ellis@flairvax.UUCP (Michael Ellis) (12/04/84)
I too was disappointed by Black Flag's cancellation of yet another show,
~ a week ago at the Keystone PA. But I'm not sure I'd call BF wimps.
The last time I saw them (2 months ago at Ruthie's Berkeley) they were
being severely harrassed by a hostile crowd composed primarily of
punkesque rednecks; partway thru BF's set, a beer BOTTLE hit Henry on
the head. Sure -- he fell down, dazed -- and had to be carried
offstage.
Five minutes later, Henry returned to finish the set; his performance
was not only undiminished by the attack, but was, instead, one of the most
intense rock performances I have ever witnessed. That's even more amazing
when you consider that there was minimal audience support.
Few bands play as gruelling a schedule as Black Flag, and only in
hardcore can one enjoy shows consisting of four or five of the
best bands for 5-8 dollars. Its a tribute to BF's dedication that
they get around as much as they do, playing almost for free, to
frequently bloodthirsty audiences.
Incidentally, it looks like there are some intelligent contributors
out there, like the author of this gem:
> If they're sick they can puke on the stage and enhance the show.
> Isn't that the way of the hardcore punks?
This guy knows as much about the hardcore movement as those redneck
punks who were throwing beer bottles. RUSTY razor blades would be
too kind...
-michael