BACK IN PRINT! - WHY BE SOMETHING THAT YOU'RE NOT - DETROIT HC 1979-85 (& OTHER STUFF)

BOOKS

After being out of print for a few years, my first book Why Be Something That You’re Not - Detroit Hardcore 1979 - 85, is available once again from the publisher, Revelation Records. Don’t pay a ridiculous sum for a first edition when this reprint comes with a revised design and improved print quality from the first run of books. Plus, there are two versions of the book to choose from that are now available for pre-order. (Books will ship mid-July)

Firstly, there’s the red cover “Sex Drive” edition that will be readily available in an edition of 800 from RevHQ and whatever record and bookstores are kind enough to stock it.

Then, there is the green cover “Tied Down” edition that will be available through No Idols and for a limited time, through Revelation. This is in an edition of 100.

The 50 copies that will be sold through No Idols will be signed by me and come with a Detroit Hardcore flyer bookmark (above) and a 7 x 5 postcard of Negative Approach captured by Davo Scheich at the Clubhouse in 1982 (below)

Please head over to No Idols to purchase a copy and feel free to pick up a few other things while you’re there…please and thank you!

DETROIT HARDCORE DOCUMENTARY SCREENING

On Monday, July 17th at 7 pm, there will be a screening of Dope, Hookers, and Pavement: The Real and Imagined History of Detroit Hardcore at Nitehawk Cinema in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. After the screening, there will be a Q&A panel led by me including the director Otto Buj and Negative Approach drummer Chris “OP” Moore. The green cover version of the book will be available for purchase at the screening, so stop by and say Hi and pick one up! Tickets for the screening can be purchased here.

PODCASTS

In the hopes of finagling people to pick up this new edition of Why Be Something That You’re Not, I’ve appeared on a few podcasts to make with the yakety-yak.

It’s always a pleasure to speak with the artist and former Leading Edge co-editor Jason Traeger on his Traeger Method podcast. For my second appearance, we talk about the reprint of the Detroit book, our mutual love for The Sopranos, and my recent health issues. Give it a listen over here there.

I also made my third appearance on the Where It Went podcast to discuss the book with all-around good guy Greg Polard. It’s always fun going down the Hardcore rabbit hole with this crew, so listen to it here.

AN UPDATE FOR THOSE WHO CARE

As I have alluded to in this newsletter a few times, I was diagnosed with bladder cancer two years ago. Despite three surgeries and a year of chemotherapy, it is not going away. Left without many options, I am currently taking part in a clinical study for a new form of immunotherapy. Since starting it a couple of weeks ago, I’m tolerating it fine. Let’s hope it works.

I would like to stay 'creative’ during the whole process although there are those who feel I should take it easy for the time being. Don’t get me wrong, whiling away the days watching Eliot Stabler bust heads was a joy for a while, but I need a project to get stuck into before the USA Network comes to check on my well-being.

I’m thinking of starting on some lathe-cut records on No Idols of lesser-known stuff from Hardcore — both past and present. If you have any suggestions for this project, fire some off in the comments. I’m just trying to find stuff to do that’ll make me feel I’m still contributing to the underground and worthy of a number and a bowl of ice cream at the end of the day. I don’t think that’s too much to ask…