In early 1988, Tompkins Square Park had visibly become a
tent city for homeless people and their dogs. As the summer months approached and
the numbers of the displaced multiplied, the local community was divided about
whether or not city agencies should evict the squatters and their encampments. In
late June or early July, the New York City Parks Department responded by
initiating a 1 a.m. curfew. A protest on July 31 led to several clashes between
protesters and police. The following week, on August 6, a reported 400 police officers
charged the activists and squatters, inflicting harm on neighborhood residents and
bystanders as well, leading to hours of bloody violence that ended at 6 a.m. the
next morning. Much of the violence was captured on video by Clayton Patterson
and others with cameras. Over 100 complaints of police brutality were lodged.
The New York Times confirmed the New York Police Department was responsible for
inciting the riot.
Chris Flash, editor of The Shadow, a local anarchist newspaper, and his team of volunteers
annually host a political rally and concert as a bookmark that the community
must never again tolerate a police riot against the underclass. This year's
event, however, held on August 1, had to be more low-key than in previous years
due to COVID-era restrictions on assembly and social distancing. This year,
there was no stage or public address system. Many of the music acts that
normally would have played as full bands were reduced to solo performances.
Even the type of music was softer, with almost no hardcore punk, hard rock or metal bands
on the roster. A last minute decision, due to the threat of an impending storm
on Sunday, saw that after the Saturday speakers and performers ended about 5:45
p.m., the event continued with many of the music acts and speakers that were
originally scheduled for Sunday. Hence, the two-day event was reduced to one
day. Up to 100 people gathered for the event, most of whom socially-distanced
and wore masks. |
Stephen Witt
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Rew Starr
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Ronnie Wheeler
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Spike Polite
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Gass Wilde
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Magic Forest
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Pinc Louds
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Val Kinzler
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Iconicide
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The Rotten Crew
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Scotty Skitzo
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“Doin’ the right thing’s not about being good. I haven’t always behaved as I should. Educated without class I’m a Phoenix raised from ash.”
ReplyDeleteApocalyptic Vibe (on the LES)
https://soundcloud.com/val-kinzler-926264591/apocalyptic-vibe-mix-14-xi-16bit-441khz-cd-6-7-18
Thanks for the write up, and the pic! As well as the accurate history. Although Sew@ge definitely qualify as Punk. Hardcore, Metal, et cetera? That would be us.
ReplyDeleteOh and that's not Johnny Fastlane with Scotty Skitzo. Fastlane had to work.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the feedback, Chris. I have made the corrections.
DeleteUnable to make it this year; Thx for posting the informative review & pix! Having played the Riot Shows several times, both as a guest-thingy, and w/my band Ism - MUCH RESPECK for making it happen.
ReplyDeleteI Loved this Event since its Inception and give John Gabriel, Spike Polite and Chris Iconicde all the credit this year..Although a Mellower show this year, Its the First Time I was Asked to Perform..and you gave "Our Band" a Name ..
ReplyDeleteThe Rotten Crew !! Thank You for the pics and write up !! LES Still Rocks and Gives us This Particular Weekend to Prove That This is Still "Our Park"