In recent years there have been a number of historical hardcore documentaries that have garnered mixed reactions. Some view them as long overdue tributes while others find them to be misrepresentations counter to everything progressive that hardcore stands (stood) for. But whether or not you see these films as reflective windows into the past or as old guys reliving glory days, you have to admit that watching footage of basement shows in the early ‘80s and hearing members of Black Flag, Minor Threat, D.O.A. and The Minutemen speak is fucking awesome. These documentaries create a sense of nostalgia while at the same time reminding the viewer that hardcore is forever and despite its perversions the torch continues to burn strong. While the opinions of the aforementioned pioneers are as varied as their personalities one thing remains consistent throughout– their undeniable respect and admiration for Washington D.C.’s Bad Brains. The band that everyone revered as the best is still the best. And I got to witness it firsthand in my hometown.

After navigating through the pouring rain and jumping from one patch of pavement to another I found myself inside of Pipeline Café. Everyone there was amped and the excitement was contagious. The chance to see Bad Brains rock — in Hawai‘i nonetheless — has been a dream of mine since I was ye high. I saw a lot of the old heads from the Goldenvoice Era. We were all stoked to see each other; it was a minor reunion of sorts.

When Bad Brains took the stage I could hardly believe it. HR and the boys shut shit down. I cannot remember the last time I saw a pit at Pipeline, let alone one that carried the kind of energy this one did. They rattled off a few of their punk hits, getting the crowd psyched, and then followed with mellow interludes from their roots reggae catalogue. Few bands possess such extreme start-stop control. Their live sound was exactly what you’d expect from legends of their caliber. For sure they are older, but they brought it.

I snapped a few photos and even jumped into the pit for a song. My camera, glasses, and my age kept me from going off, but I couldn’t help it. Shows like this are magical not just because of the great music, but because of the memories and energy that seeing a band like Bad Brains triggers. I was one of the many who left Pipeline with a huge grin on my face, and that old familiar ringing in my ears. Bad Brains still got that “P.M.A.” (Positive Mental Attitude).

バッドブレインズ
バッドブレインズはハードコアパンクロックの第一人者である。レジェンドステータスと言って良いバンド。今のパンクロック、ラップ、ルーツレゲエなどのバンド達をかなり影響しているバンドだ。どのジャンルからもリスペクトされている。ホノルルでのライブはエネルギー溢れた最高なステージであった。いた人たちは全員ＰｏｓｉｔｉｖｅＭｅｎｔａｌＡｔｔｉｔｕｄｅ（ＰＭＡ）で帰っていった。