Hatebreed featuring Godforbid and Converge
Irving Plaza, NYC
5/19/02
There was no better place to be that night other than the legendary Irving Plaza in NYC. The place was flowing w/ adrenaline and everyone was ready to see the CTHC band Hatebreed. It was by far one of the best damn shows I've ever been to in a while. The show began with New Jerseys own Godforbid. They put on an outstanding show. They brought the house down. The mosh pit started from the front and almost ended up at the back of the bar. Byron D.'s voice was amazing and the rest of Godforbid put on one of there best shows.

Next was Converge. This band I thought and a lot of others at that show would agree, was the worst hardcore band I've ever seen. Vocally the lead singer was horrible. It sounded like he wanted to vomit, it really made no sense. Instrumentally they were pretty good, but the vocals were the worst. I don't know how they got the spot after Godforbid.

Last but not least....Hatebreed. These guys are the king of hardcore. Everyone went crazy for the whole set. They started off playing songs from there latest album "Perseverance", and towards the end playing some of their old stuff which most of the fans were waiting for. Jamen Jasta and the boys tore it up that night. Ending the show with the allways popular "I will be heard". Crowd went absolutely nuts. Overall a great show indeed. They represented Connecticut well. This bronx boy appreciated the vibe between the band and the crowd. It was the best.
Khal

K Rock 92.3fm Radio, New York
The Disfunctional Family Picnic Episode VI
Jones Beach Theater, Wantagh, NY
6/8/02
If there was anyway to spend a weekend it was at the Jones Beach Theater. The 12+ hr event hosted by Cane and Cabbie was outstanding and the crowd loved it. All the bands playing that day played there ass off in front of the sold out New York crowd.
The line up for the show was:

System Of A Down
Papa Roach, Korn,
Incubus, P.O.D.,
Hoobastank, Jimmy Eat World,
The Strokes, New Found Glory,
Home Town Hero, 3rd Strike

Out of all the bands that played the band that surprised me the most was Korn. The reason for this is because I thought Korn would be a "born again rookie" in this industry with all the new and powerful acts we have today. But I was wrong, Johnathan Davis and the boys ripped the place apart and the fan base was still there strong as ever. Despite the big crowd at the theater, Incubus put on a very intimate show as only they can. A lot of celebrities was there such as Sharon, Jack and Kelly Osbourne. DDP and Terrie from the WWE was there as well and of course K Rock's own Howard Stern and Matt Pinfield. Diffrent styles of music for everyone whether you like metal or emo/punk. Over all an outstanding show and I can't wait for next year when they announce Episode VII. Also great job for New Found Glory, they also put on a kick ass show and everyone loved it!!
Khal

Strung Out, Poison The Well, Rise Against, Rufio
Irving Plaza, New York
6/9/02

Well, what can I say about this show other than it was pretty good. Wasn't really my so called "cup of tea", but it was alright. A couple of bands that caight my eye were Rise Against ansd Poison The Well. Rise Against, I thought, Put on a very good performance and the crowd was really into them. Poison The Well kicked major ass!! With the promotion of their new album "Tear From The Red" Poison The Well really surprised me and at the same time picked up a new fan. The pit was out of control when these guys came on stage. A band to look for, check 'em out!! WWW.POISONTHEWELL.COM
Khal

Thursday, Midtown, Taking Back Sunday, The Movie Life, The Alps
"Hold On To Your Friends Benefit"
A benefit for Sean McGraths battle against cancer.
Irving Plaza, New York
6/15/02

Damn.......I'm speechless. this has to be the baest damn show I've seen in a long time. This show was dedicated to Sean McGrath of NYC's The Alps and formerly of Saves The Day. He's battling cancer a deadly disease. Unlike most fundraisers we all know, it's safe to say that the proceeds to this show is going straight to Sean to help fight this disease. We are all pulling for him. Sean's band The Alps came on first. They played there ass off. All the bands played the best show of there careers that night. They told the fans to look out for one another and to make something of ourselves cause life is too short to waste.

Midtown and Thursday were the headliners. These two bands grew up together. Midtown use to play in Geoff Rickly's garage as a first show with Thursday. The band everyone waited for was Thursday. Thursday put on a kick ass show, better from the last time I've seen them at The World in Time Square, NYC a while back. They opened the show with the song "Autobiography Of A Nation" and well you can guess what happened at that point. You can catch Thursday and The Movie Life at the Vans Warped Tour. After that you can expect Thursday to do a Fall tour in support of an upcoming album. If there was a rating this show gets a 20 out of 10!!! A very outstanding show for a good cause in support of a friend. We all hope Sean McGrath gets well soon and that he gets through this.
Khal