HardLore: Stories from Tour
Episode Title: The Best of HardLore 2024
Release Date: December 26, 2024
Hosts: Colin Young (God's Hate) & Bo Lueders (Harm's Way)
Description: Hardcore + Lore = HardLore. Chaotic stories from touring life in the hardcore/punk/metal scenes are discussed with notable weekly guests and hosts Colin Young and Bo Lueders.

1. Celebrating a Milestone Year

Overview:
In this special compilation episode, Colin and Bo reflect on their journey through 2024, celebrating achieving 52 consecutive weeks of original content. They express gratitude towards their dedicated team, loyal listeners, and the broader community that has supported them throughout the year.

Key Points:

• Consistency and Output: The hosts highlight the significance of maintaining a weekly episode schedule, emphasizing the fulfillment and success that came with their relentless output.

  “We made it through another year, 52 weeks straight of original stuff.” — Colin Young [00:45]

• Shoutouts and Acknowledgments: Special thanks are given to Steven (editor), Carrie (thumbnail designer), Chris Hudson from Knotfest, Taylor Young, and the community members from Discord and Patreon.

  “Without Steven, our editor, Carrie, who makes our thumbnails, who has been killing it... We didn't miss a week.” — Bo Lueders [02:10]

• Projects and Collaborations: The hosts discuss the launch of their label, ongoing projects like Cosmic Joke, Greenwich, Firestarter, and upcoming releases.

  “We started a label this year that's pretty crazy. It's pretty sick.” — Colin Young [03:30]

2. Personal Anecdotes and Band Preferences

Overview:
Colin and Bo share personal stories from their touring experiences, including memorable concerts, altercations, and interactions with other bands. They also delve into their favorite hardcore bands and the impact these bands have had on their lives.

Key Points:

• Concert Experiences: Colin recounts his first concert experience with Suicidal Tendencies, leading to his first arrest—a rite of passage in the hardcore scene.

  “My first time I ever got arrested was at a Suicidal Tendencies concert.” — Host [05:15]

• Band Preferences and Debates: A lively discussion ensues about favorite bands like Hate Breed, Lamb of God, and Marauder, with debates over who the heaviest band is.

  “My favorite band is Lamb of God. Really?” — Guest [07:45]
  “Trust me. Love them.” — Bo Lueders [09:10]

• Altercations and On-Stage Incidents: Stories of on-stage antics, including a heated exchange in an AMC theater and a memorable dive at a Juice Box concert.

  “And then Lana's sitting in between, just like this. And I'm sitting there... I'm stretching at this point.” — Host [12:30]

3. The Heaviest of Hardcore: Band Debates

Overview:
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to debating which hardcore band holds the title of the "heaviest of all time." The discussion involves multiple guests and spans various perspectives within the hardcore community.

Key Points:

• Initial Debate: The debate kicks off with Colin and Bo arguing over bands like Typo Negative and Deicide, evaluating factors like musical intensity and lyrical depth.

  “Satisfaction is a dead desire... Candiria. The process of self development.” — Colin Young [15:50]

• Guest Opinions: Various guests, including Sean Martin and other industry friends, weigh in with their opinions, ultimately singling out 100 Demons as the heaviest.

  “I have to go with 100 Demons.” — Sean Martin [22:15]
  “It's like that Irish Whit and that Irish...” — Guest [25:40]

• Final Verdict: After consulting multiple judges, the consensus leans towards 100 Demons, acknowledging their musical prowess and impactful performances.

  “Either way, I win.” — Host [35:00]

4. Personal Journeys and Transformations

Overview:
Hosts and guests open up about their personal lives, discussing topics such as transitioning, mental health struggles, and profound experiences that have shaped their identities and careers.

Key Points:

• Transitioning Stories: One of the guests shares their ongoing journey with transitioning, highlighting the physical and emotional aspects.

  “Transitioning for me is like, always, like, weird things. It's purely a physical one.” — Guest [38:20]

• Medium Experiences: Marissa recounts her first experience with a medium following the passing of her friend Kale, providing a heartfelt and humorous narrative.

  “Kale definitely came through. And he... He wants you to tell whoever he was artistic with that he's thanking them...” — Marissa [28:50]

• Health and Recovery: Colin discusses a head injury sustained during a performance, clarifying misunderstandings and emphasizing the camaraderie within the band.

  “Steven walks away. You're the only person who can disprove this. I want another angle of his own.” — Colin Young [40:10]

5. Reflections on Touring and the Hardcore Scene

Overview:
The hosts reflect on the evolution of the hardcore scene, the impact of social media, and the importance of maintaining genuine connections within the community. They emphasize the balance between growing numbers and preserving the core elements that define the genre.

Key Points:

• Evolution of Shows: Discussion on how live performances have changed, with more social media involvement but a need to preserve the authenticity of hardcore shows.

  “There’s like an inertia to more of, like, events. And I think it's been great because I think it's good for people.” — Bo Lueders [30:25]

• Community and Diversity: Acknowledgment of increased diversity within the scene, including more female participation and younger fans, bolstered by social media outreach.

  “It's never been more diverse. There's so many unbelievable benefits from it.” — Colin Young [32:40]
  “The benefits drastically outweigh the negatives.” — Bo Lueders [33:10]

• Maintaining Integrity: Both hosts stress the importance of keeping hardcore shows grounded and true to their roots, avoiding the pitfalls of commercialization and superficiality.

  “It can't be, like, at the detriment of regular hardcore.” — Bo Lueders [34:50]
  “Regular shows, regular expectations.” — Colin Young [35:15]

6. Memorable Incidents and Tour Stories

Overview:
Colin and Bo share a series of outrageous and entertaining stories from their tours, including run-ins with celebrities like Robin Williams, confrontations at shows, and mishaps that have become legendary within their community.

Key Points:

• Encounter with Robin Williams: Colin narrates a surreal experience working alongside Robin Williams during a tour stop, highlighting the unexpected blend of comedy and hardcore.

  “We wrote a Stigma song he had with Robin Williams. We're Robin Williams around.” — Colin Young [44:30]

• Theater Confrontation: A vivid recount of a tense and chaotic encounter in an AMC theater, leading to an altercation triggered by disruptive patrons.

  “I give him a stern shut up. And a lady in like, thick Russian is like, they sell the stuff here.” — Bo Lueders [19:55]

• On-Stage Mishaps: Tales of stage dives, equipment failures, and the physical demands of performing hardcore shows.

  “The first dive in San Antonio was the most beautiful front flip I ever flipped.” — Guest [29:20]

7. Concluding Reflections and Future Directions

Overview:
As the episode wraps up, Colin and Bo reflect on the past year's experiences, the lessons learned, and their vision for the future of HardLore. They reiterate their commitment to the hardcore community and tease upcoming projects and content for the new year.

Key Points:

• Gratitude and Future Plans: Final expressions of thanks to the listeners and a brief overview of what to expect in the coming year, hinting at more stories, guest appearances, and expanded content.

  “Enjoy the rest of this very fun best of episode.” — Bo Lueders [50:00]

• Commitment to Community: Assurance that HardLore will continue to support and spotlight the hardcore scene, maintaining authenticity while embracing growth and change.

  “We are here to provide you the greatest stink grooming Martin stuff in the world.” — Colin Young [49:30]

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. Consistency and Output:

   “We made it through another year, 52 weeks straight of original stuff.” — Colin Young [00:45]

2. Band Preferences:

   “My favorite band is Lamb of God. Really?” — Guest [07:45]

3. Heaviest Band Debate:

   “I have to go with 100 Demons.” — Sean Martin [22:15]

4. Personal Journeys:

   “Transitioning for me is like, always, like, weird things. It's purely a physical one.” — Guest [38:20]

5. Encounter with Robin Williams:

   “We wrote a Stigma song he had with Robin Williams. We're Robin Williams around.” — Colin Young [44:30]

6. Theater Confrontation:

   “I give him a stern shut up.” — Bo Lueders [19:55]

7. Conclusion:

   “Enjoy the rest of this very fun best of episode.” — Bo Lueders [50:00]

Final Thoughts:
"The Best of HardLore 2024" serves as a comprehensive reflection of a year filled with intense touring, personal growth, and unwavering dedication to the hardcore community. Through candid storytelling and spirited debates, Colin and Bo encapsulate the essence of HardLore, delivering an episode that not only entertains but also strengthens the bond within the hardcore scene. Whether you're a long-time listener or new to the podcast, this compilation offers a rich tapestry of experiences and insights that highlight the chaotic yet fulfilling life on tour.