Front (where Roger Miret would let his brother Freddy "Madball" Cricien take the microphone during Agnostic Front shows).
- In 1995 Madball participated in the N.Y.H.C. Documentary. The documentary included extensive interviews with Freddy as well as a Madball performance on July 29, 1995 at the "Coney Island High". At that show Roger Miret (Freddy's brother), broke several vertebrae in his back.
- Their discography is untouchable:
Studio Albums and EPs: - 1989: Ball of Destruction 7" EP (reissued with 14 extra tracks in 1996) - 1992: Droppin' Many Suckers - 1994: Set It Off - 1996: Demonstrating My Style - 1998: Look My Way - 2000: Hold It Down - 2004: N.Y.H.C. EP - 2005: Legacy - 2007: Infiltrate the System - 2010: Empire
Need further proof? Watch the video for "All or Nothing" now!
When a Heavy Music fan sees the Biohazard logo at a doctor's office or medical laboratory, the first thing that comes to mind is Brooklyn based Hardcore legends BIOHAZARD. Established in 1987 in Brooklyn, when Hardcore music was at a pivotal point. The Brooklyn based band took Hardcore music to another level, and added a new flavor to the ever changing genre. Not only did every song have attitude and power, but it also had that urban feel that makes New York Hardcore such a unique musical style. Biohazard was one of the first bands to perfectly blend Hardcore Punk, Heavy Metal and Hip Hop.
While the band has had its ups and downs, including a few lineup changes, today they stand tall and strong. Their original lineup is back together, and after experiencing Biohazard live at Irving Plaza in New York City in 2008 and at The Crazy Donkey in Long Island in 2009, the 4 man have not lost the fire that got them worldwide recognition. We are of course talking about Evan Seinfeld (Vocals/Bass), Billy Graziadei and Bobby Hambel (Guitars), and Danny Schuler (Drums).
As soon as Biohazard gets on stage nobody is safe, this Hardcore veterans can wake the dead up with their energetic display of musical fury. While their message has changed throughout the years, their power has remained intact. In our opinion, the break they took worked in their favor because now they are at a different phase, and we are pretty sure that their upcoming release is going to be one of the best records of 2011.
Here are some interesting facts about Biohazard:
- Biohazard was formed in 1987 in the Bensonhurst neighborhood of Brooklyn.
- Peter Steele (RIP) from Type O Negative and Carnivore, named the band.
- Their first demo was released in 1988, and the media immediately took notice, since they felt that the lyrics displayed fascist and white supremacist views, even though Evan Seinfeld is Jewish.
- The band was accused of promoting racism through their music, and after denying this for years, Seinfeld and Graziadei explained that it was a publicity stunt to win over Carnivore’s fans. Eventually, they stopped playing the controversial songs. From that moment on the band started to transmit a message of tolerance and anti-racism.
- While Biohazard has never considered themselves a Hardcore band, they became a key asset of the New York Hardcore scene. During the CBGB’s days, they often shared the stage with NYHC titans Cro-Mags and Agnostic Front.
- In the past many clubs have refused to let Biohazard play, since they are afraid that the show will be too violent. As a result, bands like Mucky Pup would sneak them on stage to perform a few songs before their set.
New York Hardcore bosses Madball, will be taping a video for their song called "All or Nothing" and they want YOU there! "All or Nothing" is taken from their latest album titled "Empire", and talks about giving all your best in life no matter what challenges life throws at you.
Here are all the details: Date: Friday November 26th Time: 5 PM SHARP Location: Southpaw Brooklyn: 125 Fifth Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11217
Listen to "All or Nothing" right now!
Here is a series that Blank TV produced for Madball:
New York Hardcore titans Madball, will be releasing a new record on October 12th. The new record is titled Empire and it will be out through Good Fight Records here in the USA and on Nuclear Blast Records in Europe. Make sure you pick it up!
Here is the first song to be released by the band via theirMySpace page, its titled R.A.H.C. The songs message is very clear and is dedicated to all those who claim that Hardcore music is dead and gone. The reality is that Hardcore is a musical genre that has expanded beyond the horizon and today it is a worldwide movement, thanks to bands like Madball. Check this awesome song out!
Here is what Freddy and Hoya had to say about Empire:
“Erik has been great to work with,” states Cricien. “He’s definitely a perfectionist, which I have no problem with. It’s going to benefit us in the end! He’s got his own techniques like everyone does, so he’s going to bring a different dynamic into the sound/mix. I’m excited for people to hear the finish product. I predict it will be very HARD!” - Freddy Cricien
"The new record is groovy and hard, full of good Madball songs about life! It reminds me of Demonstrating My Style and Hold It Down, but the songs are definitely up to date. We can't wait for people to hear it." - Hoya Roc
In 1992 guitarists Matt Baumbach and Mike Kennedy formed Vision of Disorder, joining them were singer Tim Williams, drummer Brendon Cohen and bassist Mike Fleischmann. Soon after the band started jamming, Fleischmann left the band temporarily. The band collectively decided to not bring another bass player on board. Eventually Fleischmann returned to the band, this is when they recorded a few demos and compilations. The response wasn't what they expected, but this didn't matter to the band. They kept working hard on their craft and in 1995 they released their seminal 7" record titled "Still" (released on Striving for Togetherness Records). This album includes the original versions of the songs Through My Eyes and D.T.O.
Around the time when they recorded "Still", they got invited to participate in a documentary about the New York Hardcore scene titled N.Y.H.C. The documentary included live performances from the band, as well as an in depth interview. This helped the band to start creating an underground following, especially within the Long Island Hardcore scene. This was enough for Roadrunner Records to offer the band a major record deal.
In 1996 they released their self-titled album, often referred to as the "green album" because of the artwork on the cover. The album was released by Roadrunner Records' subsidiary label Supersoul, and it was glorified by many old school Hardcore fans for its original sound. As a result Vision of Disorder became a worldwide phenomena.
A few years later the band released their album "Imprint" through Roadrunner Records. The band pushed the envelope and created a heavier album. This made some of old school fans turn their heads away, but it also gained them a new batch of fans. This album is a lot angrier and darker than their first album. It also includes a duet between singer Tim Williams and Phil Anselmo from Pantera, Down, etc. "Imprint" was recorded in only 2 weeks, because that is what was budgeted by Roadrunner Records. As a result the sound is raw, which turned off some fans. This is when the band decided to leave Roadrunner Records.
After years of touring in support of their album "Imprint", Vision of Disorder became somewhat unnoticed within the heavy music world. As a result, they decided to go back to their roots and released "For the Bleeders". The album included 9 demo songs that were re-recorded for this record. The album was released in 1999 through independent label, Go Kart Records.
In 2001 the band decided to explore their sound and wrote "From Bliss to Devastation", an album which singer Tim Williams refers to as "the Wild-card". Released through TVT Records, the album is a blend of Vision of Disorder's signature sound combined with musical elements reminiscent of the Grunge era bands. The album is considered a commercial failure, and the fans where dissapointed at the bands new sound.
In 2002 the band was very frustrated with the treatment they were getting from the record industry and decided to take an extended hiatus. Eventually they disbanded, and singer Tim Williams and guitarist Mike kennedy formed Bloodsimple. Drummer Brendon Cohen and bassist Mike Fleischmann also started a band called Berzerkers and Karnov.
After years apart, the band reunited to play a 3 song mini-set on a show with Bloodsimple and Berzerkers and Karnov. The response was very positive and as a result the band was asked to play the 2006 Super Bowl of Hardore. That summer the band reunited for three shows, which were filmed for a DVD. In 2008 the band reunited again for a few shows, one of those shows took place at the Crazy Donkey in Long Island and the response was huge. On November 11, 2008 Vision of Disorder released their DVD titled "Dead in NY" through Koch Entertainment.
In October 2008 the band announced that they had reunited and that they were working on a new album. According to the band, they are entering the studio on September 9th of this year. The band has already written over 20 songs, and recorded a demo. They plan to record a second demo, which they will send to various record labels. According to Tim Williams, the new songs sound like Imprint, mixed with new sounds and classic Hardcore tones. The band will pick 11 songs to record for their new album. The goal is to release the new album within the next 6 months.
This Friday August 20th, Vision of Disorder will make its impact be felt at The Gramercy Theater here in New York City. Joining them that night will be The Judas Syndrome, Reign Supreme and Incendiary. It will be their first show in New York City since their infamous takeover at Irving Plaza in 2008. Tickets are going fast, so get yours now!
When I think about what brought me to New York, the first thing that comes to my mind is New York Hard Core. Growing up in Colombia in the mid 90's, back when Pablo Escobar and crew controlled the country through acts of violence. I experienced lots of hardship by watching my own country, become the country of fear. I was around 15 years old when I first heard downset, I know downset are from LA but once I was hooked on the Hard Core movement, I started to listen to New York Hard Core through bands like Sick Of It All, Madball, Agnostic Front, Biohazard, Vision of Disorder and a whole bunch of other bands (mostly through mix tapes).
The Hard Core movement soon became an outlet to a lot of us in Colombia, to the point that a lot of Hard Core bands started to emerge in Colombia. One of those bands was Raiz, who are considered one of the top Hard Core bands to ever come from Colombia. Once Hard Core became part of my life I realized that it was not just a genre of music, it was a family unit! I would go to a show and I would always run into the same crew. And even though we didn't know each other personally, we would always talk about Hard Core, the violent times in Colombia, and share a drink or two or three.
In 1997 I came to visit New York City for the first time and one of the first places I visited was the New York Hard Core mecca: CBGB's. As soon as I stepped inside the bar, the old smell of beer, the darkness of the place and the punk rock vibe had me hooked on the New York Hard Core culture. From that moment on I knew I had to live in New York City one day.
In 1999 I went to the Dynamo Open Air festival in Eindhoven, Holland. The three day weekend was packed with killer acts such as Metallica, Fear Factory, Biohazard, Madball and a bunch of other bands. On the last day of the festival at the main stage, the mighty Biohazard became the first New York Hard Core band I ever saw on live. This same day was the first time that I experienced a full blown circle pit. Then is when I knew that Hard Core was going to be part of my life forever.
Fast forward to 2004, when after driving for 6 hours from upstate New York, I finally arrived in New York Hard Core City. Soon after, I started going to Hard Core shows and realized that it was a very eclectic musical style. I also realized that the same fraternity I experienced in Colombia at Hard Core shows, also existed in New York and it was even stronger. By then Hard Core had become a worldwide musical form and bands like Sick Of It All, Agnostic Front, Madball and Biohazard were playing shows all over the world.
Today, when I tell people that I like Hard Core, they look at me funny or try to convince me that Hard Core is dead. All I got to say is that if Hard Core is really dead, then why are all the top New York Hard Core bands still around? Agnostic Front are still crushing, Sick Of It All just released one of the best records of their career, Cro Mags are still going strong, Madball is working on a new record and playing shows constantly and the same goes with Biohazard and a ton of other legendary bands.
I think it often happens that once a person switches from one musical style to another, they try to undermine the previous style they liked and those who keep it real by sticking to their guns and not falling victims of musical trends. All this is fine with me and I respect it, but it clearly means that they don't understand what Hard Core really is. I personally did not start listening to Hard Core so I could become part of a crew, or to act tough. Hard Core became an outlet of aggression and suffering that has played a huge role in my life.
And yes I like Metal, Hard Rock, Punk Rock, Alternative Music and various other musical styles. I consider myself an open minded person that listens to a particular musical style because it moves me and not because it is the hot trend to follow. I am way too old for that bullshit! When I started this whole movement called Horns Up Rocks one of my goals was to teach all the narrow minded music fans, that there are plenty of other musical styles that are worth considering and respecting. I also decided to give Hard Core the respect it deserves. Tomorrow, when I am covering the Black N Blue Bowl (Super Bowl of Hard Core) it will all make sense to me. I predict a packed house, with Hard Core fans from all over the country with the same goal in mind: pay homage to all the bands that will be performing and have the time of our lives. Just remember that HARD CORE STILL LIVES!
I had the honor of interviewing both Freddy Madball and Cousin Joe, right by East Village Radio after their weekly "Black N Blue Takeover" radio show and we talked about Hard Core and the upcoming "Black N Blue" Bowl.
You can check it out right here!
In case you have been living in a shell for the last 20 plus years, you should know that New York Hard Core takes the trophy for being the realest musical scene in the world. It's more than a scene, it's a family. Proof of this is Black N Blue Productions, which is THE Hard Core production company! Lead by Freddy Cricien from NYHC legends Madball and Cousin Joe, Black N Blue is all about spreading the word about underground music on a global scale. Simply put, if it wasn't for Black N Blue Productions, Hard Core music would not be as impacting as it is today.
On May 15th, 2010 history will be made as Black N Blue productions presents "The Black N Blue Bowl", formerly known as "The Super Bowl of Hard Core". I had the honor of interviewing both Freddy Madball and Cousin Joe, right by East Village Radio after their weekly "Black N Blue Takeover" radio show and we talked about Hard Core and the upcoming "Black N Blue" Bowl. You can check it out right here!
Who is playing? CRO-MAGS MADBALL SKARHEAD H2O YUPPICIDE WISDOM IN CHAINS TRAPPED UNDER ICE H8 INC. CRUEL HAND And more to come!
Special guest will be announced on Tuesday May 4th on the "Black N Blue Takeover" on East Village Radio, tune in from 8-10 PM!
Where and when is this happening? Webster Hall in New York City: 125 E. 11th ST. between 3rd and 4th Ave. (That's right, they brought the biggest Hard Core show of the year back to the city!) SATURDAY MAY 15, 2010 DOORS OPEN AT 2PM ALL AGES $25 in advance $30 day of the show Tickets are going fast so buy yours now!
Tickets also available at NYHC Tattoos, Brooklyn Monster Factory, and Generation Records
Disposable Cameras Only!!! ****TICKETS ORDERED THROUGH PITCHFORKNY.COM ARE WILL CALL - THEY WILL NOT BE MAILED OUT**** *****PLEASE BRING VALID ID AND PAYPAL RECEIPT TO THE SHOW*****
Lets make this show go into the history books!!! See you there!
Check out the exclusive interview with the Black N Blue Productions team:
On St. Patrick’s Day 2010, I took the crazy train to Brooklyn and ended up at The Trash Bar, where I experienced one of the best parties I’ve ever been to. Now, I’ve been to some killer parties, but this one had a few special ingredients: Murphy’s Law, the New York Hard Core crew, the legendary Jimmy Gestapo, and a packed house! What went down was history in the making. I had been told so many times by my friends Chris and Greasy that I should go see a Murphy’s Law show, because they are an amazing band and they party like no other. So I was very pleased that all those rumors proved true.
I had a chance to steal Jimmy Gestapo and Raven from Murphy’s Law away from the center of the party and here is what went down.
HU: What’s up New York? What’s up the whole world?
Jimmy Gestapo: Chaos tonight!
HU: Yeah! We are at The Trash Bar. I am here with two of the members of Murphy’s Law. I got to be honest with you; it is the first time I’ve seen Murphy’s Law live, believe it or not. But all my friends where always like: “Yo, you got to go see them!”
Jimmy: Tonight?! Oh man! Dude! Fuck!
HU: Tonight, was my first night.
Jimmy: The cops here tonight, the cops love me... Firemen were here…
Roadie: What’s up? What are these?
Jimmy: Those are my le, le, le, le, lady, le, le… Nah, that is just the way a Murphy’s Law show goes. Just family!
HU: Amazing! Honestly, all my friends where always selling it to me but this was the proof of it. Dude! In case you are wondering who this is. It is Jimmy Gestapo. I mean you do not need an introduction… New York Hard Core legend, punk legend… And I liked what you said before, because it’s something similar to what I am going for. You joined the hard core and Punk scenes with Black N Blue Productions, and also by doing different things.
Jimmy: It changed from what it was. The crew that was started out when we where kids, it’s a different thing. Now with Black N Blue Productions we put out shows, we do security for shows, we stop problems at shows. But that is what that is.
HU: And of course Murphy’s Law is nothing new. You said almost 30 years? When is the anniversary?
Jimmy: 25? On New Years Eve! 25, yeah? 26 years?
Raven: Yeah.
Jimmy: Raven has been with me in the band the whole time.
Raven: The funny thing about it was that Jimmy saw me playing with another band called The Stimulators. And Harley Flanagan (co-founder of the Cro Mags), you know who Harley is, was playing drums and at the time he was like fourteen. Jimmy saw this; I was completely jazzed by the idea of having a band. That’s how we hooked up all those years ago.
Jimmy: Raven played in a band called the The Stimulators and it was like the first punk rock hard core band. And then him and I became friends. And we have been on tour together as friends and family forever man.
Raven: Yeah.
Jimmy: He is an amazing horn player. I chose to have horns in the band from like X Ray Spex and stuff like that. Punk rock bands are like metal based. But my band and my friends’ band is based on punk rock, ska, hard core… punk rock! Really. (Laughter.)
HU: It is a great jam. I mean, honestly.
Jimmy: Nothing to do with metal though.
HU: One thing that is amazing about you guys is that you persevered for so long and you have never compromised your music. You have been doing your own style, you created your own thing. And that is something that whoever does not appreciate that, does not know anything about fucking music.
Jimmy: As you saw with the cops rolling on me about some guy… street shit still happens and kids still take my back. I am big, very big. And that is why I said tonight, I was like: “Do I need a gun?” And everyone raised their hands and said no! And that is what I told the cop. I was like: “I do not need a gun.” I laughed at the cop. I was like: “Do you understand that if I have a problem here everybody has my back?” He is like: “There’s a lot of kids here.” I was like: “Yeah, all those kids are all my bullets. They are my family. They are my friends.” And the only reason they take my back is if somebody… like the creep that called them, calls them. It was really kind of weird but it was enlightening for the cops and for myself tonight. What’s so cool is that it still happens though. Street shit.
HU: Exactly dude. That is how it has been since you have been around.
Jimmy: Yeah.
HU: Tell me Jimmy. What did you grow up listening to?
Jimmy: Sex Pistols, Stimulators, SVT Jack Casady, The Heartbreakers, Iggy and the Stooges… I grew up with punk rock. The Saints. You know? But now a lot of bands are very generic.
HU: And dude, when you started getting involved in the New York Hard Core scene, it was such a small thing.
Jimmy: We started the New York Hard Core scene! (Laughter). There was no hard core scene; there was a punk rock scene.
HU: And look what it is now. And I mean you are one of the ambassadors.
Jimmy: It is an international thing. It is crazy!
HU: It is amazing.
Jimmy: It is crazy, but it is cool man! (Laughter.)
HU: It is awesome when you see fucking hard core in Japan, in Australia…
Jimmy: That is where hard core is. Hard core is in Brazil, in Puerto Rico, in Cuba and Colombia where I am going. Its working class kids, kids that work… may be punk rock or hard core. Its still working class, just like all the kids that listen to what we listen to... even if they do not like hard core, punk rock, whatever… I am 44, they all work man. Its all working class kids, all kids that struggle. It is not a rich kids thing, its not like disco. It is not like Gaga! Like Lady Gaga.
HU: (Laughter). Everybody keeps mentioning Lady Gaga.
Jimmy: Lady Gaga is awesome! She used to be a punk rock girl.
HU: Yeah, she is doing her own thing. You know what I am saying?
Jimmy: Ahhh, she is punk rock!
(Roadie hands a bottle of Jagermeister to Jimmy)
HU: There you go! Cheers! Ohhh what?! He gives you an empty bottle?
Jimmy: Yeah, we use it as a cowbell usually.
HU: Dude, I was thinking… I never have seen a band drink like this on stage since Pantera man.
Jimmy: Pantera?
HU: Since fucking Pantera!
Jimmy: Pantera? No we are not talking about that…
HU: No, raging the way you guys do. It is like fucking mayhem, the booze was everywhere!
Jimmy: Pantera. Phil does his own thing man. COC, Down… those are my people man! But Pantera, they do not do it like hard core and punk rock man. They never supported a band like that. There are other bands that try to get down with our family now. Too late man… Too late!
HU: Right. The foundations are laid down.
Jimmy: Yeah. The relation is already laid down. Too late man, you know?
HU: And you mentioned you are going to Colombia. I am personally from Colombia.
Jimmy: Cool!
HU: One of the things that brought me to New York was hard core. I was listening to Madball, Sick of It All…
Jimmy: It is an honor to me but I am not in Madball. Madball has got a label, Madball is… Freddy is my brother but Madball is huge man! The people from Colombia reached out to me to play and I was like: “Wow! Holy shit!” Real cool!
HU: When is that happening?
Jimmy: July 4th! (Laughter).
HU: (Laugher).
Jimmy: Independence Day in America, Independence Day for Jimmy Gestapo in Colombia.
HU: Amazing! And have you been to Colombia before?
Jimmy: No! I cannot wait to try the coffee… (Laughter).
HU: The coffee, the women bro…
Jimmy: (Laughter). I cannot wait to just go to Colombia man. You know? Murphy’s Law never had a label or anything. I played Japan. I played Japan like 32 shows, not 9 shows. So its my friends, I cannot believe what my life has become. But I still work every day. I do carpentry and stuff with a bunch of punk rock guys. You know, my life is a two way street.
HU: Right, you are promoting shows with Black N Blue constantly.
Jimmy: Working class motherfucker. Working class right to the police.
HU: I mean you never stop... You guys have been doing Black N Blue productions for how long already?
Jimmy: Black N Blue? I have been in Black N Blue for 20 years.
Roadie: We had a really great night tonight and nobody is cooler than Jimmy!
HU: (Laughter). There he goes.
Roadie: So fuck yourself!
Jimmy: Thank you man!
HU: Hellyeah man!
Jimmy: Thank you bro!
Those where the true words of a man who cares about his family and his friends, beyond it all, which ultimately is the whole concept behind the New York Hard Core crew. Many misunderstand it, many are jealous of the camaraderie that exists within the crew. Regardless of where you stand, the music that Jimmy Gestapo has created with his band Murphy’s Law is timeless and do not even think they are going to finish their extensive career anytime soon.
It was announced by Cuz Joe from Black N Blue Productions that the band is working on a brand new record! According to Jimmy, the album (which will be released by I Scream Records) is in the works, with no release date yet.
After seeing Murphy’s Law take over The Trash Bar in Brooklyn and proving that New York Hard core is alive and well, all I can say is that whoever questions the musical power that has existed in New York for such a long time, does not know anything about art of music.
Here is a live clip of Murphy's Law doing their classic "Panty Raid" on St. Patrick's Day!
