McRad, Bad Brains

5/29/12

We kicked off our interviews of the Philly scene with Chuck Treece at FDR skatepark. Chuck's band McRad was one of the first local bands to make it to the radio waves. He also played drums in the Bad Brains. Chuck gave us a lot of insightful perspectives of the entire Philadelphia Punk scene. 

The Viletons & Fight Fuck or Dance

August 19, 2013

We sat with Freddy for a couple of hours as he shared many stories and insight into the Philly scene. From his time in The Vilatones to his current band Fight Fuck or Dance. Freddy can still be found at any punk show throughout the city.
 

Tribe Thirteen, Sons of Liberty

August 19, 2013

Lon sat down with us in Fishtown at the Piazza and shared with us his experiences as a Philly Punk in the 90's from going to shows to playing shows.

Back in Febuary of 2013, Tribe Thirteen played their 20th anniversary at O'Rielly's in front of a sold out crowd of young punks and old punks. Lon also currently plays in Sons Of Liberty.

South Philly Punks

August 17, 2013

A vivid interview with this comedic duo helped us learn about thriving scene in Philadelphia and how tight knit the scene is. They reminiced about the times they lived in "punk houses" which have served as a home for shows and one another. Through Sam's photos (which we credit many of the photos on our website for) and through Zaya's experiences being the front man of Common Alliance and FTS, we learned a lot about the bond that continues to exist through Philly punk rock and the youth of today.

The Virus

August 4, 2013

Four hours before their big homecoming reunion show after a 10 year hiatus, Philadelphia's own punk band The Virus dives very far into the infulences Philadelphia has had on the punk rock scene on the east coast. Nationally reconized, The Virus is one of Philadelphia's breakthrough street punk bands. The Virus has toured the globe bringing with them the air of Philadelphia. After many years of living in California, Mike Virus, lead singer, described his return to his home town by saying "it was as though I never left."

Homo Picnic/Kremlin Korps

August 2, 2013

We traveled to Brooklyn, New York to a club called The Lone Wolf to interview Doc Israel, a diverse and noteworthy musician who was once a member of both Homo Picnic and Kremlin Korps. Doc Israel talked about how he found acceptance through punk rock as a young teenager.

Rave Productions

August 2, 2013

Hundreds of vintage Philadelphia punk flyers told us that David Bally, "Dave the Rave," would have a lot to say about his involvemebt in the Philadelphia punk scene. David proved us right with a two hour interview in which was conducted in his apartment that overlooks the New York skyline. He told us many stories about the time he spent at Temple University and the activities that went on in the North Philly punk scene.

The Blessed Muthas

July 31, 2013

Joey opened his home to our crew where he shared stories about being a punk in the city and how being introduced to the scene at an early age actually saved his life. He made the transition to being a show goer to bieng in a band when he formed The Blessed Muthas whom still rock all around Philly today.

Ruin

July 28, 2013

Philly's legandary Bhuddhist punk band, Ruin, sat with us at Tattooed Moms on South Street and gave us some insight into the formation of the band and the unique incorpation of their ideals, all the way up to their August 31st reunion. To this day, Ruin's music and stage presence still reamins on it's own level. From their intellectual lyrics to their fusion of punk and Buddhism, Ruin truly showcases the multifaceted world of Philly Punk

The Pariah

June 25, 2013

Deb and Bri are active members in the local punk scene through their contributions to the Pariah, a thriving show house in South Philadelphia. Bri is involved in a three person band called Severed which plays in South Philly basements. On the side, Bri (left) creates her own jewlery and clothing while Deb blows glass. These girls are a true testament to the DIY aspect of the punk scene.

Combat Crisis

June 25, 2013

From South Philly comes a young guitarist/basist, Will Scabiez. Through his involvement in The Kankers and Combat Crisis (as well as other bands) Will had a lot to tell us about the vivid Philadelphia punk scene.

The Sadistic Exploits Manager

April 15, 2013

Philadelphia native Nancy "Exploit," is now a noteworthy teacher in Boston. Nancy manged the iconic Philly band, The Sadistic Exploits. She also shared a unique story about a show she put on in Camden and how it resulted in Ian Makaye getting hit by a car. 

The Hot Club

April 11, 2013

Bobby Startup is the absolute epicenter of Philadelphia Punk Rock. He spun the first punk record in the city during his time as a DJ at the Hot Club. It all took off from there. Bobby played an intricial role in turning The City of Brotherly into the thriving community it now is.

Sit & Spin Records

March 27, 2013

Many South Philly natives are familiar with Collin and Leora from Sit and Spin Records on the corner of 9th and Reed. This duo maintains an independent record store which offers a vierity of metal, punk and psych-rock records. Leora also manages the annual Philly Punk Rock picnic which is a weekend full of shows meant to bring together all the punks in Philadelphia.

Vive 1977

March 22, 2013

Dennis's roots in Philly Punk go back to the earliest days. He played an active role in supporting the scene back then, and maintains his support today. He puts on the annual "When the Punx Go Marching In" Event at Tattoo Moms on South Street. An event that brings together punks, old and young. Dennis is the owner of Vive 1977.

The Pagan Babies, The Heels

January 13, 2013

Mike McMantus, the lead vocalist and founder of the 1980's punk band The Pagan Babies, welcomed us into his North East Philadelphia home and gave us some throught provoking brain food. For three hours Mike reminiced about how the punk rock morals have helped him in every aspect of his life. Mike also educated us on the artwork associated with The Pagan Babies  and how much of it was influenced by the graffiti that can be observed while riding the Market Frankford El. Mike is still keeping the Philly Punk spirit alive with his band, The Heels, who are constantly playing raw punk shows throughout the city.

Serial Killers

December 15, 2012

In the middle of December we interviewed Paul Bearer, a colorful character who was the front man in the theatrical gore-punk band the Serial Killers (with Mega Jimmy Dougherty). Paul is a phenominal writer who has just completed his memoirs, "Skywritting at Night". 

Show Producer

November 4, 2012

Chuck Meehan gave us a lot of information regarding his role in the punk scene as a show promoter back in the day. Chuck is responsible for turning a West Philly Steakhouse, Abe's Steaks, into a venue that held constant shows. 

Serial Killers

December 10, 2012

Mega Jimmy is one of the original members of Philly's own, the Serial Killers. The Serial Killers stamped their place in Philly history through their variuous live on stage antics, to taking dirt from the house of Philadelphia murderer Gary Michael Heidnik to include with their 7" "Heidnik's House of Horrors".

The Kids Are United Punk Zine/The Unpatriotics/The Wayward Ones

October 17, 2012

Ryan Unpatriotic is an active member in the punk rock community in Philadelpihia through his work as the author and founder of the zine "The Kids Are United." Founded in 2010, Ryan aims to involve the people in Philadelphia with the local punk scene. Ryans contributions to the scene don't just stop there; he was also a member of the local Philadelphia band The Unpatriotics and is now a current member of The Wayward Ones.  

Hate5six

August 9, 2012

Sony is the founder of hate5six.com, a non-profit operation which foucuses on documenting and preserving hardcore shows through digital media. All of his videos are hosted online for free for anyone in the world to view. Sony stressed the importance of documenting the scene through all forms of media.

Dead Milk Men

July 28, 2012

Rodney Linderman, also known as Rodney Anonymous, is the lead singer of the famous Philadelphia punk band, The Dead Milkmen. They are most famous for their philly theme love song, "Punk Rock Girl". Rodney's interview gave us a clear understanding of what it's like being one of the only punk rock bands that have gained national acknowledgement.

The Ghouls, Hate & War, Krum Bums

July 21, 2012

Zach sat down with us at 1AM (the same day he was leaving for Texas to begin his career as the bassist for the Krum Bums) and shared his stories and insight into the Philly scene. From how he first got into punk, to his days in The Ghouls, Hate & War, Population Zero. Zach also ran a punk house, The Fish Flat, which had a zipline that took you right over the stage.

The Virus

July 19. 2011

Marked shared his perspective of the Philly scene in the 1990's and 2000's. He was a constant show goer and avid flyer collector. Mark (Liberty) Strobel also played bass in The Virus.

Crash Bang Boom/Live Not on Evil

July 19, 2012

Rob's roots in Philly Punk history go way back. We chatted about many aspects of the Philly Punk history He is currently co-owner of the punk store, Crash Bang Boom. Rob also continues to contribute to the scene musicially with his band Live Not On Evil.

Bryan, Pete, Michael

July 15, 2011

Pete, Bryan & Michael of the Bouncing Souls sat down with us on day 2 of their 4 shows at the First Unitarian Church in Philly. They told us about how Philly is their second home.

The Queers

May 13, 2011

Iconic punker and frontman of The Queers, Joe Queer, chatted with us about his experiences of playing philly and how their live in Philly album came to be. 

Razors in the Night

April 9, 2011

Troy told us many stories of his times playing in Philly and how some local punks supported him and his band.

The Unseen

April 9, 2011

We chatted with Mark about his times playing in Philly while in A Global Threat and The Unseen.