HardLore: Stories from Tour - Episode: FYA Fest 2025

Release Date: January 16, 2025

FYA Fest 2025: A Triumphant Return

The inaugural episode of HardLore kicks off with hosts Colin Young (God's Hate) and Bo Lueders (Harms Way) delving into the highly anticipated FYA Fest 2025. They warmly welcome returning festival creator Bob Wilson and their esteemed guest, John Scanlan, affectionately dubbed the "crown prince of Long Island." The discussion begins with Colin recounting a humorous incident during the festival's "Torture" set, emphasizing the importance of maintaining stage decorum:

"I was going to say it now in case people turn off the episode. Stop throwing water bottles on stage." ([00:00])

Venue Shifts and Logistical Triumphs

Brendan Wilson shares the behind-the-scenes efforts to secure a comfortable and accommodating venue for FYA Fest. Initially encountering a scheduling conflict with a Reptile Expo, Brendan narrates the challenges faced in relocating the festival to a spacious warehouse in Orlando:

"So the Reptile Expo was postponed, which I'm sure was devastating to the community." ([02:59])

John Scanlan praises the new venue's amenities, highlighting improved space, diverse food vendors, and ample facilities that enhanced the overall festival experience:

"The food vendors you had were awesome. The multiple bathrooms, like everything was better." ([03:31])

Curating a Stellar Lineup: Band Highlights and Stage Management

The heart of the episode revolves around detailed discussions of the festival's diverse lineup. Each band is celebrated for their unique contributions and memorable performances, coupled with insightful stage managing anecdotes from Scanlan.

Opening Acts: Setting the Tone

• Home Invasion (Chicago): Brendan praises their live performance, noting the band's ability to energize the crowd even for first-time festival attendees.

  "A lot of people came up to me afterwards saying, how sick they were and... want to check them out more now." ([08:15])

• Steamroll (New York Straight Edge): The band is lauded for their influence and Brendan discusses the significance of featuring Straight Edge bands in the lineup.

  "We're headed in the right direction." ([12:36])

Mid-Festival Powerhouses

• Ozone (Texas): Recognized for their dedication to their local scene, Brendan emphasizes the importance of supporting hometown bands.

  "They do so much for their scene. I try as best as I can to return the favor and bring them out." ([13:53])

• Face the Pain (Detroit/D.C./Philly): This supergroup is highlighted for their collaborative spirit and Brendan anticipates their growing prominence in the hardcore scene.

  "They're going to be one of the bands that gets pointed to as... they existed and got way more kids into it." ([15:09])

• Alienator (Surprising Addition): Colin shares his surprise at Alienator's performance, admiring their stage presence and ability to captivate a new audience.

  "He turned the bass head off somehow and never seen that done before." ([17:35])

Late-Night Legends and Reunions

• Final Resting Place (Metal Excellence): The band is commended for their intense set and Brendan expresses hope for their increased presence in metal shows.

  "You know why? That was team, Mosher... I hope they get to ride that wave soon." ([27:38])

• Bad Beat (Detroit's Finest): A Straight Edge staple, Bad Beat's energetic performance is celebrated, with Brendan appreciating their consistent quality.

  "I literally love the band. So yeah, I'm glad they exist." ([29:00])

• Scarabbit (Award-Winning): As the 2024 Best New Band, Scarabbit's performance is met with high praise, emphasizing their unique sound and stage antics.

  "Bezook Scarab rocks. Tell me about putting Scarab on, Bob." ([32:26])

Headliners: The Pinnacle of the Fest

• Death Threat (Hardcore Titans): Their enduring legacy and captivating performance are focal points, with Brendan reminiscing about his longstanding admiration.

  "Probably the best set I've ever seen." ([46:25])

• Terror (Ultimate Hardcore Experience): Terror's set is described as unparalleled, embodying the essence of hardcore with relentless energy and crowd engagement.

  "They are the best hardcore band ever." ([136:47])

• Nails (Final Act): Closing the festival, Nails delivers a powerhouse performance, solidifying their status as headliners and leaving a lasting impression on attendees.

  "Nails sounded fantastic... The pit was insane." ([139:35])

Stage Management Insights: Challenges and Triumphs

John Scanlan provides a behind-the-scenes look at the complexities of stage management during FYA Fest. From technical glitches—like microphone failures during Holy Blade's set ([87:14])—to crowd management issues, Scanlan and Colin navigate the unpredictable nature of live performances with humor and resilience.

A notable moment includes Brendan recounting his accidental mic drop and the ensuing chaos:

"I lost my footing. Fell six feet off the goddamn stage, right onto my back. Saved by the backpack because I had a box of it there." ([127:58])

Safety Protocols and Community Responsibility

The hosts address safety concerns, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a secure environment. Colin stresses the need to prevent accidents, such as water bottle mishaps that can lead to slippery pits:

"Stop throwing water bottles on stage. Just don't throw water." ([115:58])

Brendan acknowledges the challenges posed by venue policies like no reentry and discusses potential improvements for future festivals to enhance attendee experience and safety.

Memorable Moments and Community Camaraderie

Throughout the episode, the camaraderie among the hosts and their genuine passion for hardcore music shine through. Shared experiences, like indulging in favorite foods post-festival and bonding over iconic shows, add a personal touch to the narrative.

A heartfelt shout-out to key individuals, such as the ever-supportive stage manager Mark and the legendary sound technician John Edwards, underscores the collaborative spirit that makes FYA Fest a success.

Conclusion: Celebrating a Successful Fest

As the episode wraps up, Colin and Bo reflect on the festival's achievements, the diverse array of bands that enriched the lineup, and the unforgettable moments that defined FYA Fest 2025. Their conversations convey a sense of pride and anticipation for future events, promising listeners that HardLore will continue to bring forth compelling stories from the heart of the hardcore, punk, and metal touring scenes.

"This is what FYI is all about. It was unbelievable." ([116:37])

Notable Quotes:

• "We're headed in the right direction." – Bob ([12:36])
• "They are the best hardcore band ever." – Bob ([136:47])
• "Stop throwing water bottles on stage. Just don't throw water." – Colin ([115:58])
• "This is what FYI is all about. It was unbelievable." – Bo ([116:37])

FYA Fest 2025 emerges as a testament to the dedication of organizers, the passion of bands, and the enduring spirit of the hardcore community. HardLore's detailed exploration offers listeners an immersive glimpse into the chaos, triumphs, and intricate dynamics of one of the year's standout music festivals.