“In the shadow of Hiroshima’s Atomic Bomb Dome, where dimly-lit music venues sit atop the ashes of a former atomic wasteland, the spirit of punk clings like stale smoke after a bar show.”
Client: Japan Times, providing the latest news and features from Japan including business, politics, culture, entertainment, and more.
Project Description: Report on the 20th anniversary show of a Hiroshima City punk band.
A Quote
“In the shadow of Hiroshima’s Atomic Bomb Dome, where dimly-lit music venues sit atop the ashes of a former atomic wasteland, the spirit of punk clings like stale smoke after a bar show.”
The Inside Scoop
When I heard that local punk act Never Again was playing their 20th anniversary gig, and as part of the festivities would have vocalists from other local bands helping them deliver classic punk cover songs interspersed with their own repertoire, I knew I had to write it up. I thought it might make a fun piece for the entertainment pages of the Japan Times, so I sent them a pitch, got a green light, and showed up at the show with my punk duds on, and camera in hand.
Admittedly, I arrived completely unannounced and with essentially no idea how this was all going to go down. But one thing I’ve learned about life in general is that when you’re determined, things work out.
The show was brilliant, the guest vocalists provided great variety to the show, and the birthday band tore up the stage with incredible energy and charisma. As they wrapped up their gear after the gig, I asked one of the members if they’d mind doing an interview for the Japan Times. He said, “Ah, let me get the band leader,” and after a short wait, I was sitting down in the green room with the bassist/vocalist of Never Again, and talking about punk, Hiroshima, atomic bomb survivors, our favorite bands, as well as the past—and future—of Never Again.
Great people, great performance, great music. I call it a win.
My Favorite Part
Getting paid to write about a badass punk show!
See the results:
Never Again Celebrates 20 Years with a Punk Round Robin
