The good news: NYC hardcore music made it into the pages of all the major New York newspapers.
The bad news: It's because two people got stabbed.
Harley Flanagan, one of the founding members of Cro-Mags, stabbed two current members of the band shortly before they were to take the stage. Flanagan reportedly rushed the VIP section of Webster Hall, making it through to the band's dressing room where he proceeded to slash William Berario above the eye and bite him on his cheek, and also cut Michael "The Gook" Couls (formerly of Sworn Enemy), on his arm and stomach during the incident.
Security eventually managed to subdue Flanagan and escort him out of the building. "People started booing him and throwing stuff at him," a witness told the Post. "His hands were handcuffed but he still gave everyone the finger." The show was immediately cancelled.
While no official reasoning was given, Flanagan has a history of beef with new members of Cro-Mags. Both victims are said to be ok. Here is an eyewitness account from Bowery Boogie:
"We were watching the hardcore show at Webster Hall – featuring Sick of it All, Cro-Mags, and VOD – when all hell broke loose upstairs. Harley Flanagan, founding member of the Cro-Mags stumbled into the VIP lounge with a knife. Security mobilized in a hot minute and beat the shit out of him. It took no less than six beefy dudes to control the madness. Blood was everywhere, and bone protruded from his shin.
"Cops quickly appeared and took him away in cuffs. Not before he had already stabbed some dude in the chest (said victim left the scene with a bandage over the wound). Because of the violence the rest of the show was canceled. The remaining bands promised to reschedule the show. To be fair, Webster Hall security contained the situation professionally. Lots of drunken, pissed off hardcore fans were on edge after the cops shut down the show, but the scene was cleared without further incident."
Here's Cro-Mags' John Joseph calming the crowd:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cOYWm3C500[/youtube]
We'll keep you posted with any further developments.
