I initially mentioned Dr. Know of the Bad Brains’ health problems back here, and then again here wherein founding Cro-Mags member Harley Flanagan extended a sort of olive branch/challenge to his erstwhile band mates to reform and perform for the purposes of raising funds for their storied, ailing hardcore forebear and mentor. Unfortunately, the mending of fences for that admirable cause between Flanagan and vocalist John Joseph did not come to pass. Perhaps still embittered, smarting and wary in the wake of their highly publicized ….er… quarrel (well, that is the word for it) from back in 2012, it seems a reconvening of at least those two principal players in the story is unlikely at present. We’ll see if that ever changes.
This all said, while Harley respectfully stayed away, John Joseph’s current incarnation of the Cro-Mags (filled out by former members of Leeway, Sick of It All, Youth of Today and Agnostic Front, plus -– I *think*-- original Cro-Mags drummer, Mackie Jayson) did play as part of a benefit for Dr. Know this past weekend, at an event in Tompkins Square Park that also featured fellow NYHC alumni like Token Entry, Breakdown, Antidote and Maximum Penalty. That's the flyer for the gig at the top of the post.
Because I ultimately suck so bad (read: I’m a 48-year-old dad with familial obligations), I was not able to attend this event, but my estimable comrade Drew -- a figure of multiple, striking dichotomies (an ardent fan of both the most blisteringly esoteric hardcore vinyl and the most needlessly melismatic Mariah Carey albums) -– did attend, and gave me a full report. Suffice to say, I am less of a man for not going.
A robustly well-attended function that apparently raised as much as $25K for Dr. Know’s medical fees, Drew noted that the show was totally packed, it was really, really hot and, essentially, “crazy.” With Tompkins Square Park rife with punks, hardcore kids and crusties, Drew observed that it felt a bit like a trip back in time. While the vibe was entirely positive, the show was suitably intense, as can be readily confirmed by the video below of the band’s performance of “Hard Times.” Watch for the guy who assumes the stage next to vocalist John Joseph at exactly 0:22 into the clip. It does not end well for him.
ADDENDUM: Here's an official statement from the benefit's organizers:
OFFICIAL STATEMENT - We raised $25,000.00 towards Dr. Know’s medical expenses at the Tompkins Square Park Show yesterday. With 2,000 people in attendance the event was an incredible success. The three of us worked for many months to set up the show and it far exceeded our expectations. Thank you very much to the many people who worked hard to make this very special event happen, from the people who set up the stage and did security to those who went around and picked up trash after the show and everyone in between. Most of all thank you very much to the many people who came out to support this great event, you know who you are! There’s a lot of talk about “Back in the day” and “New York’s not what it used to be” but obviously those people stayed home to be in front of their computers yesterday. The spirit of hardcore is alive and well and living in New York City the greatest city in the world. Thank you for the support and we will see you soon, New York Hardcore lives! - Laurens Kusters (Black N’ Blue Productions), Drew Stone (The New York Hardcore Chronicles) & Joseph “Cuz” Cammaratta (Black N’ Blue Productions)
To anyone who suggests that the ol’ hardcore punk spirit has been totally siphoned out of the East Village, maybe you should check this out…
And here's the inevitable trek through "We Gotta Know," featuring a cherubic trio of background singers all seemingly under the age of 10. Not quite sure what's wrong with the young lady in the red t-shirt. Maybe the heat?
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