Gitter, Mike
Xxx Fanzine 1983-1988 Hardcore & Punk In The Eighi
xXx Fanzine (1983-1988), Hardcore & Punk In The Eighties isnt merely a collection of articles, reviews and photographs from one of Hardcore Americas best-known fanzines. Its a chronicle of punks evolution in the 80s: a story of music and ideologies in motion. xXxs story picks up while the first wave of hardcore was in full swing. Major players including MINOR THREAT had already released landmark records and bands were loading up station wagons to play now infamous venues like The Channel, A7 or D.C. Space. While based in Boston, xXxs main writer and editor, Mike Gitter, not only concentrated on his own citys burgeoning scene, spearheaded by bands like S.S. DECONTROL and D.Y.S., but looked to other states and countries for xXxs reportage. This 288 page book documents a time when hardcore and punk were not mutually exclusive and bands and cities had a chance to develop their own diverse and strident sounds. This creative ethos and aural zeitgeist is literally spelt out on the 19-song compilation thats included with xXx Fanzine, a limited-edition 12" (available exclusively through mail-order or special sales outlets). A wide variety of current hardcore, punk and hard music luminaries including STRIFE, LETLIVE, FU MANCHU and THE RIVERBOAT GAMBLERS contributed their interpretations to some of the most influential songs to come from xXxs original era. Now, in addition to reproducing (and restoring) countless interviews and pages from the zine itself, xXx Fanzine re-interviews countless bands and musical primemovers including Ian MacKaye, Keith Morris and members of AGNOSTIC FRONT, BAD BRAINS and CRO-MAGS to give the book a rare "Then-And-Now" perspective. xXx Fanzine (1983-1988), Hardcore & Punk in the Eighties isnt merely a look back at hardcores salad days, but a unique look at how punks music and message shook the mainstream itself.