NEGATIVE APPROACH / CIRCLE JERKS / DESCENDENTS
NEGATIVE APPROACH
CIRCLE JERKS
DESCENDENTS
ANOTHER WASTED NIGHT IN NOWA HUTA
NEGATIVE APPROACH
CIRCLE JERKS
DESCENDENTS
KRAKÓW, KWADRAT, 28 MARCH 2025
MILO DESCENDENTS
The concert was advertised as the best gig of the year. To many, this statement might seem a bit risky. But after the gig I can honestly say that it's not impossible. We were offered a live performance of three different bands, each of them a living legend of American Hardcore, all in good shape despite their age and really long careers.
Negative Approach, who played first, are one of the famous pioneering hardcore punk outfits. They were formed in Detroit in 1981. In the beginning, they were not very successful and split in 1984, only to revive 22 years later, this time a respected underground classic.
In this new lineup, that's been going for about 20 years now, the only original member is singer John Brannon. But others: Harry Richardson, Ron Sakowski and John Lehl, are also very experienced musicians, formerly of Necros, The Meatmen, Laughing Hyenas, Easy Action or Gravitar. Negative Approach played the shortest set, lasting 30 minutes, but it was very strong and energetic.
John Brannon didn't say much, concentrating on spitting out the lyrics of some of the band's cool songs like "Can't Tell No One", "Tied Down", "Nothing". Negative Approach also covered "Borstal Breakout" originally by Sham 69. John Brannon may not be an angry young man anymore, but he sure still is very angry and fierce.
Earlier on this tour, while Negative Approach were playing a gig in Shepherd's Bush in London, they were joined on stage by one of their fans, Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth to perform together two numbers: "Genocide" and "Nothing".
Circle Jerks, also having veteran status, are an oldschool legend from the first wave of American Hardcore. Believe it or not, Circle Jerks were started as early as 1979 by Keith Morris, after leaving Black Flag, another hardcore giant which he founded with guitarist Greg Ginn half a century ago (!!!) in 1976. Keith Morris formed Circle Jerks with guitarist Greg Hetson, formerly of Redd Kross and later of Bad Religion. The two are the only original members. Bassist Zander Schloss joined a few years later, but again, this also means well over forty years ago. Zander himself had many amazing collaborations including Joe Strummer, Mike Watt or The Weirdos. Drummer Joey Castillo is the newest member, but he is no beginner either. He worked for years with Danzig, Wasted Youth, Mark Lanegan, BL'AST!, DOOM Regulator, Bloodclot and many others. This is just to show you that this tour is something like a Great US HC Revue (optionally: The Rolling Zander Revue, just kidding).
Keith Morris was probably the oldest person in the venue. He himself stressed the fact that he was 69, while interrupting the set with his comments dealing with social and political issues and on the history of hardcore punk as well. Circle Jerks still are a very energetic band and if you complain that they are not what they used to be, first of all remember that they started when most of the people in the audience were not planned yet.
Circle Jerks played about 30 songs, including their best known hits and two covers, namely "Wild in the Streets", originally written and performed by Garland Jeffreys in 1977 and "Wasted", a great Black Flag song which Keith Morris co-wrote with Greg Ginn when the two formed the group in 1976 and recorded for their debut EP Nervous Breakdown in 1978.
The last on the bill were Descendents. Last but not least. All the three bands are equal in importance, although each represents a bit different time and genre. Each could easily be a headliner on that night. The order seems to be based on the passage from the most aggresive and angry group to the most melodic and mellow. The Milo Aukerman fronted band could be described as melodic hardcore and/or pop punk.
Descendents started with their big hits "Everything Sux" and "Hope" followed by a string of other well-known songs including straight edge friendly "Bikeage" or "When I Get Old" recorded 30 years ago when they were so much younger. Like the two previous acts, all Descendents were on top form, evidently having fun. Milo, guitarist Stephen Egerton, bassist Karl Alvarez and drummer Bill Stevenson. This lineup has existed for impressive forty years now, though it should be noted that Bill Stevenson is the only original member from the times when he co-founded the group in the famous year of 1977. And, just like Keith Morris, Stevenson is also a Black Flag alumnus, although not from the same BF incarnation.
A great concert of three great, important American Hardcore legends. Also, it should be stressed that the event was perfectly organized, had good timing and security, even stagediving was under control. So, the only thing you had to do was listen and enjoy. And the music was exactly what it always should be: loud noise, full of anger and cool melodies. Yes, another beautifully wasted night in Nowa Huta. Give me more, please!!!
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