The American Hardcore movie is great, although they shouldve featured more bands like Dead Kennedys/ Husker Du/ Replacements, etc. I still recommend you see it (nationwide) but be warned that NYHC is not represented as much as it shouldve. I still felt like jumping into the screen right into the pit with all the legendary bands, and it made me thankful that so many are playing CBs right now. NYC will not be the same without it. But to Keith, Jack & the rest, I have to say: Punks not dead or you wouldn't still be playing it now would you? (PS: Keith- I revere you, plus yr one funny bastard!) I do understand that you saw it die out back then, because Punk has always had its ups and downs energywise, since '85. Punk is like life: through its shitty stages it will keep going becuz its our lifeblood. But it's ironic that the two places where Punk was born (NY & London) have become so stagnant and it's a hard punch in the face to realize how much things have changed from the way you remember it. You teens will know what Im talking about later in life; your best times now will be treasured down the road............ And thus ends the plot of the movie!
It was enlightening to hear from you (in response to my discouraged bulletin) that many parts of the country are also experiencing lack of attendance at shows; that its not a scene problem but a national one. Regarding New York, 'destroy to create' is making sense to me; in other words its probably true that things have to hit the bottom of the barrel for people to become inspired and rise again….unified. Theres certainly no limit to the amount of bands that want to play here. Could it be theres so many shows competing that it's hard to get a good crowd in one place?......thats a new way of looking at it. Nonetheless, struggling in the City doesn't make it easy to afford shows and -some- clubs don't have much choice in their ticket prices when their other option is closing. Clubs need to stop being afraid of punk shows- there's great bands out there and good people. But drink prices and all-age shows are a huge issue. Who the fuck said Punk is for adults?????!!!!!! Its always been about angry youth and if theyre not there its fucked! Club owners need to step up the plate- IT'S NOT FUCKING DIFFICULT!!!!!!!!! They need to realize its more money for them!
Yet, due to all the shows happening in this insanely-booked month, and all the amazing responses of devotion and hope for our scene I got from members/musicians/bookers, I have to say Ive been encouraged. And altho' this has been a shit month for me personally (9-11 doesn't help), the music always pulls me up. I believe that most of my members are real punx (i.e. struggling financially or personally) around the world, not the trendies that will disappear…..and to you I tip my hat. It's you that makes me want to keep crankin out the goods here. Keep rockin & never change. Oi!
NYC PUNK
(you may want to read 'our scene' blog before responding, as that was part I of this bulletin)
HERES A BAND THAT WANTS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!!!! THEYRE STARTING A COLLECTIVE SO CONTACT THEM WITH YOUR IDEAS & post this on your page!!!!!!!!!
