Matt Munoz of Mento Buru writes a letter about the angry punk attack - By N.L. Belardes
Don't go thinking the music scene is going to ignore this recent attack on its youth. I've been getting lots of emails regarding this horrible crime. If you don't like what's happening in the scene in the way of violence, and especially, what happened to Bryan of the KooKooNauts, then now is your time to write in and express your opinion to nl@nlbelardes.com. Matt Munoz has written a letter about punks and the Straight Edge movement that is a must read...
Dear Bakersfield Music Scene,
It is with deep anger and sadness that I write to you
regarding the latest act of violence involving a young
member of the KooKooNauts and an unknown member of the
community.
Although I don't have all of the facts regarding this
incident, what I do know is that shouldn't have
happened. In fact, it should've never happen at all.
I became aware of the KooKooNauts through NL's blog
some months back and taking a glance at the DVD they
released on their Straight Edge Records label at his
place one afternoon. It was pretty amusing, especially
since they put out a DVD themselves. During one scene,
a fight breaks out during a taping of their show at
Jerry's Pizza. Funny stuff for the casual onlooker,
shocking to conservative parents. Nothing too intense,
just kids getting crazy. I've seen worse on Backyard
Brawls.
During a closer look, I noticed the term "Straight
Edge," and an "X" painted across some of the members
hands. I was immediately taken aback to see that The
KooKooNauts were members of the Straight Edge scene, a
name I haven't heard in years!!
For those of you who don't know, the term "Straight
Edge" means you are part of the Straight Edge
movement, which has been around since the early 80's.
My earliest recollection of the term was during my
high school punk days listening to Minor Threat, a
band also credited with kick-starting the youth
movement through their song "Straight Edge" (Minor
Threat, 1981,) and watching Another State of Mind, a
documentary featuring Youth Brigade, Social D and
Minor Threat. During one scene, MT's lead singer Ian
McKaye talks about being "Straight Edge," and
following a non-alcoholic, anti-drug lifestyle, while
still following a "hardcore," punk creed of anarchy
and rebellion. The band and their followers lived in a
house which resembled a hippy commune for punks.
**side-note: After the demise of Minor Threat, Ian
McKaye formed Fugazi, and didn't allowing moshing of
an kind during shows. Even going as far as chastising
the crowd and leaving if anyone got out of hand.
Cool, huh? Yeah, well I admit I thought it was too. In
fact, I still think it's cool some 20 years later. I'm
not sure how deep The members of the KooKooNauts were
into following the Straight Edge credo, a philosophy
that also attracts members of different groups of
people including vegans and neo-nazis. Yes, neo-nazis.
Strange, but true. You can be white, black, brown, or
green and call yourself Straight Edge. All you have to
do is think for yourself, and eliminate things in your
life that you believe are detrimental to your
existence.
From what I've experienced in the past, being Straight
Edge is supposed to be about individuality, but not
necessarily being tolerant of others all the time.
Judging by their music and personalities, I doubt The
KooKooNauts were part of a negative campaign to hate
and hurt other people who weren't followers. If they
choose to stay away from drugs, alcohol and casual
sex, more power to them, that's great. They're
probably just a bunch of young kids having fun
standing up to "the man and his destructive
institutions." I say let them have their fun. I dare
you to show me one kid who is a "true punk." Go to any
school or church and you might see a a kid wearing an
"Anarchy" shirt, a wallet full of money in his pocket
and a nice car. Yep, that's punk? Like I said, when
you're young, you think you know it all, and it's fun
to be a part of something cool. What kid doesn't want
that? It's okay that you shop at Hot Topic, homie.
Another thing I remember from back in the day was that
there was often an "elitist" attitude from some in the
local Straight Edge community. Not all of them, but
confrontations were not rare between the various punk
factions, skins, and those in the scene who chose an
alternative lifestyle. Bakersfield was not known for a
huge Straight Edge following, but it did have a few.
This was back in '84. Now in 2005, I was surprised to
see that there was resurgence of followers to this
"clean-living, individual thinking" punk lifestyle.
In trying to find out more information about what
happened to Bryan from the KooKooNauts, a lot of
thoughts ran through my head, "Was this a direct hit
on a Straight Edger because of his beliefs?," "Was
this revenge for something Bryan did?" Who knows? What
I do know is that it was a senseless act of violence.
A young man almost lost his life, and is now laid up
at home with a serious head injury. Not to mention his
families suffering, knowing that they might've lost
Bryan forever.
Violence is not a new thing at punk shows. Not kids
beating each other up in a rage to hurt people, but
more of a "friendly bonding" act. Slamdancing (Do they
still call it that?,) pogoing, skanking, or whatever
you wanna call it, is part of every punk show I've
ever been to, and something I look forward to. If your
buddy or the kid next to you falls down in the
process, you're supposed to PICK THEM UP AND HELP HIM
OUT, then continue! That is something MCA from the
Beasties Boys calls, "Proper punk rock etiquette."
Being a teen isn't an easy thing these days, and
frustrated kids need an outlet to vent, so mosh. Hell,
it's a lot safer than playing football, or so I
thought....
Why should any kid get purposely hurt at a show? Don't
we have the right to feel safe in the crowd?
Who's fault is it? Is it the promoter's fault? Where
was security?
There's absolutely nothing cool about being
irresponsible and careless at shows of any kind,
especially punk shows. I've seen stupid drunks, or
"jocks" as we used to say, hit girls near the stage on
purpose and think they were the so bad. Yeah right. If
you're so bad, go look for some 7 ft. beast with your
scrawny self and see what happens next.
Talking to locals and reading stories about the rise
in violence at local shows saddens me, especially as a
veteran of the Bakersfield music scene and a concerned
parent. I have two kids of my own and I would hate to
be in the Bryan's parents shoes. That's their kid, and
they have to go through the agony of wondering if
he'll ever be the same.
If you're a frustrated fan and sick of all the
senseless violence happening at shows, it's time for
the youth of Bakersfield to find a solution to the
problem. You can't always rely on the the venue to
provide proper security, which should be mandatory
especially when huge groups of kids are present. What
you as a fan can do is just keep an eye out on your
friends and fellow punks. Don't be stupid. There are
plenty of assholes out there that won't think twice
about hitting you for a stupid reason like wearing the
patch of a band they don't like or hanging out with a
"Straight Edger." Let the haters know they're NOT
WELCOME at your show.
As of this moment, there isn't enough information
about who injured Bryan from The KooKooNauts, and it's
a shame if that coward doesn't get caught. Bryan is
just one of countless people who are victims of
senseless crimes. I don't care if you're Straight
Edge, Gutter Punk, Stoner, Skater, Skin, whatever..It
doesn't matter. We should be able to be who we want,
believe what we want, go to shows, get rowdy, but get
home safe after a crazy night out with mates.
Sorry to get preachy on you, but I've been around the
scene before many of you young punks were born and
hate hearing stories about kids getting hurt for
stupid reasons. I will always be a fan of the punk
scene, and you'll still find me out there moshing at
the next Youth Brigade show at Jerry's.
Punk rock kids getting put in the hospital, beatings
with padlocks and chains aren't cool. Don't be the
next victim.
Take Back Your Scene! Haters Stay Out!
Matt Munoz / Mento Buru
"Straight Edge," by Minor Threat, 1981
I'm a person just like you
But I've got better things to do
Than sit around and fuck my head
Hang out with the living dead
Snort white shit up my nose
Pass out at the shows
I don't even think about speed
That's something I just don't need
I've got the straight edge
I'm a person just like you
But I've got better things to do
Than sit around and smoke dope
'Cause I know I can cope
Laugh at the thought of eating ludes
Laugh at the thought of sniffing glue
Always gonna keep in touch
Never want to use a crutch
I've got the straight edge
Dear Bakersfield Music Scene,
It is with deep anger and sadness that I write to you
regarding the latest act of violence involving a young
member of the KooKooNauts and an unknown member of the
community.
Although I don't have all of the facts regarding this
incident, what I do know is that shouldn't have
happened. In fact, it should've never happen at all.
I became aware of the KooKooNauts through NL's blog
some months back and taking a glance at the DVD they
released on their Straight Edge Records label at his
place one afternoon. It was pretty amusing, especially
since they put out a DVD themselves. During one scene,
a fight breaks out during a taping of their show at
Jerry's Pizza. Funny stuff for the casual onlooker,
shocking to conservative parents. Nothing too intense,
just kids getting crazy. I've seen worse on Backyard
Brawls.
During a closer look, I noticed the term "Straight
Edge," and an "X" painted across some of the members
hands. I was immediately taken aback to see that The
KooKooNauts were members of the Straight Edge scene, a
name I haven't heard in years!!
For those of you who don't know, the term "Straight
Edge" means you are part of the Straight Edge
movement, which has been around since the early 80's.
My earliest recollection of the term was during my
high school punk days listening to Minor Threat, a
band also credited with kick-starting the youth
movement through their song "Straight Edge" (Minor
Threat, 1981,) and watching Another State of Mind, a
documentary featuring Youth Brigade, Social D and
Minor Threat. During one scene, MT's lead singer Ian
McKaye talks about being "Straight Edge," and
following a non-alcoholic, anti-drug lifestyle, while
still following a "hardcore," punk creed of anarchy
and rebellion. The band and their followers lived in a
house which resembled a hippy commune for punks.
**side-note: After the demise of Minor Threat, Ian
McKaye formed Fugazi, and didn't allowing moshing of
an kind during shows. Even going as far as chastising
the crowd and leaving if anyone got out of hand.
Cool, huh? Yeah, well I admit I thought it was too. In
fact, I still think it's cool some 20 years later. I'm
not sure how deep The members of the KooKooNauts were
into following the Straight Edge credo, a philosophy
that also attracts members of different groups of
people including vegans and neo-nazis. Yes, neo-nazis.
Strange, but true. You can be white, black, brown, or
green and call yourself Straight Edge. All you have to
do is think for yourself, and eliminate things in your
life that you believe are detrimental to your
existence.
From what I've experienced in the past, being Straight
Edge is supposed to be about individuality, but not
necessarily being tolerant of others all the time.
Judging by their music and personalities, I doubt The
KooKooNauts were part of a negative campaign to hate
and hurt other people who weren't followers. If they
choose to stay away from drugs, alcohol and casual
sex, more power to them, that's great. They're
probably just a bunch of young kids having fun
standing up to "the man and his destructive
institutions." I say let them have their fun. I dare
you to show me one kid who is a "true punk." Go to any
school or church and you might see a a kid wearing an
"Anarchy" shirt, a wallet full of money in his pocket
and a nice car. Yep, that's punk? Like I said, when
you're young, you think you know it all, and it's fun
to be a part of something cool. What kid doesn't want
that? It's okay that you shop at Hot Topic, homie.
Another thing I remember from back in the day was that
there was often an "elitist" attitude from some in the
local Straight Edge community. Not all of them, but
confrontations were not rare between the various punk
factions, skins, and those in the scene who chose an
alternative lifestyle. Bakersfield was not known for a
huge Straight Edge following, but it did have a few.
This was back in '84. Now in 2005, I was surprised to
see that there was resurgence of followers to this
"clean-living, individual thinking" punk lifestyle.
In trying to find out more information about what
happened to Bryan from the KooKooNauts, a lot of
thoughts ran through my head, "Was this a direct hit
on a Straight Edger because of his beliefs?," "Was
this revenge for something Bryan did?" Who knows? What
I do know is that it was a senseless act of violence.
A young man almost lost his life, and is now laid up
at home with a serious head injury. Not to mention his
families suffering, knowing that they might've lost
Bryan forever.
Violence is not a new thing at punk shows. Not kids
beating each other up in a rage to hurt people, but
more of a "friendly bonding" act. Slamdancing (Do they
still call it that?,) pogoing, skanking, or whatever
you wanna call it, is part of every punk show I've
ever been to, and something I look forward to. If your
buddy or the kid next to you falls down in the
process, you're supposed to PICK THEM UP AND HELP HIM
OUT, then continue! That is something MCA from the
Beasties Boys calls, "Proper punk rock etiquette."
Being a teen isn't an easy thing these days, and
frustrated kids need an outlet to vent, so mosh. Hell,
it's a lot safer than playing football, or so I
thought....
Why should any kid get purposely hurt at a show? Don't
we have the right to feel safe in the crowd?
Who's fault is it? Is it the promoter's fault? Where
was security?
There's absolutely nothing cool about being
irresponsible and careless at shows of any kind,
especially punk shows. I've seen stupid drunks, or
"jocks" as we used to say, hit girls near the stage on
purpose and think they were the so bad. Yeah right. If
you're so bad, go look for some 7 ft. beast with your
scrawny self and see what happens next.
Talking to locals and reading stories about the rise
in violence at local shows saddens me, especially as a
veteran of the Bakersfield music scene and a concerned
parent. I have two kids of my own and I would hate to
be in the Bryan's parents shoes. That's their kid, and
they have to go through the agony of wondering if
he'll ever be the same.
If you're a frustrated fan and sick of all the
senseless violence happening at shows, it's time for
the youth of Bakersfield to find a solution to the
problem. You can't always rely on the the venue to
provide proper security, which should be mandatory
especially when huge groups of kids are present. What
you as a fan can do is just keep an eye out on your
friends and fellow punks. Don't be stupid. There are
plenty of assholes out there that won't think twice
about hitting you for a stupid reason like wearing the
patch of a band they don't like or hanging out with a
"Straight Edger." Let the haters know they're NOT
WELCOME at your show.
As of this moment, there isn't enough information
about who injured Bryan from The KooKooNauts, and it's
a shame if that coward doesn't get caught. Bryan is
just one of countless people who are victims of
senseless crimes. I don't care if you're Straight
Edge, Gutter Punk, Stoner, Skater, Skin, whatever..It
doesn't matter. We should be able to be who we want,
believe what we want, go to shows, get rowdy, but get
home safe after a crazy night out with mates.
Sorry to get preachy on you, but I've been around the
scene before many of you young punks were born and
hate hearing stories about kids getting hurt for
stupid reasons. I will always be a fan of the punk
scene, and you'll still find me out there moshing at
the next Youth Brigade show at Jerry's.
Punk rock kids getting put in the hospital, beatings
with padlocks and chains aren't cool. Don't be the
next victim.
Take Back Your Scene! Haters Stay Out!
Matt Munoz / Mento Buru
"Straight Edge," by Minor Threat, 1981
I'm a person just like you
But I've got better things to do
Than sit around and fuck my head
Hang out with the living dead
Snort white shit up my nose
Pass out at the shows
I don't even think about speed
That's something I just don't need
I've got the straight edge
I'm a person just like you
But I've got better things to do
Than sit around and smoke dope
'Cause I know I can cope
Laugh at the thought of eating ludes
Laugh at the thought of sniffing glue
Always gonna keep in touch
Never want to use a crutch
I've got the straight edge
This entry was posted by N.L. Belardes, on
Wednesday, October 19, 2005.
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