Thrashcore and circle pits! Long hair, short hair, it all fits! What happens next? What happens next is you write a goddamn book. I'm writin' a book.
That's right friends, I've been kicking this idea around for a couple of years and after multiple starts, stops, and periods of time where I'd rather hide under a pile of blankets than type a single word, I've decided to announce my intentions. In the early 2000's I was lucky enough to see, mosh to, sing-along with, and buy records from some amazing bands. The Youth Crew revival of '97-'98 was mor
24/08/2023
In just a few short weeks, I’ll be running my mouth about my forthcoming book “Play To Destroy: Turn of the Century Hardcore Punk” at the Refuse # # # fest in Berlin. I’m so psyched!! Come hang out and lob softball questions at me. I won’t have the book, but really hoping to have a limited zine with excerpts and photos from the book for folks that turn up. Can’t wait to spend the weekend hanging with with one of my faves - Rob Refuse! # # #
28/07/2023
Finally got one of my fave LPs of the era on the prized pee-pee color vinyl. Stay hydrated in this summer heat, kiddos! Side Note: This is the 5th copy I now own of this record. Pleased to finally get one with the Acme Records order form!
05/07/2023
The Thrashwagon is heading to Berlin!! I’m honoured to be included in the # # # anniversary fest for Refuse Records! I’ll be doing a short talk and Q&A on September 15. Feel free to ask me anything about the bands, the people, my process and/or why the f**k it’s taking me so long to finish it! I won’t have the book on in hand, but hopefully something very cool just for the fest. Robert Refuse rules - he’s one of my favorite people on the planet and I’m so grateful for his support. International DIY HC for life!
25/06/2023
Happy 625 Day!!! Here is the original line-drawn art from the 625 release that arguably changed the course of this punk’s life! Courtesy of the one and only **t. Happy 30 years to Max Ward for three decades of dedication, support, and loud-ass, mostly-fast hardcore punk thrash! #625
02/05/2023
I’ve had such great opportunities to work with killer photographers throughout this project. And their value cannot be overstated. If you participated in the scene/era, then you remember the intensity. These photographers actually captured it! Big massive thanks to Joshua Peach for sharing so many important shots with me. Truly elevating the impact of this project! Slide 1: Lifes Halt, 2: Crucial Section, 3. Seein Red, 4: Exclaim.
03/03/2023
Later this month, one of my fave current bands - Pressure Pact - will be traveling over to Japan to tour with one of the best of the thrash era this project covers - Crucial Section! I’m so thankful to Hiro for his help and interview and the Pressure Pact dudes are some of the nicest you’ll ever meet. Oh man, I wish I could just hop on an airplane!
12/02/2023
Hey I interviewed 170 of y’all for this project - crazy! I will now do my best to reach out to each of you and thank you individually. Look for an email or text or DM…failing that, carrier pigeon, smoke signal or creepily scratching at your window at night. This thing couldn’t have happened without your stories and help!
06/02/2023
Hey - exciting news! The one and only Bob Shedd will be writing the book’s Foreword! I love Bob’s take on all things music, be it on , or just chatting with him at punk shows. He’s one of the best and I’m so psyched for his contribution - thanks Bob! Swipe to see him reaching for the stars with Dave It Up at the Nothing To Nothing record release show 20+ years ago. 📸
20/12/2022
Man, it was such an awesome surprise to run into Felix von Havoc at the pop-up this weekend. In the scene I’m documenting, Felix played such a crucial roll in elevating bands, connecting scenes from all over the world, writing for MRR, putting on Thrash Fest for years and just swipe to see the records and bands he’s released. Still he’s the nicest, most humble guy you’ll ever have a chat with. Big thanks for his interview and contribution to this project!
06/12/2022
Come hang tonight and rage with this insane lineup! and I will be there. Can’t wait to hear the Waste rip a few off their new LP. It’s so good! Also High In Fire…And Gel! What the f**k!? Time to mosh!
22/11/2022
My new favourite shirt. Nine Shocks Terror forever! Their chapter in the book is one of the absolute best.
19/11/2022
More Waste! My dude did this t-shirt art for nearly 20 years ago and it was later featured on a pint glass last year. Thanks to , I now have the shirt to go with the glass!! F**k yeah! Proud to have a stand-alone chapter on their early days in the book. Note: the shirt is too small for me and I am straight edge. Oops.