HardLore Podcast Episode Summary
Title: The Best LIVE Hardcore Videos of All Time
Hosts: Colin Young & Bo Lueders
Release Date: April 10, 2025
Introduction
In this episode of HardLore, hosts Colin Young and Bo Lueders dive deep into the realm of live hardcore music videos, celebrating the most iconic performances that have shaped the hardcore, punk, and metal scenes. The conversation is rich with personal anecdotes, historical insights, and passionate discussions about legendary bands and their unforgettable live shows.
1. Marauder Live at CBGB (1992)
Timestamp [02:21]
Colin kicks off the discussion with Marauder's legendary 1992 performance at CBGB. He highlights the band's raw energy and tight performance:
Colin Young: "Marauder is Marauder right away, with or without Jorge even." [03:05]
Bo adds his admiration for the band's drumming and riffs:
Bo Lueders: "It's in the drumming and it's in the riffs." [03:39]
They discuss the significance of the unreleased track "Extreme Fallacy," showcasing an intense breakdown, and reminisce about the era when CBGB was a hub for hardcore enthusiasts.
2. Mad Ball at Coney Island High (1995)
Timestamp [06:03]
Bo introduces his favorite pick—the 1995 Mad Ball set at Coney Island High featured in the New York Hardcore documentary. He praises the audio-visual quality and the band's flawless execution:
Bo Lueders: "This is amongst the greatest things ever recorded by human beings." [07:19]
Colin remarks on the authenticity and rawness of the performance, emphasizing Mad Ball's impact on the hardcore scene.
3. Floor Punch Final Mosh
Timestamp [08:38]
Colin and Bo delve into Floor Punch's iconic set, celebrating its chaotic yet well-executed chaos:
Bo Lueders: "They play everything. It's amazing." [11:02]
Colin emphasizes the set's energy and the seamless integration of multiple bands:
Colin Young: "It's chaos. They're out of tune, and I would not change a thing." [11:46]
4. Bad Brains at CBGB (1982)
Timestamp [15:11]
Bo presents Bad Brains' 1982 performance, lauding their musical prowess and pioneering influence:
Bo Lueders: "They changed the game and changed many games." [16:54]
Colin shares personal insights on witnessing Bad Brains' unmatched talent and their lasting legacy in the hardcore and punk scenes.
5. Underdog at CBGB (1988)
Timestamp [17:46]
Underdog's powerful 1988 performance becomes the focal point, particularly their defiant stance against Anthrax:
Bo Lueders: "Richie's voice being a little raspy. So he sounds like this the whole time." [18:07]
Colin marvels at the crowd's synchronized movement and the band's flawless execution:
Colin Young: "As you listen to it." [20:18]
They highlight the song "Underdog" and its perfect embodiment of hardcore ethos.
6. War Poughkeepsie at the Chance (1997)
Timestamp [20:25]
War's 1997 performance is celebrated for its aggressive energy and tight musicianship:
Bo Lueders: "The crowd is moving like an ocean during mass movement." [19:21]
Colin notes the band's perfection and the intense crowd pitting, commending the unified spirit of the performance.
7. Chromax at The Ritz (1986)
Timestamp [23:25]
The hosts discuss Chromax's 1986 show at The Ritz, emphasizing its raw authenticity and the vibrant Chromac army:
Bo Lueders: "It's the Limit, Hard Times." [24:31]
Colin praises the spontaneous energy and the flawless stage dives, including John Joseph's memorable front flip:
Colin Young: "He does a perfect front flip off the stage. Just like a perfect, like, Right." [25:17]
8. Straight Ahead at CBGB (1988)
Timestamp [27:00]
Straight Ahead's 1988 CBGB performance is highlighted as a quintessential hardcore show:
Bo Lueders: "Everyone's just mashing and people are singing along and like, come on, bro, just play." [28:57]
Colin reflects on the venue's historical significance and the band's flawless execution, making it a cornerstone of live hardcore performances.
9. Strife's "Straight XXX Version" (1994)
Timestamp [30:31]
Strife's enigmatic 1994 performance is praised for its impeccable stage diving and tight crowd participation:
Bo Lueders: "It's like cannonball, front flip dives. There's perfect sing-along dives." [31:10]
Colin underscores the flawless synchronization between the band and the audience, highlighting the mosh pit's intensity and style.
10. Life of Agony at Wetlands (1993)
Timestamp [41:21]
Life of Agony's 1993 Wetlands performance is lauded for its diverse crowd and powerful set:
Bo Lueders: "And there's LoN's song." [42:14]
Colin discusses the band's evolution and the video's raw depiction of the era's hardcore scene, emphasizing its impact on fans and musicians alike.
11. Gathering of the Tribes – SSD and Minor Threat
Timestamp [43:31]
A heartfelt tribute interrupts the discussion, honoring the late Alberil and his monumental influence on the straight edge movement:
Colin Young: "His mark on hardcore is endless and will live forever." [44:26]
Bo shares personal reflections on Alberil's legacy and his own connection to SSD and Minor Threat, underscoring the importance of unity and respect within the scene.
12. Mad Ball at Wetlands (1996)
Timestamp [47:35]
Mad Ball's 1996 Wetlands performance is celebrated for its non-stop energy and flawless setlist:
Bo Lueders: "It's an incredible example of a band being at their best and people in the crowd understanding the assignment." [21:13]
Colin highlights the band's prime performance and the emotional connection between the band and the audience.
13. Carnivore Reunion in Bensonhurst
Timestamp [51:28]
The hosts discuss Carnivore's rare reunion show in Bensonhurst, appreciating Eddie Campbell's unique stage presence:
Colin Young: "It's the definitive versions of these songs." [53:00]
Bo emphasizes the video's authenticity and the band's raw energy, making it a standout in live hardcore recordings.
14. Breakdown Live at Tompkins Square Park (Number One Pick)
Timestamp [53:40]
Crowning their list, Colin and Bo declare Breakdown's live performance at Tompkins Square Park as the best live hardcore video of all time. They praise its perfection, energy, and the seamless connection between the band and the crowd:
Bo Lueders: "Everyone who is listening to this or watching this, who has seen this video knows exactly why it's number one on our list." [54:44]
Colin Young: "Breakdown Pit is a graceful war zone. Jeff doesn't miss a single word. And you witness, like, in real time, the development of a legendary frontman." [55:24]
They describe the performance as a perfect blueprint for live hardcore shows, capturing the essence and raw power that defines the genre.
Special Tribute
Timestamp [43:31 - 45:55]
The episode includes a poignant tribute to Alberil, a key figure in the hardcore scene, acknowledging his contributions and expressing condolences:
Bo Lueders: "Ever since I found out about the early Boston scene and Al's impact on stuff, he's always been sort of a hero of mine." [43:47]
Colin Young: "We owe him an enormous amount of gratitude just in terms of his artistic input, his cultural input. He's the man." [44:26]
This heartfelt segment underscores the community's respect and recognition of Alberil's lasting legacy.
Conclusion
Colin and Bo wrap up the episode by reflecting on the enduring legacy of these live hardcore videos and their significance in preserving the genre's history. They express enthusiasm for future episodes and encourage listeners to engage with the hardcore community, emphasizing that these performances are not just recordings but pivotal moments that continue to inspire and define the hardcore ethos.
Notable Quotes:
- Colin Young at [03:05]: "Marauder is Marauder right away, with or without Jorge even."
- Bo Lueders at [16:54]: "They changed the game and changed many games."
- Bo Lueders at [41:26]: "Nirvana sold about 900,000 records. We only sold about 800,000 records..."
- Colin Young at [55:03]: "It's something somebody sat me down to watch at 14 years old, and I'm thankful for."
This comprehensive exploration of live hardcore performances offers both nostalgia for longtime fans and an educational journey for newcomers, encapsulating the raw energy and enduring spirit of the hardcore scene.