12-9-04
Today is a sad, dark day for underground music. Dimebag Darrell, lead guitarist for Damage Plan and perhaps better known as the former lead guitarist for Pantera was shot and killed last night. I realize that most people visiting this site are punks and do not like metal and many dispise it. But Dimebag transcended heavy metal and was an icon for all underground musicians, whether you knew it or not. He was an amazing guitarist who was very generous and extremely loyal to his fans. He lead a troubled life, from having a bad childhood to later struggling with alcoholism. But he was a person we can all look up to as someone who made something of himself from nothing. This is a black day for heavy metal and all underground music. Whether you like Pantera (of which I was a HUGE fan) and Damage Plan or not, you have to respect what he did for underground music. I suggest everyone pick up the Great Southern Trendkill by Pantera and read the lyrics. They outline a punk rock philosophy and set it to great heavy metal/thrash music. Fans of Thrice and Sick of It All will at least appreciate what this record, and all Pantera records, have to offer. R.I.P. Dimebag Darrell. We can all at least take some solace in knowing that you died doing what you love most, we should all be so lucky.
11-8-04
Well its official, the election is over and done. I'll avoid preaching my politics and my opinion on the results because I would much rather have people pay attention to the facts and make their own decisions than form an opinion of me based on things that are independent of my character and the kind of person I am. Its a sad day when people on either side judge others solely on their political beliefs and affiliations, but that's what this country has come to. We are so divided these days and instead of working together to move forward and solve problems, we instead try to tear each other down. I have been guilty of this in the past too, but its important to learn from mistakes in order to better ourselves and the quality of our lives.
A few people have asked me why I have become more political on a website dedicated mainly to punk rock. The reason is because politics is a huge part of punk. At least it used to be before it became about girls and "extreme sports." I don't think its any secret that I am very opposed and saddened by the turn a lot of the bands have taken and the route they have gone. I don't see them as being bad people for this. Instead I see them as taking for granted what the scene has done for them and being completely insensitive to how important this music is and what it represents to many, many people. Its something that cannot be taken lightly and cannot be disregarded. That is irresponsible and unfair to the many that have dedicated their lives to preserving and sustaining the scene, OUR scene, through the DIY philosophy.
10-22-04
I finally got the Robert Hamburger interview up. He is a funny mother fucker. One more thing, I don't know if anyone ever visited utpunk.org but it was a forum-type site for local punk here in Utah. It died a long time ago but it looks like we will be resurrecting it, at least on a trial only basis. I will, ultimately, probably be using that as the forum instead of going to the trouble of developing one for this site (especially since I don't know how to do shit with computers). Please join! I have a bunch of people who are interested already but we're probably going to need more. This is a great way for you to support the scene and keep the DIY spirit alive. Plus, its FREE! You don't need to e-mail me or com4 (the dude who is being nice enough to re-launch the site and dish out the $$), all you need to do is go to www.utpunk.org and register for free. As of today its not up, but it should be by the 25th or 26th of this month. ?We need YOU so join up and rant and talk and bitch and release all your bottled up punker frustrations.
10-20-04
Cleaned house a little bit and changed the look a little, but really nothing new. I did add a new outrage! secion. Please, please check that out, Judge Theis must be dismissed from his position!! I'm hoping that putting the non-working links above might help motivate me to get some of these new features up and going.
It turns out that there are actually some people that visit regularly (why, I don't know) and it sounds like those of you who do might be interested in some sort of members page. Who knows, maybe my little piece of shit in the dark corners of the internet might actually work out! What I'd like to do is set up a forum or something but there's one problem: I have no fucking idea how to do that. If anyone does and is willing to help me out with that let me know cuz that would be fucking awesome.
I hope everyone here in the U.S. who is legal is registered to vote. Only a few days left to register in person if you're not (you're way late if you're trying to do it through the mail; I'm not sure what the online policies are). This is a very important election, even more so than in past years. No matter which candidate you side with you have got to vote. If you don't then you have no right to bitch when the country goes to Hell. Jason from NYC said he was writing an editorial for us on the importance of voting and I was hoping to get it posted before the final registration deadline but it doesn't look like its gonna happen by then. No matter what I'll post it when I get it, even if its after the election, we'll get a head start for 2008. If you haven't already, I highly suggest you check out www.punkvoter.com. And to be fair there is another website on the opposite end of the spectrum: www.conservativepunk.com. I know it sounds like a complete oxymoron but you have to hear what they have to say too before you can make any rational decision or assertion about politics in punk rock. That's it for now.
My (very) brief philosophy on Punk Rock and The Scene
I don't understand why a lot of punks feel they need to give off the "I'm so fucking punk rock and hate everything, especially you" attitude. My true philosophy in life is to live like a punker while keeping a rastafarian spirit (acceptance, love, tolerance, and peace). I am fucking disgusted with the way punk rock is going these days (MTV and corporate radio). True punk rock is not about selling out and making a shit load of money. Its about rebellion and overcoming adversity, not conforming. This is why I have so much respect for Rastas and almost everyone who makes reggae music. This is my philosophy on life, I know you don't care but I like to voice my strong opinions.
"Our days are happier when we give people a bit of our heart rather than a piece of our mind"
