FYA Fest 2026 Recap

C4 is next, Bob. Album of the year, band of the year, everything of the year. The set was unbelievable. I'm glad how many people give a shit about the band and love the record because I think it's insane. At one point, Owen ripped his shirt off to reveal the C4 sheaved into his chest air. The five seconds of him taking his shirt off, doing that, tossing his shirt into the crowd and winking at the person like he was a Chip and Dale's dancer was just unbelievable. C4. C4. C4. C4. C4. C4. C4. Hello, welcome. It's hard work time. How you doing, Bo? Doing great, Colin. Good to see you. Good to see you too. It's been hours. And, you know, we're back at that time again, guys. It's January. It's a new year, which means mostly one thing. What's that? FYA has come and gone and the Prodigal Son has returned to the show. By Prodigal Son, I obviously mean the great Robert Taylor Wilson, the fourth. Fourth, yeah, not the third. Not the third is always thanked in a thing earlier this year for more of the bands I put out. Oh, perfect. Close it off. You're still Robert Thomas Wilson the fifth in my phone. RTW, welcome back. Yeah, how you doing? Doing alright. Thanks for having me back, obviously. Of course. You are, I was thinking about this today in the shower. I was thinking about you in the shower. You are like the conductor of the year when it comes to this kind of music. You set the overture for the entire year by having the fast when it is and having the opening band every year be like, oh, fuck yeah, they're opening. Like it's a better get there for them, better get there early kind of a thing. And I think that's really very impressive because we've all been and played to in whatever fests where it's not until about 4pm where things start to get good. You know what I mean? So well done. You did it again. It happened. Yes. I'm glad. I'm glad everything came went. Nothing disastrous. So I'm glad to survive another year. Smooth year, dude. And it really a great point, but it really is just like, here's everything that rocked last year. Here's everything that's gonna rock this year. And then here's three or four of your favorite bands at the end. You know, it's great. Come on. It's great. It's weird because the harms we ever play. This is for you, Fests. Yeah. I feel like you probably did. Yeah, the one time. Because that was like, that was the same time period. You're right. But I like looking back, I don't really look at it the way that Billy did a great job and he had so many different kinds of bands. And I fucking, that was all my favorite fests ever. But like, it's not like you really like set the standard for what was going to happen that year. You know what I mean? So it is just, I'm glad that, you know, I can actually just use the Fests to kind of push things that I think are sick or, you know, kind of reward bands that are busting their asses that I think should be, you know, paid attention to and all that stuff. So. It's awesome. And it's funny to think about what it was like, like in Ebor, you know, like not that long ago, it was much smaller. Way more chickens. I remember being psyched when we sold like 50 tickets a day that shit went on sale. I was like, all right, we're in good position. We just need to get like a couple hundred more and then I'm good. You know what I mean? So it's definitely, it's cool seeing how much has grown since then. Fuck yeah. It's unbelievable. So here we are guys. Let's, let's get into it. Break it down. This is our last Zoom episode for the next six weeks, by the way. Everybody. So get ready for some good shit. First off, we want to thank Feet First Productions for providing all the clips you'll be seeing from throughout this episode. He sent him over, sent him to Steven immediately. Immediately. Just to help out. Just a man. Love Jeff. Fantastic. Great stuff. Shout out. As the black eyed peas one said. Day one. First band, 1130 AM, which is diabolical, but I get it. You're doing what you got to do here. Doors at 1030. Very diabolical, but I get it. You're doing what you got to do here. Exit life. First up. Tell me about putting exit life on the show, Bob. So the 1130 thing, just to go back a second, I really, that's like a fucking nightmare to me. Like, so I was trying everything I could not do. And I was like, doing the time for the bands. And I was like, dude, I'm not going to have Hebrew go on like 1030. That's going to fuck everything up. So I was like, whatever people get there early, it's fine. Say, like every year I try to at least do a few Florida bands because in Florida and obviously like the whole point of the beginning was to show people want to live in Florida, like cool stuff that they might not have known because, you know, they're really paid for some Florida stuff, whatever. So exit life is people from that band, no truth. That's right. Yeah. That your guys boys from last year. Yeah. And it's basically the same band just with a different singer. Say, I was, it was kind of like torn between a couple of bands. I was like, I feel like this band would be a good way to pop it off and everything. And then, I mean, they were just, I thought the demo was sick and they're all super excited. The set was fucking ridiculous for 1130 in the morning. The singer had a ringworm hoodie that he took off to reveal a ringworm shirt and then they closed with Bertha's pain. So you're really not going to get better than that. Twice in one day. We heard the song. Do you watch every set? Unless I'm pulled away by bullshit with the venue or other nonsense. Yeah. Like I kind of like, I really, I never realized how psychotic that was until somebody's like, dude, you watch like every band. I mean, I like every band I booked. I did this. Yeah. So like, this is like not, not like, like a private party for me or something like that. But I'm like, cool. It's like bands that I want to see that I'm able to see it or, you know, things like I'm excited to, to like, for every set, like as stupid as it sounds, like, this is how I got his puts up on just so, you know, it's like, oh, well, go have fun, whatever. Let me know how it is later. I want to see it. I love watching people. Mosh. I love, you know, seeing it. The band delivers live from the demo. So yeah, that's, yeah, pretty much try to watch as much as humanly possible throughout the weekend. Exit life demo sounds like the promise ringworm. Yeah. And then they put a new, dude, it's awesome. The tones and everything. The song, the new song reminds me of dying fetus covering judgment day, if that makes sense. Whoa. Yeah, I can see that. Where it's like they're blasting, but they're still doing the Clevo. Yeah. The Clevo tone is all still there. And then there's like a random blues riff in there for a second. I'm really excited to hear what this band does next. They're very good drummer. Dope drummer. Yeah. I hope they get out there and tour and actually do stuff because I mean, they're awesome. So the world is there. Is there oyster if they, if they do that lit asset 1130 next up, we had wits motherfucking end. They British British, British and Canadian. British and Connor from DC. He moved to England for like six months, I think. And then so him and Tom from violent reaction and the flex and all those bands kind of just bang the demo out. And yeah, so it's like three quarters, British and Connor. It's so fucking good, dude. It's they put out two demos in like six months, both rule, but it's like breakdown, killing time. What more do you want? Yeah. You know, they kind of kickstarted the the rebirth rock block that I did just because I was like, I for like these kind of bands are not super well known. Like, you know, what's in obviously just have the fucking demo. So I was like, I will put them at the beginning of the day after everybody's in there and they're ready to mosh and go off. And yeah, obviously I love both demos and then, you know, all the dudes in the band have been in a million different bands throughout the years. And yeah, the set was like insane for a band that's probably played like six shows ever, none in America. So fucking good. I like I'm it's this what you've got going on here exit life opening doing the like cleavage death metal with send doing breakdown raw deal that start today next doing, you know, proto youth crew. Everybody takes one doing actual straight edge music. But let's let's end both of these demos are so fucking good. The first one I listened to a billion times last year. Yeah, I don't know which one I like more. But I mean, there's I think it's like 10 or 11 songs total and literally every song is good. So I hope to see him more. Start today is next. The young whippersnappers from from California. Now with these three bands, we've officially covered the entire spectrum of hardcore music. Great job, Bob. There starts today is the future of hardcore seems like it. Oh, yeah. Yeah, already passionate historians diving into all eras. Kids are all right. They like if they were from they just remind me of my friend groups when we were younger, like, no post stuff. And I'm like, why the fuck do you know what severed head of state is or like, you know, like the murder weapon seven inch or this and they know like everything. Like I just I love those kids and they're a great squad. And then on. Yeah, they like you said, like they to me, they're the future of everything going on right now. And I mean, yeah, they did no justice. Just start off the set of thing. Yeah, no justice dump truck. And then they weren't going to have time. But then the singer Angus, he's cracking up. He's just like, I'm sorry, sound man, but we got to do hardcore pride. And then they busted right into hardcore pride by 10 or fight. And that was probably the biggest reaction I've seen to a 10 or fight song in a minute. Sorry to sound man is funny and not. Yeah, we're five feet away. Yeah. Yeah, of course. He's been three. We're like, we're like 10 minutes over time already. Keep that respect. You got it. You got it back. I mean, their own songs got good reactions to I'm psyched. They're going to have an LP coming out in the next month or two. And they got some pretty big tours coming up. So I'm very psyched to see what they end up doing this year. They are not a straight edge band, correct? No, everybody confused that, you know, anytime they post stuff like, fuck yeah, like California straight edge and then 99.9% of them are. So it's a little confusing for people, but nobody's perfect. Nobody's perfect. No, no, you know, everybody takes one straight edge band. So we got to add some points there. Of course. Where are they? They're from Minnesota and they came across my radar because I talked to Conner and Ambrose from joint custody literally every day. And somehow they brought up, they're like, yo, there's this demo. You should check it out. Like, you know, it's kind of floating around whatever. And I got ahold of it. And I was like, dude, this is the spirit is strong with all of them. And yeah, they are, they're great just getting to know those guys too. And Maddie, they're all sick. They just did a seven inch that's coming out. Like I'm waiting on the vinyl now, but I mean, they really, I mean, the last time a Minnesota band kind of made an impact in our courage. I don't even know like how long like holding on or martyred or something. I don't know. It's been like 20 something years. And so yeah, it's fucking sick. I love that band. And yeah, they're, I just wanted to put like a band from the area on and kind of, you know, have it, have them be represented. And they're fucking great to cover up front. And yeah, that was sick. It's always nice when some of a straight edge band is musically straight edge. Yeah. Yeah. Feels good. I get what you're saying. Bull's shit is next. Gothenburg, H.C. baby. The big return. Tell me about having your favorite band of all time back to F.Y.A. Bob. Dude, they, so obviously they overcome a lot. Like that name is, if you're just like a normal hardcore kid, you're just brushing right past that because you're like, what, what, what is this? And the music is so good that it kind of just like supersedes all that to me. And then, yeah, so I heard it a few years ago and I like, it was like, yo, please let me put this out in the States because like, I want kids to hear this. And they played F.Y.A. the first time. And I think people were going off. It was more of like, they didn't really know the songs. It was kind of going off vibes for them. They were just like, Oh, this is sick. They were paying respects. Literally. Yeah. Like they came all the way from fucking Sweden. Sweetest H.C. I will be pitting. Right. Yeah. And now with the new record DLP, which is like unbelievable to me. Yeah. I think they came back to people actually knew the words this time and kind of just like, you know, they played the old stuff and people were even more psyched on it. They closed with the last track on the record, which is like an all time hardcore song to me. Yeah. And then, you know, they do so much in Sweden, like bringing bands over and, you know, like just, yeah, I think they like to brought over scared for the fest that they do over there and everything like that. And then, yeah, I hope they, I wish they could do more. I was hoping they would do some kind of touring around the fest. So I hope they can just do, you know, even to come back to like East Coast or West Coast at some point because they're, they're so good. And I just want people to like see them and check them out. Fuck yeah, dude. Gothenburg hardcore. It's crazy. Finally. Yeah. They're metal. They need, they need the, what, how would you describe bullshit? Like a, like, there's like sheer terror. Boston. Yeah. They would have played with like waste management in like 2012 or something or any good show of like a dead alive records band in 2003 or something. Like just, they're just, they're just perfect hardcore. They're sick. Love it. When do people start, let's talk about some of the behavior we witnessed at FYA guys. Okay. There's, there's Bucky's outfits stage diving. How'd you feel about that, Bob? So when I saw them, I was just like, this is not going to end well. And then it was funny seeing the throughout the weekend, they had the brand new Bucky's costumes at the beginning and then by day two, the end, it was just covered in dirt. Like they just look like they'd like served like a couple of tours and like a war or something like that. It was just, it was insane looking. But, and then I feel like they grew in numbers throughout the day and the weekends, like it started off the one or two. And then I feel like they were just recruiting people and there's more and more of the Bucky squad. They, I don't know, but they were diving. Yeah. They were fucking going off other shit. Like, seem like they knew some of the words. I can't, I don't know. It was just too crazy for me, but I was just like, well, nobody fought them. They didn't get salty if they got hit. They just took it like a champ and just fucking started going off. So I don't know. It's very 2026 behavior, I guess. Very 2026. It was bizarre to watch. It's hard to hate on people who are being such good sports, you know, That's if they're like swinging wildly on people, if they're like in like their space or something, or they just look pissed off the whole time, but they were, they were part of the part of the pit, part of the diving. So just piling on top of people. I don't, I don't know if they knew what the hell was going. Somebody asked them if they're there, like if they like the band or something again, like, no, we just like hanging out with our friends. And I was like, whatever works, I guess. I don't know. That don't work. It's crazy. There's one guy who, who walks around the pit the whole weekend, he's kind of surveying it and he'd be like, I don't know how to describe him, but he looked insane. And when people got near him, he just kind of be like, I don't know that I actually ever saw him moshing. He was just in awe of what was happening around him at all times. And then the girl in the front during kickback. Dude, I was waiting to get to that. What, what was that? I don't know. Somebody said it started at the end of Marauder, but I don't think I saw what was going on for whatever reason. And then right before kickback, she was kind of just standing and just kind of like giving people like crazy like stairs and stuff again. I was like, I don't know what the hell's going on. I was like, I guess it's kind of makes sense. I guess this makes sense with a kickback aura, I guess for lack of a better word. And then so they're playing the first song and then she she was just swinging on people who came anywhere near her. She kicked this one dude in the dick that was going by her, which was like, all right, man. And then at some point I was like, so like, dude, I am not going to be the one that's like removes her. I was like, I don't want any. This is fucking miserable. And then she stood on. She sat on stage with her back to the band. And I was like, I was just like, I was like, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. Like you got to get the fuck off stage. Like I was like, I have many people have done that when I played and then I know how it ended every time. I was like, I don't want that to happen. Yeah. So I was like, yo, you got to just get off and then she will pissed off. Got back in the. What was the goal? What was the goal? I don't know. I have no at some point she was just she was just literally yelling at people yelling at imaginary people like literally doing like the there's somebody over there thing. There's nobody over there. I don't know who she was mad at. That motherfucker is not real. Yes, literally. She's doing she's doing the lady on the plane thing. And then at some point, I think Anthony yelled at her. Anthony Anthony Gonzalez. And in that time I went to security. I was like, you got to just get this. This girl's either going to get knocked out by somebody, monitoring or like goward somebody's eyes out. That's like trying to just enjoy themselves. I was like, yeah. So I was just like, we got to. We got to remove the situation before something miserable happens. But it's truly bizarre, but that was some real kickback shit. It was like it was like Batman villains all day. Just the scare the scarecrow was there before fucking kickback. My worst fear was her just knocking me out cold in front of the whole show. That also would have been worst case scenario. Great great for content and people, you know, whatever. But me just sounds like I can't. I can't just have. My ass kicked. She's at Arkham now. You're fine. Did you. So did you fall off the stage last year? What any, any incidents this year? That was pretty good until day two and I was half asleep still probably. And it wasn't really paying attention to my surroundings. Doors at 1030. I, yeah, it's a horrible, horrible idea. And I just, I ate shit, took a speaker down with me, which is my worst fear. And at that point I recruited my friend Dylan and I was like, I'm done. I was like, I'm standing back here the rest of the time. I don't care what the fuck happens. You're getting the speaker. And luckily he held it down because I was like, no more. I just, I can't, I cannot, I can only fall down somebody times before I don't get back up and then it's a whole thing. Now, do you know if there is any video of this incident? There is. I can send you the clip. It's the. Here it is. Yeah. Now that I said that, you can't take it back. That's fine. I'll send you what I have here. Unbelievable. Wow. Wow. Mongrel is next. Oh. Hard Lore Records, Days Media Group, baby. One of the hardest bands on earth. Such a beautiful thing to see how awesome this was. It was really good. And by and when it was. Safe to say tightrope walk is the award winner for best breakdown for 2025. Tell me about putting Mongrel on Bob. Hey, I don't even know. Maybe you guys post about the merger. I can't even remember, but I was like, this needs to just be at a show with a ton of people because this is literally just like, Mosh music, like it's like malevolent creation, but for hardcore kids to beat the shit out of each other. And then, yeah, so they did, they did a switching God's hate show and failure over this year. And I feel like it literally went over people's heads and I was like annoyed for them because I'm like, I know how this set should be. People need to like just fucking figure it out and just, you know, whatever. So I think this is like the best combination for them to succeed. And then it was literally just fucking unreal. I love that band. I hope they keep doing more and then just like, you know, play bigger shows because their sets should just be the most ignorant thing of all time to me. You know, damn well, I couldn't agree more. The last, I mean, I think the last time I saw them was sound and fury, which was great. And which was horrifying. And I was in the middle thing. I wasn't even there, you know, it was horrible. Now people really know the songs. Yeah. Yeah. And Connor Jacked is ever, you know, who jacked just good shit. Seat of pain is next. Yeah. Geographically, they're from Florida. Sonically, they're from Cleveland, Ohio. Of course. Insane set. Drama. Who plays drums in this band? I think Mikey plays drums now because Lenin doesn't know. But Mikey does Fortress Records and there's a bunch of bands down there. Swagged out of his fucking gourd. God damn. Talk to a couple of younger people during the day. Yeah. Being like, Hey, what did you like today? Or you too? Many people said seat of pain number one set. Good as they should. Swarov. That, I mean, that's something that every time we do a man on the street stuff at FYA, which we didn't do this year purposefully so as not to take away from any sets or anything. Because last year it got a little crazy. Every single time it's a Floridian, they just put on for Florida. It's awesome. It makes me, that's what it's supposed to be. You know what I mean? You guys are, Florida is hosting you and Florida are hosting this thing that everybody's traveling to, to be like, Yeah, we got this. You know, and, uh, yeah, I heard seat of pain was, was quite a set. And to follow mongrel too was crazy. Yeah. They, I, I like, I always feel bad because like I don't have the room to put on a ton of Florida bands. You know what I mean? There's a band called Barricade from South Florida that I think is fucking awesome. Um, you know, there's just like, there's a lot of good stuff going on right now. But, uh, so seed like hasn't played in a couple of years and then so I was like, all right, they just need to, I think it's a right time for them to come back and just kind of crush and just show people what's up. And you can, I mean, you can obviously see their impact on stuff like exit life and all those kids and everything like that. And then so, yeah, seed. I can't remember how long they've been around, but they definitely kind of like shifted at least South Florida to a certain direction. And then it's, it's awesome seeing, you know, them kind of get respects paid to them and everything. Again, it was, it was just as good as probably might have been my favorite seed set I've ever seen. So it was a good one. Drummer swag guy is fucking good. No idols up next. They from Baltimore. It's technically Baltimore and New York now. It's like 5050 because a couple of people move there. Right. They might be the band to watch in 2026. Are they relatively new or did they just put something out like two weeks ago? I think the demo came out a couple of years ago. 2024. At this point, I can't even remember. I don't know what's up there. Yeah. Members of Truth, Cole, Angel Dust, Bib. Musically 80s in all the best way. Yeah. Another drummer who's swagged out of his fucking gore, dude, is my Robins of God, dude. He's insane. Melodic sensibilities of like a lot of early California hardcore, but with the vocal sensibilities over the melodic sensibilities that just sound uniquely Japanese to me, even if it is their intention or not. I loved all like the leads and shit. Fucking sick. Something like this only works if the people behind the instruments can back it up and they're good. Tell me about putting no idols on. Yeah. They're just when the demo came out, you know, whenever you said it was, I was in fucking Bloomy Way. So good. It reminded me of like the, in my opinion, like the peak era of like fucked up, just like super catchy. Just, yeah, like you hear the songs like once and you remember like every track and then you had a new record. I was like, okay, cool. They got a new seven inch. I feel like now will be a good time to put them in front of people and whatever. And yeah, they're so fucking sick and they did, they did a little touring around it, which is cool because I feel like all those shows are really good for them. And then yeah, I agree. I think like if they do more this year, that's definitely something to like watch out for. And then yeah, I mean, just everybody in that band is, I mean, yeah, everybody's great. I mean, they close with Alper's, which, you know, you're not going to get better in that. And then, yeah, I just fucking love them. So great band. Great set. Forced order is up next. This is my Famiglia. My brothers, they still got it. New EP this year on streets of hate and triple B. There's an entire generation of showgoers who missed out on Kyle and Mike's songwriting. Right. Who are now hearing it and just being like, yeah, why is this so damn good? And now I hopefully they're getting the love they deserve. I love to see them back and playing again. Nick has been the running guru to thousands. So that's why he has the greatest stage cardio maybe in history. This is a band I can go years without listening to and remember every second of every song. Tell me about getting forced order on Bob. Yeah, they, first of all, they're part Philly hardcore now since Kyle lives here. So I'm claiming them. Absolutely. If I love it, I could not love that more. Yeah, they were like one of my favorite bands of, you know, last decade easily. I feel like the last time they played that way was a Cuban club year and they kind of got a raw deal with the aftershow as a fucking disaster and everything. Yeah. So I was glad that they could kind of come back and just like kick the fess ass. And yeah, I mean, like you said, yeah, there's like three generations of kids who haven't seen them. You know what I mean? So like them playing sound a few last year, them coming out for the Scarab record release, like doing a little more, having a new record. I feel like they definitely have like a second life now. Yeah. And then, you know, I feel like they definitely blew people away at the fest. And yeah, it was just fucking perfect. They just, they always sound unfucking believable. You know what you said? I mean, they did the uniform choice since youth of today tracks, which was definitely just like a cool curveball for kids who wouldn't expect that. And such a funny thing for them to do musically, but somehow it works. And then literally is just perfect. Any heavy band doing a youth crew or or, but yeah, I don't know if you want to call you in from choice youth crew, but you know, it's definitely in that vein is like so cool to me. It's just one of my favorite things, you know? And I love that they go, they went straight into take a stand and then they stop at the type. They don't do that part. They just go into one of their own so that you just, you get a taste of it. It was fucking awesome. The uniform choice cover was funny because Nick told me they were going to do it. And I was like, how does that song fucking go? Like I just couldn't recall. And then they started and you just know every part. And I go, oh, time to change people. Yeah, that was awesome. Loved it. The Hummy Coops singing uniform choice. Legend about face. Rated fire starter about face. That's what I'm talking about. Whispers is up next. Brother, dude, every second, every time I saw any of those guys the whole day, they hit me with the big, the big bow. It's buddy. So happy to see them. So we saw their first American hardcore fest set ever. We saw their biggest set ever. And now they're just this certified H.C. staple, dude. It's beautiful. They're so good. Songs are so memorable. It's been amazing to watch them grow. Go back and watch our episode with Oli and Mike. If you haven't yet, it's awesome. Tell me about getting whispers on. Finally. That. Yeah, I mean, that's like, I feel like I might have talked about it on the last one, but I've been trying to get them over since, you know, whatever the first thing was to the point where I was like calling the embassy in, you know, Thailand or whatever, trying to like figure out the visa stuff. Like, yo, what do I need to do? Like, what's what's the money to figure this out? Like, I just want to have this work out or whatever. So Bob calling up an embassy be like, yo, what do I need to do? And they're like, go very far. I tried my best. I'm I'm going to 11th grade dropout. I think they can sense it on me. But but the fact that, you know, I just felt we should have wanted to see them forever. So like, I'm glad, you know, the set finally worked out and it actually was probably for the best that it kind of took a little bit. You know what I mean? Like down in fury, they got the show improved and people like, holy fuck, you know what I mean? Like there's worse things in your first US show being with 5,000 people. You know what I mean? So that only all that stuff only helps, you know, kind of like elevate them. And then, yeah, their set was like, it was stressful to watch. I was just like, this is like so fucking sick. But I was like, this is getting out of hand. But yeah, I was like, I'm glad that people, you know, gave them the reception they deserved and they were all super thankful. Well, I'm talking about best band, best guys hope to see them again soon. They're going to be touring the States and the world a lot this year. So it's all. Yeah. Magnitude is next. Holy shit. This was insane. Dude, middle of the day, full stage pilot. That's a magnitude style. Straight edge. I'm telling you, it's back. Straight edge is back in a big way. Yeah, of course. Tell me about getting them on. They, you know, Russell said a lot of nice stuff throughout the set. Because yeah, he's talking about his first F way. It was the second one, you know, whatever. And then, you know, they played everyone since the demo came out like 2017 or something like that. I think it was and last year it couldn't work out and I was like, fuck, I was like, I don't want it to be a thing where it's just like, OK, I just kind of like stops or whatever. So I was like, let's, let's see, you know, how everybody stands next year and like see if it makes sense. And then, you know, because you know what you're getting with the magnitude set. Yeah. And but every time it doesn't make it any less like unbelievable to me, like specifically at F way, I'm like, it's just like a, like a super special thing to me. I have a new appreciation for Russell's. I know he's a big Lord of the Rings guy. I've now seen two of the Lord of the Rings. Welcome. So it was it was real once upon a time in Hollywood situation when they would say some shit. I was like, OK, I know where that comes from. I know who Farmer is. So you've seen the first two then? Yeah, yeah, yeah. I'm waiting to see the third one. He postponed Return of the King to do this today. Yeah, there you go. Oh, thank you. Call some issues when it's fine. Hey, I appreciate it, but boy, are you in for a treat. OK, can't wait. But magnitude, magnitude is better than Lord of the Rings, no matter how good it is. But I think magnitude would take issue with that. Yeah, Russell would be salty about that. But no, it was fucking great. They're like the most sincere band to me. Like everything they say and do is like really genuine. And I'd yeah, I just I love that band. I hope they never break up and just, you know, just always just play stuff and have crazy reactions. And yeah, it was it was awesome to see. Just one of those secret fucking massive bands. Yes. Yeah. Where you just put them on any time, anywhere it's going to work. Yeah, fantastic. Bob. Scarab is next. The crown jewel of the rebirth records roster. One of the best bands making aggressive music on Earth today. Talk to me. Yeah, I mean, I feel like you guys are big scarab guys, too. Ever since a demo, like I told people it was like the best really thing since Blacklisted. Like everything about them is just just perfect. Like if I was a teenager, I would literally have like their lyrics like printed up on my fucking walls like like psychopath, just like just fanboying out at every shirt. Like they're just it's just 20 minutes of just literally just insanity. Basically every time towers and all time, great frontman. He really is sound unbelievable. The new songs got a good pop, which was cool to see. Now that the now that the LP's been out for a while, it's like their their time has truly begun. Yeah, you can you can see like kids throughout the time the records come out, like kind of like gravitate towards to the newer stuff and kind of like I've seen the old stuff. I want to see everybody in the way and, you know, the same the other. And then yeah, they're just they're a perfect hardcore band to me. So I love it. It is their time. It's scarab o'clock now, guys. Wind your watches. And I mean, I can't say enough about how good that record is, how good the band is. It sounds great. Songs are just it's short. It's sweet. It's full of pits, full of cool riffs, great lyrics, horrific, horrifically horrifying vocal presence from Tyler. Scary, very scary. Excessive forces next. What the fuck, Bob? Orange County straight edge back with their first set in one billion years, returning in Orlando, Florida, and it was lit. I mean, yeah, that's something I think that was it tied down, maybe? Or someone one of the one of the fast lumpy came out to me. He's like, you know, you fuck with excessive force. And I thought I was just making conversation. I was like, yeah, you thought he was fucking with you being like, yeah, yeah, man, I get it. I'm like the excessive force guy. Leave me alone. Yeah, I was just like, yeah, I'm straight. Of course, I like excessive force. She's like, would you be into me? Yeah, obviously, like if that can work out, like I feel it could be cool. You know what I mean? So it's kind of just like a lot of back and forth trying to figure it out. And then because I was just like, dude, I don't want to just set this band up for failure. You know what I mean? Like I don't want to bring a band back up for 30 years and have to be like crickets and people not give a shit. Dude, yeah. But like you got Kevin Hare there. What is there to be worried about? He's only one man. Well, he's much for five. Some men are bigger than others. That's right. Singer is in a with dead hands rising shirt, which is like the most that's very that makes sense. I ain't seen one of them since the last time excessive force play. I mean, dude, Dan Gump is just he's like he's very like he's like that. See, I'm not seen, but like he's kind of like the Mike judge of metallic straight edge hardcore to me. Like he's pretty like like he's around, but not really. You don't really know much about him. So I feel like he was kind of on the fence and then he was like, yo, like, I don't know if we should do this and I kind of like convince him. I was like, yo, I promise I was like when I think of like excessive force, I think of kids at F. Y. A. that have had the shirts on or like rip the riffs off or whatever. I was like, I I'm almost positive it's going to be six. So like just if you can take my word for it, whatever. And then, yeah, it wasn't. And I think people too thought it was just going to be like, you know, just those are where Mosh pit, whatever. But like literally the whole fucking set people are going off. So it made me really happy to see them. And then those who were Mosh pit. Yeah, it was just fucking unbelievable. So it was sick. Yeah. I was just, you know, it's always as much as I want to put over a new stuff and show people stuff like I want to make sure the older bands that I really liked growing up get the respect and like kind of get like get their flowers, you know, I'm 30 fucking years later or whatever and kind of shut like get to feel like, oh, shit, like what I did like matter. This is cool. And so yeah, that was cool to see. Let me ask you as a promoter of a thing like this, that. Can be a bit of a gamble, right? Oh, for sure. Yeah. Like you like you said, it could be crickets. How did you know? Like, did you really just roll the dice and just say it should be good? Or was it was it seeing the kids in the shirts and hearing the refs and being like, this is going to be good? I mean, at the end of the day, everything's a gamble. You know what I mean? Like life's a gamble. But it's all how you roll. But like they are like, chain was a gamble. I could not have been more wrong with that. Yeah. But like so it should happen. You know what I mean? But like, you know, it's that's of course has Mosh parts. They have singalongs. They had, you know, they're fucking straight edge still. You know, and that was a cool thing about Dan, too. He he was like, yeah, I want to make sure it's a straight line up. So the backing lineup was Crow killer, you know, a bunch of Utah salt lake guys and she like that. So the lineup was still straight edge, which is important, obviously. So it's definitely a gamble, but it was one that I was like mostly confident in. And I was, you know, so I don't ever want to bullshit somebody and be like, yeah, to be good. And like, this is going to be horrible. But I'm glad. Glad I was right. Good job. Listen, man. Hardcore is about the roots at the end of the day. And as as straight edge metalcore becomes the status quo, excessive force are kind of the roots. Yeah. Yeah. Me literally. So we must we must pay respect. Great job. Big boys up next. Great. Goded the swag, the songs, the presence. I'm so proud of this band watching them anywhere today. It's kind of like this generation's cold world, you know? Oh, wow. You know, yes, I do. Actually, that's the students of the game on stage wearing their influences on their sleeves, doing something that nobody else around them is really doing. Episode with Brandon is one of my favorites of all time. Just the just the coolest. And I love getting to see them. Tell me about putting them on, Bob. There's something like, again, you guys, you know, like, I don't really like doing repeats because I just want to keep things fresh and like moving forward or whatever. So I was like, all right, they have a new EP. They'll know I feel like if I wait for them to do an LP to bring them back, it's just never going to fucking happen. Yeah. So I was just like, all right, new new EP is out. It's fucking sick. The life of Agony covers awesome. Everything about it's sick to me. So I was just like, I was what's bring them back because I don't I don't. I think it's like physically impossible for them to have a bad set. And then, yeah, like they they could like literally play last on any show in the world, you know, they're always going to get a great reaction. Brandon's always going to look cool as shit to saying ridiculous stuff. Throwing water all over the place. Still, yeah, that's that's it's it is one of those at this point. But I gave up that I gave up. Yeah, you're going to lose. If the band sucked or they're the unlikeable, I'd be like, all right, we got to stop this. Can I tell you something? What can I tell those guys? Can I tell you something? I think the water is cool. Listen, it's gets hot out there. That's why it's cool down. It's refreshing. It's fine. Exactly. I turned over a new leaf. I'm pro water now. OK, good. You heard it here, kids. You heard it here. Do it. Do it. Any bottle you find is fair game. Yeah, this is the coolest line up of guys. I love that it's a four piece. What can you do? Best best could have headlined anywhere, as you said. Speaking of could have headlined anywhere. Mine, force is next. This is the Kings of Modern Mosh right here. FyA staple. One of the greatest live bands of the last 25 years. Easily. Easily. Tell me about it. Yeah, I mean, like you said, they're just they're a staple at this point. And it's always a thing. I'm just like, I want to make room for them. If they don't want to do it, it's totally fine. But every single time, like it's like kind of waiting for the bottom fallout, but it's just never going to fall out. So it's just like they could do this until the end of time and have good sets every fucking time. So it just depends if they want to do it or not. I mean, yeah, as soon as they started, I was like, I mean, playing up to big boy is pretty rough for any band. Yeah. But they fucking held it down. Jay was just being ridiculous and saying hilarious stuff. They just are on point every single time. They sound fucking massive. Another four piece band that just sounds way bigger than they are. Yes. It's just way bigger than, you know, four pieces. And yeah, I mean, it's they're just the goats. So I love my force. He did the big fuck ice chant. Yeah. The whole room is doing it back with them. That's what I'm talking about. You know, he's a legend. He's a man. You know, I didn't I see him every fest, like every time I didn't see him this time. You see Jay, I didn't see him. The wind felt wrong. Yeah, he was sick, I think. So he might have been trying to keep a little profile. Yes. Well, I hope you're feeling better, Jay. Any any big any word of an FYA plague this year? Surprisingly, no, like I usually I feel like shit afterwards. And then I did a show like a sold out church show on Thursday and I went down to D.C. Friday. And I maybe my immune system is just in denial right now. But I feel pretty good. And I haven't heard anything really insane. So I'm pretty glad. I did. We did FYA. Colin Taylor and I went to Universal, flew home two days later, flew to L.A. We did more episodes and then just flew back somehow knock on wood. I'm fine. Yeah, made it. We defeated the plague. It feels like a miracle, Bob. I saw you sipping on Dr. Pepper's on stage. What was that about? So here's the thing, Bob, we got to get you on Dr. Pepper's hero. You're going to love it. Yeah, I don't know, man. I've tried just not. It's not for me. I know you got to train your mind. You got to train your mind to say this is good and I like it. I'm weak minded, unfortunately. You're straight. I'm the only strong thing about me is being straight. Everything else is weak as hell. Have you had the Pib zero cans or bottles yet? No. Give him a shot. I'm a fan of Pib, but zero. Really? Bob, Bob, Bob. You got to listen. You could you could drink diet soda all day and then eat ice cream all day. I could. You could. You know what's good? They have mini. Tall boys now. 10 ounces. So they're extra long. They're extra long. I love the mini for the carbonation sake. Yeah, I'm curious to try this. Maybe the mini tall is like an aeration thing. That's what I'm saying. Somalia type shit. Exactly. Bob, Pib zero is so good that I believe Dr. Pepper is I can only imagine Dr. Pepper HQ is freaking out every day. Dude, I got it. I got it in the gutter next year. Fy. A 20 27. The Dr. Pepper challenge. We're going to do a Dr. Pepper challenge with you. Down with you, sir. All day, any fucking day. They like I within seconds. Hey, Colin and I did a Pepsi challenge. With Diet Coke, Coke Zero, like all the different colors. Pepsi, Pepsi Max, all that. We got every single one wrong. It destroyed me. That's brutal. Yeah. But I mean, it all tastes. It's Pepsi. It all tastes like ass anyway. So it doesn't really matter. See, we said the same thing and then we couldn't tell Diapepsie and Diet Coke apart. At Diapepsie now, I've conceded. I'll just when somebody's like, we got Diapepsie. Is that OK? I'm like, I guess. Yeah. Pardon this interruption. We just got to stop you real quick to tell you you look tired. I'm a yeah. Yeah, I was. It just they need something. A lot of travel, you know, you're all sick. You're all you're all tired. You need to pick me up. And and that picked me up for me and for Bo is timeless coffee. The first ever all vegan bakery and roastry in America happens to be a hardcore and punk owned coffee shop in the Bay area. That's unbelievable beans. Look at this. Black sales, dark roasts. Come on. Sound familiar? That's that's that's that's right here. That's by us, baby. They also do coffee subscriptions that you can get for yourself or give for a friend. You can choose your blend, your grind size, your bag size, your frequency every month, every other week, every week, whatever you want to do. The cookies, Bo. Oh, my God, them cookies. Multiple different flavors, all vegan. They all ship within 24 hours of them being baked. Timeless was created, structured, designed to be a punk spot, a hangout place for a community that we are all part of. Right. And now every touring band goes through. If you live in the Bay, it's even better because you can order the stuff online, use code hard lore and get the same discount. They also do these beautiful custom cakes. If you've got a birthday coming up, your friend loves motorhead. Get him a motorhead cake from Timeless. And if you use code hard lore, site wide, you're going to get 15% off and free shipping on anything over $30. We cannot stress this enough that this is not us just selling you bullshit. This place is unbelievable. They supported the show from the start. They made the David Havoc episode possible. So thank you. Come on. Give them back a little bit by getting yourself some beans, getting yourself some cookies, picking up a beautiful cake if you live anywhere near Oakland. Timeless coffee. Let's get back to the episode. All right, here we go. Hey, wire is next. Speaking of bands that could headline anywhere. Yeah, this is as insane as we all expected. And we all saw one of their first shows ever at F.Y.A. a couple of years ago. Yeah. We all knew they had something special back then. And here's this beautiful first full circle thing where they're back to back with three of our favorite bands ever certified legends. They're doing all these strategic cover selections. They've got the crowd in the palm of their hand the whole time. Could have played last. Will play last, I'm sure. Yeah, right. At some point soon. Just announced a split with the dropkick Murphy's. Fucking unreal. Tell me about getting haywire on. I mean, yeah, like you said, their second show ever was the Fest a few years ago. And that came from awesome being like, you have a new band. I feel like you like it. You sent me the songs. It was like February that year. I was like, I play the Fest because before that he had done Threshold and Berry Dreams and a couple of other bands that had played. And I was like, I feel like this could be your band finally that kind of breaks you out. And then, yeah, just seeing like their trajectory has been it's unbelievable. And I feel like obviously last year was the year of haywire. And I didn't really know where the fuck to put them. Because I was like, I mean, they could headline, but I don't know if they should. And I was like, they just got to be last out of like the current bands. Because no current band like older bands, you know, or bands are coming back. And like, if they come back, it's not, you know, the step goes up and down. Like they'll be the same regardless. But a current band playing after them, you couldn't pay me literally a million dollars a fucking foot like that is just embarrassing. You know what I mean? Yeah. So yeah, they fucking came. They crushed no band on earth would do rival mob title fight and ringworm with three gun on guitar besides them and it makes sense. Like everything to do is just I don't know what what level of soul selling Austin did to make himself such a charismatic, just like unbelievable front man that can just have the whole crowd in the palm of his hand on the Danzig plan. He did whatever. I watched this from front of house. And as they were playing, there was these kids in front of me who I kept. They kept whispering between songs like. All matching haircuts. Describe that haircut. A long long. Fashion mullet. Yes, I'm just a Gen Z mullet. You know, yeah, long. Yeah. And then they went into shed. The title fight cover and there's a swarm from the back of the room of these matching haircuts fighting to get to the front. And you know what's interesting about. Them covering that and people singing along to it is it's like that's the only time in history anybody's been able to sing along to that song. Yeah, for a lot of kids. Yeah. Oh, I see what you're saying. Yeah, because they missed it. Because they missed it and they're they're they're rocking it. Oh, true. Yeah. The Mike. Oh, I didn't even think about that. Wow. Yeah. First time ever. Good point. Crazy. We had been interviewing Frank before this and we had to end at a certain time before Hey, why are so that he could go over the song with them and then play with them and that was pretty surreal. It was pretty awesome. I made me realize that playing that ringworm break down on guitar sucks. No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. It's not an easy thing to play and probably not an easy. Oh, no, no, no, no. Just yeah, learn, you know. But it was fucking awesome. That was awesome. Then he stayed. I hit a little dive. He played one of their songs. Yeah, yeah, that was cool. It was cool. I hit a little stage dive. Nobody caught me. What's the deal running theme throughout the weekend? I feel you not like catching stage. I mean, what is that? I don't know. I don't know how to solve it. If I'm singing along, I'm so aware. Just do this. It's I think it's a combination of people, our age you don't want to get landed on and people really young who don't know that they're going to get landed on. And also don't you know what I mean? I think it's just a combination of just don't know how you're there and singing. And every time somebody comes, you. Yeah, that's happened many times. It's crazy. It's part of the thing is going like that. It's easy. And then they're going there down, dude, my neck. I got a stinger, brother. And Stone Cold own heart. They own hard. Shit. OK. But yeah, again, Hey, why are split with Dropkick Murphy's coming soon? I've heard the songs. Best ones yet. They played one of them. Banger. Oh, yeah. Yeah, this was fucking insane. The perfect thing to segue into this insane rock block that you put together. This is like hard lower fest now. It's so insane that you pulled this off. When how early did you have the idea of Marauder kickback? Hey, so I was so going back like Hey, breed and early telling tales at school here, but they almost opened the both days last year. I don't know if I told you guys about that. But I basically got a call a couple weeks before the fest being like, hey, the band is curious if you be into it, but it had to be a different name. But they were they're down to open both days of the fest. And I was like, yeah, I'll do whatever the fucking you do to make it work, whatever. And I have fallen. Yeah, so I was just like, I don't have fallen through, obviously, but that's something literally since 2013 have been trying to do. And I either didn't understand how to like, you know, do an offer properly or the festival is big, whatever. So as soon as I had them this year, I was kind of cooking in my head. I was just like, all right, well, to me, this would be a sick combo. And then obviously, there's the awesome video of Stefan singing along with Marauder, whatever, 1999, whatever hell year it was. And I was like, dude, if I can like put this, like to me, that's such a cool combo. I was like, if we could just get these three things in a row, I think it would be unbelievable. So I had heat read first and the other stuff kind of just fell not in the place because of a lot of trying to figure shit out or whatever. But I mean, Marauder hasn't played since the or film, like the fourth one or something like that, I can't remember a year and which started out awesome. But for Hey, literally fucked his ankle up the second song. So it pretty much just derailed the set and it kind of just like took all the mental for it. So obviously, you know, I took Marauder stock right now. I was like higher than it's maybe ever been. And then, you know, if there's a band that can play after Hey, why and hold it down and people are still going to go off like it's Marauder. The hardware thing does make sense. That's one of the first things I thought when I was like, this is like catnip for these motherfuckers. They better be excited on this. Also, I'll be salty. So agreed. Yeah, we've been laying down the foundation for this final block for four years now. I love that they play find my way. So cool. I think this is the best. Like guitar lineup they've had in a really long time. Stage right, dude, is the El Nino guy. You know, the Jorge El Nino tracks, the two songs, the song El Nino. It's it's it's it's it's on my phone. It's one of those songs on my phone. Literally, dude, this he nailed every solo and lead. And in the way and the best I've seen then. Yeah, maybe ever. It's awesome. I got Eli playing drums now. Eli from Bitter End. Yeah, right. He's in a new band called Order of Living from Texas. That's fucking sick. If you guys have a listen to that. But yeah, he's one of my favorite drummer. So seeing him in the band is really cool. Fuck yeah. Yeah, this was this was Marauder finally being third to last on a hardcore fest and getting a third to last reaction. Right. Yeah. More about Marauder coming soon. Yeah. Kickback is next. You described this set to me, Colin. As like. Horrifying evil. Yeah, the lights. Was this the only time the lights were like dimmed? Yeah, they when I went to go meet them out at the one part of the park or whatever. And they're just like, Hey, we saw the lights up. Is there any way, you know, that's not really kickback vibe. You know, you probably don't have like stage lights for red, but can we get them down a little bit? I was like, for you guys, I'll make it work. Yeah, I was just like, I don't typically like that, obviously. But I feel like it definitely helps the the. Yeah, literally the evil mood for the band. So I was down for it. Big time. Truly a horrifying vibe. First time seeing one of my favorite bands of over 20 years, Anthony on guitar, crushed it. Andy from your the knife on drums. Who listen, we talk a lot of a lot about doing the stuff. We call it doing the stuff when you're going to cover a band or feeling for a band. You the stuff to do the stuff. Got to do it with kickback. I'm listening for the stuff. And he did the stuff insane set list from all eras, except for cornered, had chills immediately. Tell me about making this happen, Bob. Yeah, that's a lot like a lot of the other things. Like I literally went back and I looked my first email to them from F. Way was 2015. Well, and so I've been like, it's not like I was just like, oh, damn, people like this band, I want to do them. You know what I mean? Like I've been trying for a fucking decade. And then so there's kind of like hints that they were down to finally do stuff this year. So it's kind of just a lot of navigating, trying to figure out, you know, what's up, they're down to play and whatever. Yeah, obviously, it was kind of hard to, you know, communicate and like get everything together. But, you know, he was awesome to deal with the whole time. And he was like super positive about everything. And, you know, I was just like, this dude's probably going to like body slam me off stage or just, you know, just like do something insane to me. But he was very nice the whole time and just like seemed really psyched on the fest and everything. He shouted out the last song to you. The Mr. Wilson, they want to riot thing. Yeah, I was just like, I don't want to be. I don't want to be legally responsible if anything happens here because I know how that goes. But I was like, yeah, whatever you got to do. But, um, yeah, it was just, I mean, there's literally a pit from the stage to like the photo booth, basically. Yeah, yeah. It was it was very, it was diabolical for sure. And it was one of the biggest pits in terms of square footage I've ever seen. Which is exactly how it should be. You know, I don't want, you know, like if people were just like piled on on him like sing along, I would have been like, that's cool. But I want to see some like nefarious shit. So I was glad that nobody got hurt, but it was like just like fucked up viewing. And then it was exactly what I think it could get kickback set should have been. Totally agree. I had a blast. It was beautiful. Not my best work, you know, but, you know, it wasn't dressed properly. I was content not mashing fully. And then nothing was next in the set list. And it was like, all right, give them one. Yeah, this was insane. Can't wait to see them a time down. I can't go and fucking help us. Can't believe I'm going to see them three times this year. It's awesome. It's crazy. What a band. Beautiful first time. Wish my brother was there would be the my main note. Yeah. I was I was describing the set to him in the same way I was describing no surrender to him on the phone when the preorder came. So it's kind of poetic that he wasn't there. Yeah. But your one feedback to the band would be I wish my brother was there. I wish my brother was there and more no surrender. Add if I died tonight and sideshow. We already talked about it. We it's don't worry, guys. It's all we're on it. Hey, breed is last day one. How long, how hard have you tried to make this happen? Since FYI is inception. I mean, literally since since the first one in 2013, I mean, because like, you know, pretty much anybody in hardcore, that's, you know, one of the first bands I liked in computer class in eighth grade. I was searching metal videos and I literally that just like popped up randomly. I was like, what was the video for before this honor? And I was like, this is the coolest thing I've ever seen in my fucking life. And I've been obsessed with them ever since. And like, yeah, so that's just kind of like, yeah, it's a hardcore fest. What's the hardcore fest band is fucking hate breed. You know what I mean? Every kind of person on earth likes them. That's in the hardcore. Yeah, it was so yeah, it finally happening was it was definitely worth the wait. I mean, I've been seeing them since like 2000, probably. I've never seen Jossus stage dive and he did it twice. And he got busted open. Happy. Dude, it was. You know, fucking. Yeah, he literally looked like Terry Funk up there. Yeah. And I was just like, I was like, all right, I feel like he's feeling it. And it seems like he's like he's like on it. So just because, you know, I don't want him to play and he'd be like, all right, back to the barricades. Fuck this shit. This shit sucks. So I feel like everybody seemed like they had a good time with it. So I was pumped on that. What's interesting is it. Colin and I have both toured with hate breed. We saw them do LDB, no barricade. Wasn't like that. This was special. It was it was genuinely like Jost was on a wired mic. I think that's my like that's not like, oh, shit. Like this is I've never seen him with a wire mic either. You know what I mean? So it was cool. Matt's ears weren't plugged in. He was just using them as earplugs. Like it was old school. Wayne is back. Wayne's back and powerful. Back rock and dude. No brain. Frank Frank's playing a Iceman. Come on. Carl's doing first blood backups on base, which is incredible. And further proving that Jost is is a PhD level musical. Live music, structuring genius. The set list was phenomenal. That was and yeah, it was fucking great. It was awesome. It was only rise brutality songs and before with the one with the concrete professional song. That's it. One set of shotgun. Yeah. Shackles don't use bullets. The track. They don't use bullets. They bother. As Jost would say, it's their most streamed song. So what are you going to do? They got to play their most streamed song. Yeah. Dude, this was like also no walkout at all. No. Which for the first time in last band history. Yeah. Right. Who's what? That's always a fear. Yeah. Who's leaving, you know, cowards, dude and sleepy guys driven by suffering. We've talked about that pit part, but this was the first time where they played it and the context worked where it's like, here's a beat down riff. One of the earliest ones, not the, you know, yeah. And oh, my Lord, was it scary? It was fucking awesome. That song is such a great chorus, too, because there's no like rhythm to it, you know? Yeah, it's just vocal. Yeah. Yeah. That's songwriting. That's like legit, produce genius songwriting. And then and then they close with perseverance proven. I will be heard. That was the closing block genius. Kids were piling on like fucking big boy was playing. Oh, yeah. And I wondered about that. So Hey, Breed hasn't played like a no barricade type situation where that that has now become kind of the thing. That's the thing, you know, everybody gets on stage during the last song or whatever. Is it a standing pile? It's it's common now, right? And I was wondering while I was happening, I was like, oh, shit, they they've not had this probably since a skate park in the 90s. You know, what is kiss going to do? You know, their tour manager. He says that was my first time meeting him and talking to him throughout this. He rules. Cool. He's literally a very good man named Kiss. Come on. So that was day one. What a day. Oh, after the set, there's the photo of me, Jossa, Stefan and Jorge. And it was it was before the photo was taken. Jamie was when I walked up to Jamie, he was like, oh, good to see you. And then he called me and Bo referred to me and Bo as because he he does this thing where he'll be like, I'm Sammy stage dive tonight. You know, yeah, yeah, I'm a I'm a Mikey McDonald's or Francis Falae fish. You know, pile on. And he referred to us as Mickey Magellan. And as in the sense that we were guiding people to music, which was very nice. That's nice. That's a good compliment. And in that conversation, that photo was taken because it was Stefan who was like. We are your guys. Look at this. This is you. Oh, he said that. Yeah. Wow. That's cool. We take a take a take a photo. So that was cool. That was nice. Very neat. What'd you eat after day one, Bob? What the fuck did we? Oh, I went to Del Taco. Oh, they got everything in Orlando, man. They got fucking everything. Yeah, I was I was on the fence about it. And I was like, I'm not just fucking it. Del Taco got harassed by some people outside because they wouldn't let us eat inside. And people asked if we work there. And I said, well, no, I'm eating there. I don't work here, actually. And they, for some reason, took that offensively and got very pissed off that I told them I did not work there. So almost a rough incident. You sure, man? Why don't you work here, man? Day two of Fy. What do we want to segue? We had we had jets with with the bad. Oh, my God. I always forget there's fucking jets down there. Yeah, there is. God, the image. All right. Well, next year. Yeah, it was fantastic. Yeah, it's good. Every time. Every time. And let me tell you the whole hangout. I love it. The hangout was absolutely buzzing because of how good that the day was, you know? Like, we were all just talking about a tree. It was awesome. It was incredible. Day two begins. Doors at 10 30. You're sick in the fucking head. At 11 30 a.m. A band called Sin Against Sin opened the fest. This this might be my favorite new band making music period. And. Pit MVPs throughout the weekend. Oh, I'll pray to when you think they're just the other all time. They're all time. Is other Pete Pit MVPs? No truth, guys. Yeah, Gabe from Boston. And Tyler short. It's a short and Jeff South Florida. Always the king. He's got moves. Lit asset at 11 30 a.m. Once again, that's how you know you got something special, man. When you can get their asses in the doors after a day of beatings and whoopings back in and before the fucking. Before the crows are crying, you know, before the before the roosters crowing. Yeah, they're pitting again. This is the other band to watch in 2026. Award winner, I think. And how purposeful is that, Bob? Because this you. In previous episodes, you said that this is like kind of a thing where it's like, yeah, I want the opener to be. I want the opening slot to be pseudo prestigious, you know, to be a thing. So how intentional is it to have Sin Against Sin opening for it? Yeah, I never want to be in to look at it as like a throwaway spot. Like, oh, you can play it, but you got to play first and whatever happens happens. Like, I want every band that plays to get the best set possible. You know what I mean? I want them to feel good about it, whatever. After that, we're sitting against sin as soon as the demo came out. Literally the second I heard it, I was like, dude, they're opening day to like this is the only band that's going to be able to bring people that early to beat the living shit out of each other. I was like, so this is just this has to happen. And yeah, I they're so sick to me. And it is funny. Like you said, no idols, it's been a while. It's obviously completely other end of the spectrum. But that's why, you know, I go like doing F way and stuff. I don't like I don't want just like 38 bands that sound like striking distance to count me out, but I don't want you. I mean, in your heart, you definitely do. But if I could put my brain in people, but I've always liked, like, you know, all kinds of shit, like the same way you guys do. Yeah. So yeah. So so sin against sin is I forgot Adrian had played in that spot before another great band. All right. Yeah. And I just I told Alfredo. I was just like, I guess this is just your spot now, because you just dominate the fucking the church crowd on the Sundays. But yeah, it was just it was fucked up. It was like every single person that's in the room was marching their fucking ass off. And then it's to the point where I was like, I felt like I was on like a roller coaster. I was just like, I just got to just got to ride this out until it's over with. And then then I'll be able to like relax. So I guess it's like two other half asleep. Obviously it's fucking 1130. It was too intense for me, but it was it was just like it was exactly the one to beat the only thing I sucked was people like, I knew you're going to do that. I knew you were going to put them first on the Sunday. I was like, why don't we start being predictable? So I got to switch up next year. There's something like that because but yeah, they're fucking great. I can't wait to see what they do this year. They were so good. The demo, the new demo two came out right after the Fest on Monday. I feel like they're going to be playing at like four PM next year. I mean, yeah, they're definitely I mean, yeah, the new thing might even be better than the first thing. I think it is. And that's impressed. Evil bands sitting against in love it with hate from Boston with hate up next. Fantastic singer. Sounds exactly like the Wartime Manor guy. Oh, tell me, Bob. They said their actual singer couldn't make it because he had some family shift going on. So they had like a rotating cast. They had like Jim D. Sing a song, Matt from Burning Lord and the singer from Vantage Point. So yeah, so they kind of just they didn't want to drop. So they just did, you know, they did their songs. Oh, Pete Judge did the song too with Pete. So they did Floor Punch Covers. They did their own songs. Yeah, again, like if you like Slap Shot or talking, you know, any of like the New Seen Boston bands or anything like that, like it's very yes, it's like it's very on the nose in a way that isn't just what you want. Yeah, it's like give me Boston real boss. Yeah. And yeah, the lyrics are great. Talking about dropouts and kids getting into hardcore in their mid to late 20s. All that good shit. So I love that band. I hope they do more this year because they really didn't play that much. Since a record came out on thing. But yeah, that was the thing. Like I love like the C4 with he Burning Ward squad. Like that would if I was growing up, like that would have been like my squad. You know what I mean? Like I feel like we're like on the same page, a lot of stuff. So it was cool seeing them finally get to play, even if, you know, they didn't have the actual center and everything like that. Sure. Hope they do more this year and get to see them properly. Unmoved is next. This is some of the craziest shit you ever heard in your whole life. Zillbell, Zillbell music, you know, crazy songwriting. First US show from Vancouver. Oh, yeah. Vancouver. OK. This band is insane. I listen to the demo a bunch on my way home after they played. And this is like the exact slash only kind of medical I really gravitate towards outside of cave in, you know, where the goal, their goal is. Violence, you know, these are violent songs. Tell me about getting them on. They put out the demo and, yeah, like for, you know, metalcore kind of stuff, like it really has to. There's a very fine line with what I like and what I don't. And I got hurt it and I was like, all right, I hear like burnt by the sun, Canderia, other just like just just. I mean, the mosh parts are just insane. And then the two brothers played drums and guitar. They write everything, I guess. And, yeah, soon as I heard, I was like, dude, I just want them the same way with like mongrel or something like that. I was like, this is literally like just manufactured for if people see it, it'll blow their minds and just like the bit what the fuck I just see. And just watching. I feel like 80 percent of the stage is just staring at the drummer the whole time. He's so fucking stupid. He was so locked in and just like he's a fucking psychopath behind the kid. And, yeah, I feel like it was it almost was a thing where I couldn't announce them until the day of because the visa stuff. So I was just like, I mean, I don't care. I was like, people just be like to see your name on it at the very end, like whatever. And then it actually worked out where they had their visas and time. Thank me. And I think that helped people check them out beforehand. But yeah, I think that's like one of the bands that people came away from being like, dude, I don't know what the hell that was before, but like that's like my new favorite shit. So good. Yeah, that's how I felt. Nailed it. Great. And the street edge. So Exxon moved. Oh, so there you go. I'm telling you, I'm telling you, man, we're back in a big way. Things are happening. And I like it. Identity shock is up next. Atlanta, Georgia, capital H, capital C. Talk to me, Bob. They, yeah, like again, they're like, I feel like F way doesn't have like a ton of like the straightforward hardcore punk kind of stuff or whatever. But I was just like, there'll be enough kids there that'll go off and it would be sick. And then, dude, their set was fucking crazy. They played on Adam on the reverse showcase last year, and they pretty much stole the show. And they just been grinding and just doing a ton. And then Justin Little is such a fucking dope frontman. He has crazy energy. And yeah, I think they can just win over anybody they play in front of. And that's another thing like, yeah, like they just the more they play, I think the more people are going to care and they just, yeah, they're fucking sick. Atlanta can be at its best, one of the greatest hardcore scenes in the country. You know, it was one of them at one point, you know, it's coming. The time is coming back. I can feel it. Feel the groundswell. Atlanta, I do believe in Atlanta, you know, just listen to Krimerland sing. Do that. You know, identity shock. Fantastic. I promise the world is up next. This band could not exist seven years ago, I feel like, you know? No, certainly not on FYA. Absolutely bonkers. We're in it. We're in a society that we are fully. The mixed bill is here and it's more insane than ever. But you see this band get this reaction at FYA. Yeah. And you go, listen, what are you going to do? It's working. It's crazy. We just did a tour with them where they open for us for Deaf Heaven. They didn't have a set. Remotely like that the whole time, because it's just totally different crowd. You know, it's not really not really that crowd. I got there, I made sure I was there to see this set for them. And I was very pleasantly surprised and so happy for them. It was really funny to see the. The audience, the shift change, everybody who was diving and who was bop around there, it was young people who were really excited to see this band. And then you looked around and it is all kind of our our age group watching like, whoa, you know. Talk to us about booking, I promise the world, putting them on the fest. They I hit Greg up because he manages them. And I was like, yo, I don't know if they'd be into this, but like, I feel like this band will be cool. Because again, like I try to look at it like if I was like 18 to 25 year old hardcore kid, you know, like I want to make sure everybody like is excited about something, you know what I mean? Like and there's something for everybody kind of. And I was like, I feel like this band will crush on the fest and it be something that people like something like when Touche more or whatever, or more a played like Sound of Fury 2007 or whatever. That was insane. Yeah, you know what it means? Like in my head, I was like, there is precedent for, you know, just things like a little outside the box or whatever. I mean, I did this band renounced like F way two or three or something like that. That was kind of like, well, well left field from what other stuff was. So I mean, it was certainly the first set with a keyboard that ever played the fest. Um, but yeah, so I was just like, I know this will fucking do well on it. And then the singer straight edge, he was head walking, diving, mashing harder than anybody. So I was like, I this dude having a good set at, you know, my best on Towie down with and yeah, I thought they definitely left impressions. So like, I know the room's not going to be full when they play because there's going to be a lot of people who saw like ID shock. I'm like, I don't want anything to do with this. I was like, but I guarantee you everybody that's in the room is going to be losing their fucking minds and people are going to be like, what the hell was that? That was crazy. That is what I was. So yes. And then yes. So yeah, I'm just I'm just like for those guys and I feel like there's going to keep on, you know, getting bigger and doing more. They played the church a couple of days ago. Yeah. And it was like just unbelievable. We'll talk. They are. Yeah. So yeah, I'm just like for them. If the center wasn't straight edge, I'll probably not be as it's like for them. But it makes me make me like for them. They are. Students of that genre, too. When when we were touring with them and they would be referencing bands, I would be like, what? Who? Who is this? And they're like, oh, well, this guy was in he did this. And, you know, they are as obsessed with with that style. And that time frame, that's screamo. Is that like actual? I think it's actual screamo. I think that that is good. Couldn't pay me. I agree. That was I. It was also the. And they know it. They they know 100 percent. I respect that. They would upmost respect. Yeah, truly. And and yeah, Hunter is straight edge and love it. All all of them are really cool. That was actually the first set for the keyboard player and the bass player. They got a new bass player. Oh, that's right. That was both of their first sets. Literally, is this the first actual rolling on the floor court to happen at F.A.? No, we had slow fire pistol really early on hang from Foundation's band. Yeah, but that's that's, you know, him, you know, that is true. Yeah. And the first first people outside of my like friend group that I probably hooked up with a spot in real deal role on the floor court. Yeah. You're looking you Bob, browning your horizons. Now next next up is Dr. Pepper, zero, trust me. Nasty is up next. One forty p.m. The biggest German beat down band of all time. Tell me about putting nasty on. They so they're touring with Missing Link and I got hit up by Paul. He's like, yo, I don't know if you'd be into this, but we're going with that band. Nasty, blah, blah, blah, would you be into having them? And I'm like, did they bring over or they, you know, every band in Europe, like they headline over fucking like terror, basically. Yeah. And you know what I mean? Like they are like the band for that whole thing. And I was like, dude, like I know people I'm good friend, like John Bose from CDC and all that stuff, like he voucher for them. And, you know, I just I see what they have always done for, you know, American bands in Europe and shit. And I was like, what's fucking what's put them in front of a bunch of American American kids they probably have never played in front of, you know, like the normal fest goers. And then it's just undeniable heavy, mosh stuff. So you know what I mean? And that's like everybody else watching them was just kicking each other's asses. And then so I was glad to see them, you know, get that kind of response. You know, because I feel like people probably been like, what the hell, you know, the average kid probably know what they are, but it's just, you know, you see them and you're like, OK, this is fucking sick. Worldwide phenomenon. Literally. Hold my own is up next. American Fest staple at this point. Yeah. Greg from hold my own. He ain't even Greg Mongo anymore. It's ridiculous. But this is Chicago Land H.C. So tell me, tell me about putting them back on, Bob. Well, I was sold a false bill of goods from Greg because he assured me the record would be out. I was like, yeah, of course. I was like, you got a new LP. I'll hook it up, whatever. Record did not get done. But I I love on you. And I love him. I don't I don't fucking care. You know, like bulldoze being in the band now. Yeah. Like so, yeah. I mean, yeah, like I would book Greg on a birthday party, a fucking show, like anything like that. Like I just probably have booked Greg on a birthday. I have. I haven't bought him so many. But yeah, he just I love Greg to death and he he does so much for Jersey and just, you know, in terms of, you know, French with me, even everything. And then I obviously like holding on a lot. And then, yes, I'm glad that, you know, I just I like having, like, you know, Midwest bands, you know, because we didn't really have a lot this year. But yeah, so it was sick. I can't wait for the LP and then yeah, just like to see what they do this year. Amen. They've been a fast staple for the last few years now. And I think people are really finally kind of fully connecting to the discog. So the sets have been really good. It's been awesome. Age of Apocalypse is next. I'm going to be a little bit more excited to see the new songs. These are Hudson Valley gods here. One of my favorite records in a long time in oblivion. Latt came out last year. I love every time I get to see them. Love to see the new songs getting a pop and connecting with people. Tell me about getting them on. Bob. So yeah, I like they're supposed to play a couple of years ago. I think it was a year they had to cancel, like last second. So it never really got to to be on the fest. And I was like, fuck, man, because I love the fucking band. And then a new record came out. I was like, right, now is a good time for this. And then they really haven't done that much in the past year. So I was like, fuck, man, I was like, I hope kids held their attention. You know, it held kids attention and it said to be good. So I was kind of like, I was like, 50, 50, I was like, it's either going to be as good as it should be or, you know, kids just kind of like moved on for it ever. And dude, it was like the best set I've seen them play. It's so fucking good. Yeah. He sounded unbelievable as always. Yeah, the fucking the sing along is funny here in kids try to sing along. And his voice, which is only he can sound like that. You know what I mean? So. But yeah, they're fucking great. And I hope in 2026, they kind of like get out there more and like do more because the record is undeniably sick. So I just want like kids to check them out. Agreed. I hope they tore. I know that the tour, the main tour they were going to do off that record got canceled, like right as it was starting. And so that's let's bring it back. Age of Apocalypse shows some damn respect. Amazing band. We will play that song live at some point, because it's awesome. Song fucking rules. C4 is next, Bob. Album of the Year, Band of the Year, Everything of the Year, perfect combination of everything we love. DFJ on the kit, on the record, goosebumps. Every time I think about him. Can't get enough. Tell me about putting C4 on after this incredible record is out. They so literally, I feel like day one, minute one, when they put up their demo, I was like, this is my favorite band. Like the demo covers just like straight as people bashing fucking people like in grateful dead shirts and shit and everything about the vibe is just so fucking perfect to me. And I love everything about the band and then the LP. I liked everything up and then the LP just blew me away. And I mean, they showed up with long sleeves with dicks as a sleeve print and sold them all like literally something only like anal cunt can do. I feel like wasn't it an anal cunt rip? Yeah, well, they also did have the C4 anal cunt ripshirt, which was insane. They had to cover with the poison idea rip with Jalen Brunson's face on it, which was perfect. So everything about the band is just so perfect to me. And at one point, Owen ripped his shirt off to reveal the C4 shaved into his chest there, which is the the the five seconds of him taking a shirt off, doing that, tossing a shirt into the crowd and winking at the person like he was a Chip and Dale's dancer. It was just unbelievable. They're just the perfect combination of just like funny lyrics, but just hard songs that are just, you know, with AF, Mosh parts. Not so funny that it becomes a joke. Like it's not a joke. No, no, no, just like just a type of humor only a Boston band could have. Like Brendan Rivalmab or something like that. Like it's just it's just perfect. They're like a perfect band to me. And yeah, they just talking. This set was unbelievable. And yeah, I just I'm glad how many people like give a shit about the band and love the record because I think it's insane. Sam Yarmouth, who plays in the band, broke down. He described them writing the LP as. Owen, the singer, walking into practice and saying, this is the first song. It goes like this and then this and then this and then DFJ. It's it. OK. And then they played it. And then the second song, here we go. OK. This is the second song goes like this and then they proceeded to do that. And it was the whole album in sequence. He's a fucking evil genius. He's he's one of the. Yeah, he's he's a legend in the making, for sure. I can't believe the reveal of the shaved chest as a reveal is so funny. Like saving that. Well, yeah, it's like until they it's funny, too, because just my my brain automatically goes to the idea of just him in the in the fucking mirror, just like making sure it's like done properly and then fucking up and like fuck the whole fucking thing, just having like restart or something like that. You know what I mean? It's just it's an awesome visual. It cracks me up. I pray Prist did it for him because I don't know. I also because it's perfect. It looks like the logo. Yeah. Combust is next. Come. Sorry. Combust is next, Andrew. I didn't mean to say it like that. Another one of the best records in years, but when I we're just talking about it, which which there's a lot of great records last year. Last year was strong. It was a great year. And now we're seeing the the the benefits of all those bands are reaping the benefits of that in real time at places like FYA. Especially combust has been touring. Their little combust asses off. They're doing it, you know, and that's it's a beautiful thing to see. And the back it up with such great songs, such great presence. And now people know the songs. It's a perfect storm. Tell me about putting combust on Bob. I feel like Kong of Band hardworking is like a backhanded, like, yeah, Midwest blood ass comment compliment. You know what I mean? Just like, oh, dude, they're just so hardworking. But like they do fucking bust their ass and like they combust their ass. And they just they're just they're out there. Like they were just, you know, waving a flag as much as humanly possible. And they just gotten better and better throughout the years. And I think the LP is like the culmination of everything they've tried to do. I mean, their their biggest song, like it's kind of crazy in the whole 45 years of, you know, bands existing in New York or whatever, or hasn't just been a song where the chorus was just NYHC, as far as I know. And that's like their hit song. Like I feel like that's like for them, it's got to feel so good. That's like wisdom in chains, singing the Pennsylvania I fucking love you. Like, yeah, that's like, yeah, fuck you. Like we're New York hardcore or whatever. And yeah, I mean, Andrew, it was he did say they were being with no gimmicks while wearing polo mittens of some sort. Yeah. So it was a little, a little confusing messaging, but it is a good game. I backed a gimmick, but you got to make a mind up. But now I fucking get a band is great. And yeah, it is cool seeing, like I said earlier, you know, it's like the new stuff that, you know, I want people to see. And then I also want, you know, like the combust is out there, like all the fucking time. And they should feel like, you know, they should be reaping the rewards of like all the effort they've been putting into it. Yeah. Couldn't agree more. Belly of the beast out now. Out of pocket is up next. Returning to FYA. RBS beat down. In the best way. Didn't mean to rhyme. Was chatting with some of them back in the back for a bit, just picking their brains about their favorite bands. And they were like 10 of swords, soul search. I don't remember. Special week, probably. Yeah, it's just like, I like you guys, man. I like the way your minds work. Tell me about getting them back on FYA. Yeah, I really those kids, like I just really like their whole squad. And I like what they do and everything. And then now they have this kid, Ty, from here, plays guitar with them whenever they tour itself again. He's one of my favorite people. So it's a cool combo. And then there's something that like seeing with like big boy, I was like, if I wait until they have an LP, it's going to be fucking all be 50 years old. So I want to make sure they they come back and like, you know, they kind of just like, hey, we're still here. We're still like writing stuff, whatever. So, you know, with the new record, I think that definitely helped kind of like, you know, regenerate interest in them and everything. And those are the best songs, too, which is oh, for sure. Yeah. And yeah, just any time I see them, I always love it. First, sadly, they picked Delaware over Philadelphia on their East Coast tour. So I can't really help them out on that end, because that's an unforgivable sin. But now, but yeah, they're they're great. And yeah, I just at any time I see him, it's a good time. Amen. I don't think I've seen them in the bay. I'm sure it's a whole fucking. Oh, actually, something about them, too, during the set, I don't know. You guys saw any videos or anything, but there's two couples right up front. And there was like, they were just like, I don't know how to explain describe what was going on. But like the guy had to get some arm around his chick. Like going like this, like, you know, like having like a rockin good time. And then people would mash him and they would just be like, fuck yeah, like let's go or whatever. And like, they just look like civilians. But then the last out of pocket song, they very excitedly brought their phones out. So I'm guessing it's like a Tik Tok song or something. But they were loving every second of it. Sadly, both both the guys in the situation ended up with busted, busted faces. But they were they were loving it. Blood and all. So it was it was something to watch. We didn't talk about the the hate breed civilians. There were people. I don't even know if I saw there were people there who were there for hate breed. They were not there for FYA. That's awesome. And they were right up front. And it was there were people like that at LDB also. And there it was just clearly just like older guys in like. Playing black T-shirts, you know what I mean? And like sweat, sweat bands, kind of guys, you know. And that's the horns between song. Oh, yeah. Big time. But knew every word and every stage dive. No problem. You know, so. Oh, OK, OK. Which is more than some people can say, you know. They were catching motherfuckers. Oh, you know what? Clip I see come up every now and then. And I watch for about 10 minutes straight every time. Is the video of Dan Longo, mashing the guy in the shadow realm jersey. And he is the beer and then he hits his face. Yeah. And it's. Is that the at the rumble? It's so perfect. And then the way the guy just like. What do you think was going to happen? It's it's one of the greatest two piece combos in the histories of Mosh. Yeah, it is really funny. It's perfect. Yeah. It's dude, his his aim. Is unbelievable. Snipe him aim assist. Goop them up. Final resting places up next. By all accounts, one of the best sets of the weekend, one of the hardest bands on earth right now, one of the best modern bands, greatest Mosh style, perhaps on earth and Mr. Mad Dom. Bands only getting better, only getting harder. Tell me about only getting harder. Tell me about putting final resting place on Bob. Yeah, they're kind of like the final boss of that whole scene, like the big pants with the Nike sunders, like death metal shirt, you watch be heading videos. Like just like, yes, like there's a very specific the same way that like West and A.N. Chainsings and T.Y. Chainsings style like stylistically, Dom and little Alex. It's funny seeing kids that were like kind of youth group kids last year kind of walk around and like their school shooter outfits now or something like that. You know what I mean? But they are just again, like the same way kickback had a pit back to the photo booth. The FRP pit was the entire fucking room. Again, another stressful set to watch because I was like, something bad is going to happen. But yeah, it was just like half hour straight of just Dom just saying and seeing things between songs, just being out of his fucking mind. Him and him and Alex both wearing hockey jerseys. I don't think either of them has ever watched a single hockey game, but that's cool, too. They were not about that, Bob. No, no, it's all about style, which is fine. I get it. They just watched heated rivalry together and they were celebrating. I think about that. Maybe maybe they maybe to have some inspiration. Yeah. But yeah, they were they were like they were just they're in a league of their own. There's a lot of bands that kind of like try to do that style. And to me, like none of them can touch FRP. And I'm glad that I've known Dom since he was like in high school, probably, and just seeing him, you know, kind of be at the top of the food chain for that shit is cool because and then Alex is a straight up genius. So yeah, I love that band. As at all. We got the gridiron missing link combo back to back up next. The Red Iron just put out their second LP toward with Hape Reed. They've been going hot. They've been going heavy. Tell me about putting them on having them return to FYA. Yeah, I mean, them and them missing link back to back was definitely on purpose with the grid length thing. And I was just like, I mean, I feel like both sets are going to be just fucking sick back to back. And it was the gridiron set was during the unfortunate evils game. They had the the game playing on the iPad on stage for the whole world to see, which is how it should be. We're going to lean into it, lean into it. And that's the same same thing, kind of like with the Scarab record, like like the grid LP, it was cool seeing people go off to songs like Tombstone and other stuff and not just, you know, the first like World of War stuff and everything like that. And then, yeah, seeing people actually get into the new shit was cool. And then, yes, I was, you know, because they had the year off last year. So I was glad they got brought back and then they delivered. As we all know, Fat Bill is one of the greatest musical minds in our sports. Walking evil genius, true evil genius, pit, nuance, king. And but and yet he just makes me happy to see him. Yeah, I've never seen him in a bad mood ever in the 12 years I've known him or whatever. So incredible. Must be nice. We have this bill. I'm going to tell them about the the BK. OK, myself, Sam Trapkin, Derek Daniel and Bill Cailin are part of something called the Bill Cailin experience that whenever Bill is ready to drop the hardcore thing and just start playing some blues rock and doing some covers, me, Derek and Sam will drop everything to bring the BK to the world. So the Bill Cailin experience coming soon to the bar in Universal City Walk. Near you. All shows are free. Missing Link is up next. E.P. of the year after the album of the year. Come on, one of the best bands on earth. Best guys, best lyrics, best vibe. Tell me about getting them back on. I mean, it's just every time they play, it's just going to be ignorant. And people going off the whole time and just kicking the shit out of each other. And then, yeah, another band that's like, I feel like they're just, you know, going harder and harder and like they just it's just cool seeing because when they started off, I feel like till now it's just like such like it is like, you know, they've gotten so much bigger and like people cared so much more. So it's cool to see their hard work paying off. And I mean, the pit was absolutely just horrifying at points, which it should be. But, you know, they still get the sing-alongs and everything like that. So it's like it's such a crazy dichotomy. And then I feel like, you know, a lot of not very many bands can pull that off. Like you kind of get one or the other. And the fact that they can do both is kind of just a testament to like all the the work they put into the band and making the songs like easy to recognize everything I got. So, yeah, so it's the. And the new unit of guys they have like having Jack, Adrian Focklop's there ripping to. Yeah, amazing songwriter did the the fucking part on the record. Shattered my mind. Yeah, that's ruled. Like you said, you said it well, very well that they having the sing-along. Thing when you're this hard is really hard. Yeah, really difficult to achieve. Yeah, it's dangerous. Yeah. But there's an accepted danger to the to the missing link crowd. And it's beautiful. Terminals next. No, no, no, no. Tell me everything, Bob. So the they haven't played since 2014 and randomly, my friend, Jamie gets who is in turmoil for a little bit, posted something along the lines of like kind of hinting that they were maybe into playing a show. And then me and Kev Herre actually had the same thought like he hit me up. He's like, yo, and I was like, yeah, I'm definitely on the same page. I was talking and trying to figure shit out because he's like a turmoil superfan. And so we hit up Jamie, asked what the deal was. He's like, yo, I think they might be into it, whatever, if you want to try to figure it out. So I kind of just instantly punished the shit out of them and tried to make it work. And I was like, again, same with like excessive force. I was just like, yo, like Florida specifically, like Blizzard era. And around that time, like everybody I knew in Florida loved turmoil. Like when I lived down there, I feel like everybody I talked to was like, yo, turmoil is the coolest like PA band ever, blah, blah, whatever. So I was like, if we can never get them down to. I think I may even hit them up forever ago about playing, but I was like, if we can never get them down to the fest, I think it'll be absolutely worth it. Because every old head in Florida liked it. Everybody my age liked everybody. A little younger than me liked it. And so many people from the Northeast go down to Florida that it's kind of like a built in fan base. So yeah, talk to those guys, got to know them. Yeah. And then like, you know, I just I don't want them to come back, come back and like just like beer fest and just kind of waste opportunities. Yeah, it's just like people want to see you. They want to must you and they understand that, you know what I mean? And they all fucking get it. They're all still connected, so kind of silly shows, everything I get. And so they were just down and then so before the set, I was kind of like looking out. I was like, I might have fucked up. I was like, fuck, I was like, what is going the crowds look like a little sparse for some reason. But as soon as they started, people were like running in, kind of closing the gaps and everything. And, you know, just from the first song on, it was just every song was just people sing along, moshing, just being excited. And yeah, they were just like, it was cool seeing them after the, you know, because they haven't played, like I said, they played the church show last month, which was a good test run, I think, but that's Philly. So seeing them in front of a bunch of kids who never saw them and just, you know, everybody was moshing and going off was fucking awesome. Were they pleased? Yeah, they all seem very excited about it, which is nice. Oh, yeah. Is the process of. The best Philly Harkel record of all time. It's up there. What's up there? What's up there to you, Bob? For strictly Philly. I mean, obviously, you know, going way back to Widi record, underrated stuff. There's this band called Brickhouse, which had one of my favorite EPs. There's strong weather. There's there's so many good things. But I mean, it's blacklisted. It's at least if it's not the best, it's like top five. You know what I mean? That's like pretty undeniable. Blacklisted has to be. So yeah, like blacklisted. Yeah. So yeah, like blacklisted. There's like there's a million even stuff like Prima. I really like being price. There's there's endless good Philly stuff for how kind of oval up that goes. But yeah, turmoil. I mean, like you can't. That I feel like that probably had the most influence outside of Philly, for sure. Definitely. Like so even if it's at minimum top five, I think that's the one that impacted the most people outside of Philadelphia. I think that's absolutely right. And it is up next. First time. I think I've seen them post LP. I think you do. They played the cover of one of the greatest hardcore songs of all time. Could you love me? Absolutely gorgeous. He can sing. It's crazy. Dude, it ain't fair. He can fucking sing. He's hilarious, handsome and sing. This rock, tell me about having them back post post LP, Bob. Yes, it's kind of like a long time coming just because, you know, they played. I can't remember what the whole year that was. First or second, twenty, twenty two or three. Right. Yeah, like it was like pretty, pretty early on. And then, yes, I was always just like, as soon as the LP comes out, they're top three minimum, top five of the day minimum for me. I was like, I know it's going to pop off. I know every kind of hardcore kid is going to be psyched on it. And then the LP came out and I was like, I was fucking do it finally. And yeah, I mean, everybody sing along to every single song. The Max Penn song. Like the fact that they can pull it off, like you said, is just like it's perfect. It's perfect. Yeah. Like it's it's I don't want to say it's better because that's like, you know, separate with this or whatever. But like, I think they do it so much justice that any other band I don't think could do. And yeah, I think it's cool because obviously it makes younger kids like what the hell is Max Penn? Yeah. And then they check it out with so everything is going with it. And then, yeah, so yeah, the set was that was exactly what I was hoping it would be. And then it's yeah, they're just they're on top of the role right now. That song is also not on streaming aside from their cover of it. Yeah, which is worse. Genius. Yeah. Genius. Unbelievable. Fest staple. Sure, we'll see them five more times this year, Bo. Motherfucking flesh waters up next. Kings of music, really. Yeah, they can literally do it all. Kings and Queen of music. What a fucking insane year they had. 2000 sophomore LP just came out. We did an episode with Anthony at FYA. Watch that was last week. We talk all about the birth of Vane. East Beast, which was insane. How Vane evolved and and and. Why they kind of slowed down. Flesh waters, meteoric rise. All fascinating stuff, just like Bo and I want to bow and I's favorite groups of people and musicians and so proud of them. And they drew they drew the freaks out of the FYA, which is exactly what you want. Oh, for sure. Yeah. Freaks were out to play. Tell me about the set. Yeah, I think it was either one of their first few shows they tore down with Living Weapon when I had Vane on and they played like an after show. And I was like, dude, I this band is so fucking good. And then so it was kind of kind of in the back of my mind, like, pretty much every year, I'm like, I'm not sure I feel like this could be good. But I don't know. And then this past year, I was like, all right, they just got to play like they're just I was like having like a band like that. And I feel like, you know, everybody in the band obviously does other band. You know, they all do separate bands, but it's all them as like a unit, I feel like for the most part. And yeah, to see them go from like I saw them at a fucking arena with Devtones this year and then still being down to play a fucking hardcore fest is exactly why I asked him to play because they fucking get it. They're all at the interview was awesome. You know, John's a fucking man. I've known him since fucking whatever. I think I met him on that twitching Malice tour, actually, in Tampa. That's all. Oh, yeah, he was there with his family. Yep. He has a whole fucking family was there, moshing and beating the hell out of people. So, yeah, I mean, it was cool. I like having the curveball and then I feel that's like the perfect band for that slot. And yeah, they held it down in this house. Fuck great. And who knows how long how much longer they'll be able to play things like this, right? You know, I mean, yeah, straight out. Yeah. G.B. is up next. Gorilla Biscuits. We did an amazing episode with Walter that's coming out soon. Oh, shit. Landmark band off of one fucking LP, you know, the second to last on any fest ever off of one LP. What can you do? And an EP. And an EP. But yeah, but like in terms of hardcore music and music and a spectrum, you know, you put out one LP in 1989 and then exist forever. Who else has really done that? A couple bands, but but but to watch it. To G.B.'s level, you know, where they're still judge playing. Yeah, judge. This is crazy shit. You know, yeah. Yeah. Tell me about have they played it before? No. So this was their first time. I always wanted to have them, but I was, you know, they obviously play at this point, like a lot technically, but every fucking time it's good. You know what I mean? So like the songs, like I had the songs are timeless. You know, like everybody knows, like everybody's smiling the whole time. They got the fucking the horn players, everything. I wanted to ask, do you get the horn players or does Walter get the horn players? So I think it just kind of depends where they're playing. Tom Stevens from Tampa, who's the fucking man and helps a ton every year. He actually is one who organized that stuff because he had my my my trumpet. Now, which is very the role of the role and in general. Short. Yeah, they got that viral clip. That was awesome. Yeah, it was awesome. Yeah, it was that have like millions of views. Yeah. Yeah. I love gorilla biscuits after after doing that interview with Walter, it really like you guys got to watch it because it's awesome. But it just it really solidified that I kind of Bob, maybe you went through this too. When you were young and getting into more youth crew stuff, they were it was the Rolling Stones, the Beatles was like them and youth it today, you know, and then I kind of like, no, I'm it's not hard enough. You know, it's it's it's like too melodic. It's too happy. And then something happens and now I'm back, you know, like I came full circle back to realizing how good those songs is the seven songs are heavy for what they're doing. The LP is definitely more melodic. But man, some of those songs are just undeniable and so fucking good. I think a big part of it is just seeing them like consistently still because Siv is one of the only like he just gets it. Like he's one of the easily one of the coolest old heads ever. Like, I mean, Walter is the same fucking way. Like you're not getting some like weird bullshit when they play. And I feel like that made me appreciate the band again, like starting to see them over and over again. You know, because obviously the same way with all the teenager, I loved it and then my 20s, I was like, I like this stuff more. Yes. So yeah, it's actually just like on the night we stick and like they're obviously like an all time band for a reason. You know what I mean? Absolutely. So yeah, their set was I feel like in in general, F way might in like might be a tough one for them because it's kind of like skews younger or whatever. But every single person from fucking 15 to 50 loves GB. You know what I mean? They're just universal. So it's cool to see them get such a good reaction. They're one of those bands that like every time a new generation of hardcore kid comes around, they're instructed to like, Hey, man, this thing's really good. You guys start today's. That's where you start. Yeah, it's just it is like homework assignment level. Here's a list of records that's going to be on it. You know, it's timeless, timeless. So I think next week is that Walter episode. And by God, it's good. It's so good. So check it out. I ask him all the stuff. He really does. All the things I've been wondering since I was 14. And there's moments where there's things where you like you wouldn't think about and then he would start saying something and you were like, Oh, that reminds me about this. And he was like, Yeah, that's true. So what? There was a couple of times where Bo just looked over at me during the interview, just going. He said it. It's very good. Drain is up next, closing out the whole motherfucking show. About to embark on the craziest headline tour they've ever done. New album out now and fucking epitaph. Unbelievable. Had us do their seven inch for some reason, one of them. Talk to us about having Drain close out the fastball. So when I was figuring out the end of the Sunday, it's obviously like that is like the hardest spot to play in music, like period, like convincing people to stick around when they have work Monday morning or they have to catch a flight or whatever, like pretty fucking impossible task. And then, like, I was going back to the real biscuits. I was like, I really want to go to play. I want to do something where they don't have to headline for once because I think they have my every fucking time. And I want to like give them a break and like kind of put the pressure on somebody else to like carry the weight. And literally one of the only bands I could think of to do that was Drain because they can fucking hold it down on any show, any place, any time. And I think, you know, that feel like, you know, the set that we delivered on that every single person in the room was on the fucking stage of points. They're always I mean, Sammy's energy is just unreal. Fucking crazy. It's like it's just every single time he's just like, I can't I can't fathom just like having that much energy ever in my life. And yeah, I mean, yeah, the fucking new record hit obviously in people. People are like really fucking with it and they played the classics. And yeah, I mean, I just feel like it was a perfect way to end the fest. Couldn't agree more. But that group of guys just amazing. They deserve deserve it all. You know, they've been they've been grinding for 10 years and people don't really think about that. It's crazy. So it's really cool to see them in this position and they're drawing their own freaks, you know. I mean, there's definitely people that are waiting all day just to fucking get up there for dream, which is fucking sick. And surf on some doors. Yeah. How'd you feel about how'd you feel about that? So I was like talking to the venue people at the end. I was like, everything to the you guys, like, I'm beside this bathroom door that got ripped off. And I thought they were joking and they showed me a picture. And I was like, that is absolutely a bathroom stall door. And I was like, and they're like, yeah, if you look at this next picture, they were using that to crowd surf, I guess. And I was like, I'm sorry. And then they're just like, yeah, I mean, it's if that's most of the problems, that's fine. I don't want that to happen again. Yeah, I was just like so. So for anybody attending next year, do not do that. Yeah. But it was pretty fucking. I was just like, I was so fucking tired and I kind of like look up and I just see somebody slowly moving towards the stage with like some kind of fucking door or something like that. And I was like, how do you coordinate that? Well, it had to be an inside job. Yeah, during during their set, we were in the back of the room just kind of watching it all. And people grabbed a merch table to do the same. Yeah, that was that was number two. That was the number two of the the surf and more, more coordination. It's all it's an inside job. Like, what are you a fucking king on a on a throne? You stand on and go, lift me. Lift it and wait. I don't understand. Yes, I saw it happening and I was like, it meant to me. I was like, I should probably do something about this. And I looked at it and I was like, ask him and we'll take care of it. It's like he's he patiently waited for them to come to stage, grabbed it and everything was good. So there you go. And that's all you can do. And on that note, F.Y.A. is complete. We portilloes afterwards. We really did. Dude, had that Monday delicious every time. It's just like I'm so thankful that you it's like me going in and out with you. Yeah, it is. Yes. It's it's the same thing. Little heavier. Yeah, just because you're getting more stuff, you know. Got it. Did every time and it feels ceremonious. It does. Yeah. Like we look forward to portilloes after F.Y.A. You know, that is a thing. Orlando's got all the stuff. It's amazing. I know. It really does have it all. As one of the best fests in the world, it's got full sugar, Dr. Pepper. What more is Bob need? Yeah, this was you did it again. You did it again. Fantastic work. Yeah, we really appreciate the having us and the space to make such incredible episodes that are coming out, two of which we didn't even talk about. So you'll see. So Bob just agreed to put together a playlist for us for you on behalf of everybody who played a song from every band throughout the weekend. Maybe you don't know where to start. Maybe you don't know what the track is or whatever. Bob is going to further procure hardcore music for the masses, and that will be included in the description below. Check that out now. Check out everything Bob does. Bob, what are you doing these days? Rebirth? Yeah, rebirth records. We got the position on you need a seven inch just came out. We got flip the switch coming out. We got subversive intent coming out. We got the starts of the LP, the difference, seven inch. I'm bossy into a straight edge. Hindsight LP. Yeah, we got there's there's a ton. So keep an eye out for the rebirth. Shit you got Mother Mercy shows this year or what? Probably not against my will now, but we'll see. What did you watch our 2000s bracket episode? Yeah, of course. What would you think? Oh, good. People like I don't understand. People were like pretty annoyed with it. And I was like, it's fucking 32 bands. Like it's for 64 this year because we wanted to be less than what? Yeah, yeah, yeah. I thought it was good. If the I would have guessed the ending without seeing it. OK, we just because I know you guys. But do you know the questions? Do you agree when I did my own? I think 86 mentality one. But I know that's just me being very tunnel visioned in what I like. But obviously fucking terror is one of the greatest bands of all time. 100 demons. Yeah, it's one of the greatest bands of all time. So yeah, I have no complaints. Like I wasn't like, what the fuck? You don't have striking distance on there. Like I get like your shirt. Your shirt is what made me even think of it because we didn't include terror. Terror could have been on there. A lot of bands could have been on there, but you know, there's a million. I mean, to me, obviously people would disagree. But like 2000 to 2004 or five and then it falls off a cliff. But that that time period is like my favorite era of hardcore literally ever. Even shit like my luck cops and robbers fucking like there's a million fucking sick bands, you know what I mean? So you can't have them all on the thing. You know, literally can't. No, you know, quite literally can't. And if we stuck to just things where it was like, OK, these are what bow and eyes 64 favorite bands are there would have been much different. It would have been we would tortures and pitchforks. Yeah. Yeah. But good, we'd be dead. Glad. Glad we got your your approval on it, because I thought I thought you might, you know, yeah. Yeah, of course. Now, yeah, I thought it was good. Thanks, man. We ended the weekend real quick by going to Epic Universe for the first time. What do you think? It's pretty cool. The best thing there is a coaster that's not themed. It's just in the middle of the park. You think it's better than Frankenstein? I mean, as a ride, as like an experience, like a thrill. Yeah, of course. As a thrill. Yeah. But the Frankenstein ride, dude, my jaw was gaped. We couldn't believe it. We couldn't. Here's the photo. Yeah, here's the photo. We're literally in shock at how awesome it was. But this this fucking coaster. Crazy. It was so good. That's a guy. What was it? It's only got died on. It's called Stardust Racers or something. Oh, yeah, I saw that. It is. Somebody died on it. Yeah, yeah. A guy had a hip issue and they put him on like anyway, and he basically like came loose in the seat and was like banged around and died. Yeah. The Harry Potter thing was kind of whatever. Yeah. The ride itself is a ride that would make Colin and I violently ill. So we just they have the option to like walk through and see it. That's cool. So we like went and saw it and that was cool. How to train your dragon. We don't I don't know about it. But the one way to train your Dragon World is five times bigger than the Mario. Yeah. What is that? That doesn't make any sense. Yeah, I don't like all that. That's great. That makes sense. But overall, we had a great time. But the Dark Universe thing was sick. That was incredible. That was awesome. We met the invisible man. He was really rude. We did. Which is fine. You know, I get it. He called us. But that was that was F.Y.A. Yeah. Yeah. So Bob and all of you will we'll see you all next year. We can't wait to see what you put together for a lineup next year. Unbelievable. Thank you guys for having me again. Oh, of course. You you thank you for doing what you do, Bob. We look forward to it every single year. Amen. As do everybody out there. 2026 is now it has officially begun. Now that F.Y.A. is over and done with. And here we go. Let's see what happens this year. Can't wait to see it all. Can't wait to talk about it. Goodbye, everybody. Bye. This episode is brought to you by Mad Vintage.