If it feels like there are more records being made about mortality and aging these days, that's no accident. Getting older means getting real about life's only certainties. Hardcore is not exempt.
like gorilla biscuits said "getting older it is scary". Am 49 and in the last year and a half I have had two colonoscopies. The first one the doctor found several polyps that were concerning. But as shelter once said, "life or death it is just a matter of time."
Once again Norm, you have found a way to put my feelings into words. I’m sitting in a roller rink watching my daughter and her friend skate, reading your latest installment and fighting back all the “dust in my eyes”. Thank you for anti*matter.
Thank you for sharing this, Norm. Justin was, and continues to be, an inspiration to me too. During my early years in NY he introduced me to so many incredible experiences and people. I told him on several occasions that I could never pay him back. He told me to shut the fuck up. Every. Single. Time. It wasn't about paying anything back, it was about taking care of the folks that have a similar ethos. The scene was sacred and so was anyone that showed their love for it. It's something I will always endeavor to carry forward. We lost a great one. Sending you much love.
I'm so sorry for your loss, and given that he was my age, it's another reminder that yeah, after a point all of the things we used to be able to shrug off can't be shrugged off anymore. I just recently bought a new messenger bag, and realized (given that the last one served me well for over twenty years) that this is likely the last messenger bag I'll ever buy, and as mundane as that is, it's sobering. I *have* to see the doctor regularly and take medication every day to keep from having a stroke and to keep from losing my sight. This is the time when phrases like "built to last" are put to the test.
This one certainly hit close to home. I'm a year and a half away from 50 and certainly find that the lyrics or lyric snippets or notes I jot down tend to thematically revolve around the act of aging and getting closer to death and legacy and the world I'll leave to my kids.
“Sure, if I can make it to 70, I will look back to 2024 and I’m sure my attitude will be like, ‘Oh man, there was so much life left.’ There is so much life left. I can’t believe I’m worrying so much about it. But the thing is that right now, at 50, I can look back to 30 and I know I had those same concerns."
That bit got me thinking, though, about how age and aging is a pretty regularly occurring theme in hardcore from our teens to our 30s and 50s and beyond. In our teens we talk about becoming adults. In our 20s we talk about still feeling like a kid. In our 30s we talk about growing up and becoming "real" adults. And in our 40s and beyond we start contemplating death while simultaneously still talking about hardcore as a fountain of youth". I guess it makes sense since aging is a constant source of anxiety for most humans.
Here's to 50 more years of good health to you Norman. Thanks for starting these conversations.
Staring at 50, next month. Both thrilled and panicked.
like gorilla biscuits said "getting older it is scary". Am 49 and in the last year and a half I have had two colonoscopies. The first one the doctor found several polyps that were concerning. But as shelter once said, "life or death it is just a matter of time."
Once again Norm, you have found a way to put my feelings into words. I’m sitting in a roller rink watching my daughter and her friend skate, reading your latest installment and fighting back all the “dust in my eyes”. Thank you for anti*matter.
Thank you for sharing this, Norm. Justin was, and continues to be, an inspiration to me too. During my early years in NY he introduced me to so many incredible experiences and people. I told him on several occasions that I could never pay him back. He told me to shut the fuck up. Every. Single. Time. It wasn't about paying anything back, it was about taking care of the folks that have a similar ethos. The scene was sacred and so was anyone that showed their love for it. It's something I will always endeavor to carry forward. We lost a great one. Sending you much love.
I'm so sorry for your loss, and given that he was my age, it's another reminder that yeah, after a point all of the things we used to be able to shrug off can't be shrugged off anymore. I just recently bought a new messenger bag, and realized (given that the last one served me well for over twenty years) that this is likely the last messenger bag I'll ever buy, and as mundane as that is, it's sobering. I *have* to see the doctor regularly and take medication every day to keep from having a stroke and to keep from losing my sight. This is the time when phrases like "built to last" are put to the test.
I'm so sorry about your friend, Norm. And very glad your heart pain resolved. Looking forward to Thursday's interview <3
Thanks for this 🖤
This one certainly hit close to home. I'm a year and a half away from 50 and certainly find that the lyrics or lyric snippets or notes I jot down tend to thematically revolve around the act of aging and getting closer to death and legacy and the world I'll leave to my kids.
“Sure, if I can make it to 70, I will look back to 2024 and I’m sure my attitude will be like, ‘Oh man, there was so much life left.’ There is so much life left. I can’t believe I’m worrying so much about it. But the thing is that right now, at 50, I can look back to 30 and I know I had those same concerns."
That bit got me thinking, though, about how age and aging is a pretty regularly occurring theme in hardcore from our teens to our 30s and 50s and beyond. In our teens we talk about becoming adults. In our 20s we talk about still feeling like a kid. In our 30s we talk about growing up and becoming "real" adults. And in our 40s and beyond we start contemplating death while simultaneously still talking about hardcore as a fountain of youth". I guess it makes sense since aging is a constant source of anxiety for most humans.
Here's to 50 more years of good health to you Norman. Thanks for starting these conversations.
Nice piece as usual. Although not knowing Justin this one made me kinda like him. Sorry for your loss, Norm.
However, whether intended or not, the headline made me pull up the Threadbare album of the same denominator. It was a good idea, thanks for the hint!