Ahh, the late '90s. Still trying to figure out life, stage managing a band, and taking digital music courses. Turns out I'm no (musical) artist, but I can troubleshoot a synth throughput issue. 😆 I think the craziest crowd I ever found myself in was at The Gorge amphitheater here in WA, waiting for Nine Inch Nails to hit the stage. A Perfect Circle opened. From the second APC hit the stage, to the time they were off, it was all we could do to remain upright, barely balancing on the tips of our toes until we could navigate to the edge of the chaos and land on the front barricade. Or at least I did. I didn't find my friends again until the show was over! Not a bad place to land, except for constantly having to push back to keep from being crushed against it. Thankfully, no stitches, just sore muscles. That show changed my future shows game plan, having never been a fan of crowd chaos: I'm either safely off to a side, or as close to the barricade as I can get. For AFI and Blaqk Audio, no question - it's the barricade!
Oooo this gives me something to listen to on my commute this morning. That’s what I’ve been doing with “Pop Kids” as well. Every time an artist is mentioned, I make sure to check them out. Funny that Morrissey/Smiths are reoccurring in the book since he just announced a show in Pittsburgh!!! In preparation for Moz coming to Pittsburgh, (11 days after AFI takes the Four Chord stage) I have been nonstop listening to his solo career, for it’s still fairly new to me. He’s playing at an old fancy theater called The Benedum. Next time I’m out in Jersey for Steve Zing’s annual Black Friday bash, I’ll have to throw that his way, if they ever do an Elvis show again. Glenn likes performing those Elvis shows in theaters with history. I flew out to the one in L.A. back in 2023, which was magical. I need an excuse back there so I can finally try Monty’s and check out Amoeba Records. If not DSE, maybe Ramones X…?🤭
I introduced my daughter Crystal to Amoeba, as I opened the door, I said, "Look around, if a record was a church, this is the Mecca, the Cathedral, The Vatican." She walked in like a kid seeing Disney for the first time. Goddess Bless that place.
That’s exactly how I felt when I entered Wax Trax last weekend out in Colorado for Ministry. Sadly they didn’t have any Blaqk Audio but I did finally stumble across Death Cult.
I enjoy reading about the history and nostalgia of hardcore and punk scenes. Sometimes it's hard to believe how much time has passed. I was recently reminded of this when discovering an event to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Hellfest. It was nice to see it celebrated through a documentary, live performances, and vegan indulgences.
This has absolutely nothing to do with your stack, but I saw Peter Hook & The Light last night and thought of you when he played “Day of the Lords”. I scared off the boomer who was standing next to me during the song when my little body started shrieking “where will it end?” at the top of my lungs. She kept staring at me with a mix of fear and awe. Clearly, she isn’t a Joy Division fan. Anyway, I hope you are doing well. Take care! 🖤
I was volunteering at a music writer’s festival in Manchester a couple of years ago. One of the other volunteers was a guy called Vinny, who played drums in a local punk band. He said that his band supported Joy Division when they first started out. He said Sumner was really arrogant and refused to pay them for their support slot. So the whole band grabbed an instrument from backstage that belonged to Joy Division and ran off into the Manchester night.
It would be nice to see some of you US punk rockers at the festival. The guy who runs it is straight edge & vegan. He used to be in a band called the Membranes.
Davey might be able to sell a few of his books (I’ve ordered Live Fast Los Angeles and I’m looking forward to reading it).
I met Will Sergeant from Echo & The Bunnymen when I went!
Can I send you a DM? I’m going to be in Manchester briefly in August and would love to check out the local scene while I’m there. I promise I’ll return the favor if you ever find yourself in the Tampa/Orlando, Florida area!
I wouldn’t mind going to a few gigs with you, but I’ll be at Green Man festival in August. I work there so I can’t miss out on the dollar. I know more about the Liverpool music scene than manc but if you are in town then definitely hit me up, it would be fun to go and see a few bands.
I know there is a punk festival in Birkenhead on July 12 and then Rebellion in Blackpool on August 7. That might be a fun one to go to, Blackpool is quite cool.
Holy shit! I didn’t even realize how much I needed to revisit The Nerve Agents. Thanks for that. Admittedly, I don't think I've listened to them much since high school… which was, oh, about five years ago? (Let me have this, it’s been much longer 😅). They were introduced to me by my band’s guitarist, along with F-Minus. Kind of unfair how everything Tim touches is solid gold and still somehow flies under the radar to most.
You Bay kids were so fucking spoiled, and I forever jealous of that whole scene and all the bands responsible for shaping both me and my band's sound. We'd spent a decade trying to replicate it and re-write our own version of Kerplunk, but by '05, "screamo" and death metal were the ‘in’ thing, and honestly? No one cared save for maybe three people that actually got it. But, the ones who did get it—we still hold close, even long after the band fell apart. Coincidentally, those same few were also the ones responsible for providing us with pyrotechnics during a garage show we played. I can confirm: bottle rockets and firecrackers whizzing past your head while playing is both thrilling and terrifying all at once. So I guess… it wasn’t totally worthless after all.
. Having grown up in Florida, Cali lite, I was part of the punk/goth movement during those years. I had skater friends and we listened to everything from punk (like Agnostic Front and the Cro Mags) and metal to goth and then there was me, choir nerd, also listening to everything else. I was here for it though, White Zombie OPENED for Biohazard I want to say 1991?? Maybe not, but close. Sean is a Goddess.
My music went from "God Save The Queen" to "Mitt Jherte Alltid Vanker" with a flip of a record needle.
I was in a band with the bass player from Immoral Discipline, Todd Greene, in Florida. Immoral D. played with Rancid in D.C. according to Todd in the late 80s, I guess?
Todd and El Be contributed to a book I did as an art collaboration called Visual Poetry by Book Of Faeye. I wrote short poems friends and family did art work to accompany it. It was mostly to promote their art, honestly.
The thing so much forgotten about all of us back then, is how much education, art, music, literature, fashion, and mad creation, was such a huge part of us as creatures of the taboo. Beautiful, ugly, whimsical, crazy, loud, obnoxiously in your face, we cussed a lot but we fucking loved every second of being wild animals in a tame society of sedentary sheep.
Thanks for the reminder of who we need to be again, especially right now.
I feel so foolish as I read this. I've always wondered what happened to Redemption 87, and now I know. I saw you all play many times at Gilman and even at this tiny community theater in Palo Alto called "Cubberley Theatre." That was the strangest place for punk bands to perform.
Nerve Agents are the best guys. I was at that show in Palo Alto where the seats were ripped from the venue! I even chatted with you outside the show--you have always been so generous with your fans. <3
Where is Eric? Last I heard he was writing fiction. Get him on Substack! :)
I remember the Nerve Agents🩷🖤🦉and being 🎤 at Canes in SD. Sadly, can not sing that fast! They are awesome, those days were wild around here. Thanks for the memory trip. Love you Davey
Ahh, the late '90s. Still trying to figure out life, stage managing a band, and taking digital music courses. Turns out I'm no (musical) artist, but I can troubleshoot a synth throughput issue. 😆 I think the craziest crowd I ever found myself in was at The Gorge amphitheater here in WA, waiting for Nine Inch Nails to hit the stage. A Perfect Circle opened. From the second APC hit the stage, to the time they were off, it was all we could do to remain upright, barely balancing on the tips of our toes until we could navigate to the edge of the chaos and land on the front barricade. Or at least I did. I didn't find my friends again until the show was over! Not a bad place to land, except for constantly having to push back to keep from being crushed against it. Thankfully, no stitches, just sore muscles. That show changed my future shows game plan, having never been a fan of crowd chaos: I'm either safely off to a side, or as close to the barricade as I can get. For AFI and Blaqk Audio, no question - it's the barricade!
❤️🤍❤️🤍❤️ ,,,^..^,,,_)
Miss you Davey🖤I’m so proud of your work and creativity!
Also Davey, hope you’re doing well recently❤️🩹
Oooo this gives me something to listen to on my commute this morning. That’s what I’ve been doing with “Pop Kids” as well. Every time an artist is mentioned, I make sure to check them out. Funny that Morrissey/Smiths are reoccurring in the book since he just announced a show in Pittsburgh!!! In preparation for Moz coming to Pittsburgh, (11 days after AFI takes the Four Chord stage) I have been nonstop listening to his solo career, for it’s still fairly new to me. He’s playing at an old fancy theater called The Benedum. Next time I’m out in Jersey for Steve Zing’s annual Black Friday bash, I’ll have to throw that his way, if they ever do an Elvis show again. Glenn likes performing those Elvis shows in theaters with history. I flew out to the one in L.A. back in 2023, which was magical. I need an excuse back there so I can finally try Monty’s and check out Amoeba Records. If not DSE, maybe Ramones X…?🤭
I introduced my daughter Crystal to Amoeba, as I opened the door, I said, "Look around, if a record was a church, this is the Mecca, the Cathedral, The Vatican." She walked in like a kid seeing Disney for the first time. Goddess Bless that place.
That’s exactly how I felt when I entered Wax Trax last weekend out in Colorado for Ministry. Sadly they didn’t have any Blaqk Audio but I did finally stumble across Death Cult.
That sounds divine! I found a live Christian Death CD and bought along with Erasure on VHS. It was a good day the first time I went.
I enjoy reading about the history and nostalgia of hardcore and punk scenes. Sometimes it's hard to believe how much time has passed. I was recently reminded of this when discovering an event to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Hellfest. It was nice to see it celebrated through a documentary, live performances, and vegan indulgences.
This has absolutely nothing to do with your stack, but I saw Peter Hook & The Light last night and thought of you when he played “Day of the Lords”. I scared off the boomer who was standing next to me during the song when my little body started shrieking “where will it end?” at the top of my lungs. She kept staring at me with a mix of fear and awe. Clearly, she isn’t a Joy Division fan. Anyway, I hope you are doing well. Take care! 🖤
I was volunteering at a music writer’s festival in Manchester a couple of years ago. One of the other volunteers was a guy called Vinny, who played drums in a local punk band. He said that his band supported Joy Division when they first started out. He said Sumner was really arrogant and refused to pay them for their support slot. So the whole band grabbed an instrument from backstage that belonged to Joy Division and ran off into the Manchester night.
He did say that Hooky was a nice guy though.
Peter described Bernard as an arrogant twat at the show so it appears he agrees with Vinny’s assessment…
It would be nice to see some of you US punk rockers at the festival. The guy who runs it is straight edge & vegan. He used to be in a band called the Membranes.
Davey might be able to sell a few of his books (I’ve ordered Live Fast Los Angeles and I’m looking forward to reading it).
I met Will Sergeant from Echo & The Bunnymen when I went!
Website is here: https://louderthanwordsfest.com
They are definitely doing one this year on 15 Nov
Can I send you a DM? I’m going to be in Manchester briefly in August and would love to check out the local scene while I’m there. I promise I’ll return the favor if you ever find yourself in the Tampa/Orlando, Florida area!
I wouldn’t mind going to a few gigs with you, but I’ll be at Green Man festival in August. I work there so I can’t miss out on the dollar. I know more about the Liverpool music scene than manc but if you are in town then definitely hit me up, it would be fun to go and see a few bands.
I know there is a punk festival in Birkenhead on July 12 and then Rebellion in Blackpool on August 7. That might be a fun one to go to, Blackpool is quite cool.
Holy shit! I didn’t even realize how much I needed to revisit The Nerve Agents. Thanks for that. Admittedly, I don't think I've listened to them much since high school… which was, oh, about five years ago? (Let me have this, it’s been much longer 😅). They were introduced to me by my band’s guitarist, along with F-Minus. Kind of unfair how everything Tim touches is solid gold and still somehow flies under the radar to most.
You Bay kids were so fucking spoiled, and I forever jealous of that whole scene and all the bands responsible for shaping both me and my band's sound. We'd spent a decade trying to replicate it and re-write our own version of Kerplunk, but by '05, "screamo" and death metal were the ‘in’ thing, and honestly? No one cared save for maybe three people that actually got it. But, the ones who did get it—we still hold close, even long after the band fell apart. Coincidentally, those same few were also the ones responsible for providing us with pyrotechnics during a garage show we played. I can confirm: bottle rockets and firecrackers whizzing past your head while playing is both thrilling and terrifying all at once. So I guess… it wasn’t totally worthless after all.
. Having grown up in Florida, Cali lite, I was part of the punk/goth movement during those years. I had skater friends and we listened to everything from punk (like Agnostic Front and the Cro Mags) and metal to goth and then there was me, choir nerd, also listening to everything else. I was here for it though, White Zombie OPENED for Biohazard I want to say 1991?? Maybe not, but close. Sean is a Goddess.
My music went from "God Save The Queen" to "Mitt Jherte Alltid Vanker" with a flip of a record needle.
I was in a band with the bass player from Immoral Discipline, Todd Greene, in Florida. Immoral D. played with Rancid in D.C. according to Todd in the late 80s, I guess?
Todd and El Be contributed to a book I did as an art collaboration called Visual Poetry by Book Of Faeye. I wrote short poems friends and family did art work to accompany it. It was mostly to promote their art, honestly.
The thing so much forgotten about all of us back then, is how much education, art, music, literature, fashion, and mad creation, was such a huge part of us as creatures of the taboo. Beautiful, ugly, whimsical, crazy, loud, obnoxiously in your face, we cussed a lot but we fucking loved every second of being wild animals in a tame society of sedentary sheep.
Thanks for the reminder of who we need to be again, especially right now.
Blessed Be, Davey.
I feel so foolish as I read this. I've always wondered what happened to Redemption 87, and now I know. I saw you all play many times at Gilman and even at this tiny community theater in Palo Alto called "Cubberley Theatre." That was the strangest place for punk bands to perform.
That second to last paragraph is beautifully written and really helps me envision the energy of their shows. Sounds like a lovely time!
You were exactly where you needed to be in the 90’s 🖤
Such an honor 🖤🖤🖤
What I would do for a Time Machine!!!!
I’d be in that ER
LXZ
Nerve Agents are the best guys. I was at that show in Palo Alto where the seats were ripped from the venue! I even chatted with you outside the show--you have always been so generous with your fans. <3
Where is Eric? Last I heard he was writing fiction. Get him on Substack! :)
🤪🤪🤪🤪
DXH, thanks for telling us, you're right, we do want to know. Honestly you're a fucking legend. 🖤
I remember the Nerve Agents🩷🖤🦉and being 🎤 at Canes in SD. Sadly, can not sing that fast! They are awesome, those days were wild around here. Thanks for the memory trip. Love you Davey
Looking forward to the homage to Dead and Gone 💀
I wish you read your messages. Anyways. How are you? Things in the world have gone inside out and upside down this year... What's the word?