“A Hardcore Heart is an invigorating time capsule, of a period before Instagram, Facebook and MySpace, even before mobile phones. It wasn’t easy (nothing worth doing ever is) but we somehow made things happen” Ian Glasper – Author of ‘The Scene That Would Not Die’
Packed with first-hand stories and unpolished nuggets, this book plots a path through UKHC in the ‘90s as it developed into an underground scene.
Focusing on the people; artists, promoters, venues, record labels and fanzines, and following the evolution of the author’s bands, it looks at the intricacies of the post-punk genre and bursts with ‘straight from the horse’s mouth’ hardcore anecdotes that’ll keep you turning the pages.
You’ll read about touring and gigs with hundreds of bands, including Green Day, NOFX, Alice Donut, Jailcell Recipes, The BBMFs, Majority Of One, Spermbirds, The Babies Three, Understand, Samiam, Down By Law, Alloy, Hot Water Music, Bob Tilton, Tribute, Discount, Blue Tip, Leiah, Leatherface, Spy Versus Spy, Hunter Gatherer, Dismemberment Plan, Burning Airlines, Piebald and many more.
If you were ever in a band, then you’ll recognise and empathise with much of the narrative. And if you’ve wondered what it would be like to tour and release records at the underdog end of the alternative music scene, then this book will take you on an invigorating and enlightening roller-coaster ride.
David Gamage is a musician and author. He’s played in bands since his teens and is an active part of the alternative music scene, having promoted gigs, edited a fanzine, and run a record label. David lives with his wife and two sons in an idyllic cottage in East Sussex, and when he’s not playing with his family and their cats, he enjoys travelling, strangling his guitar and introducing others to obscure rock bands.
Published: 14/02/23
Paperback: £24.99
662 pages, colour images
ISBN 9781739647735
#ahardcoreheart
Earth Island Books (www.earthislandbooks.co.uk)
