Many call Suicidal Tendencies the fathers of cross over thrash, the melding of hard core punk rock and heavy metal, but whatever you call them their legacy is well known in the underground scene.
Founded in the early 1980’s, Suicidal Tendencies are currently on tour in support of their twelfth studio album, World Gone Mad. Last night was the first show that Suicidal has headlined after recently touring with Amon Armoth and Megadeth.
Fans showed up in droves at Bogart’s on a quiet Tuesday evening to see the kings of hardcore perform a set of lightning fast cross over punk and thrash metal. Young fans were excited to see the legendary band for the first time, while longtime fans were more than eager to see their favorite band take the stage again.
Many people will be quick to tell you that the hardcore scene is filled with anger and violence and to proceed all shows with caution. After speaking to a few fans about the importance of looking out for each other and grandparents proudly showing pictures of their grandchildren, I felt like this show was more of a community coming out to celebrate music.
Mike Muir, the only consistent member of the band, brought the crowd into a frenzy chanting, “S,T! S,T!” throwing up the horns and fist bumping, while wearing the trade marked blue bandanas that Suicidal made famous early in their career.
The band was tight and having a blast as they sped through their catalog of classic hardcore songs. Newbie drummer, Dave Lombardo (of Slayer and recent Misfits fame) blasted through the set list like a man on fire. Hopefully the human tornado stays with Suicidal for a long time to come.
Halfway through the show, Muir asked the crowd if there were any skateboarders in the audience. Many fans were quick to show their appreciation of the sport and a select few were chosen to join the band for a few songs.
Muir preached to the crowd that in this time of uncertainty and upcoming elections saying, “To stand up for yourself, fight for yourself and believe in yourself.”
I could not have said it better myself.
