So last night, this show took place at the Luxor place next to the taco bell on broad street. I was pretty apprehensive about it since new venues rarely work out that well, especially around here. The lineup was mostly punk bands and Hysterian, our current local mosh heavyweights. I went with the intention of making sure things ran smoothly and what not. For a thursday night, the turnout was great. for a first show for a venue, the turnout was amazing. for an all-local show in the suburbs, the turnout was awesome. Pretty much everything about it was great. The fact that this place is a hookah lounge and smoking is allowed/encouraged inside is the only thing that wasn't cool, but if it's a new place to do shows on a weeknight not far from the beaten path, i'll take that. The reaction of Hysterian was incredible, with people on the floor ranging in age over 2 decades. The younger metalcore kids that come out for Hysterian are products of older kids not beating them up for acting out of line. they dance harder than they are, which years ago was a huge No-No. I'm ok with this as long as people don't let things get too out of hand. Eventually, some kids will be made examples of, I can pretty much promise that, but hopefully i'm wrong. There was some sort of scrap during Dugout, but it was resolved quickly and nobody cared.
ANYWAY...
This was a mixed-bill lineup with a wide array of kids in attendance. Besides some laughable posturing from the "security", everyone got along and had a good time. This is what has made Lansdale the unique haven for underground music that is always has been. A place where people respect each other without completely compromising the lawlessness that the punk and hardcore scene has; and must maintain to stay real.
In my mind it's like the scene in
The New Guy where everyone is apologizing to each other outside the school. The tuba-playing midget gets along with the jocks and everyone stands up to the dude(s) trying to compromise that. Don't fall for the traps that many hardcore kids/bands/scenes fall for: Dividing the scene to fit a more refined product. All that leads to is condescending attitudes and the thinning of the herd until everyone that remains involved moves on with life, or to another town to leech onto another scene's reserves.
You can roll your eyes at us or make fun of us all you want, I'll still be able to cut you down verbally faster than you can run to someone bigger to stand up for you. Young kids: think about these words, they are tested and true. Old people: be proud this torch has been carried on. Lansdale forever.
