Hard-Core: Life of My Own

A MUST read for any CroMags fan,NYHC fan, crossover period metal fan, 80s and/or 70s punk fan, or ANYONE interested in a good read about a true punk/hardcore legend, straight from the horse's mouth. Love him or hate him, take sides or don't, this is a great read. Doesn't pull any punches, and doesn't attempt to smear anyone else's name. Anyone familiar with the Cromags, is undoubtedly aware of the static the members have with each other; Harley says it like it is. Great stories from his years as a pre-pubescent drummer for The Stimulators, playin' Max's Kansas City and CBGB and subsequent touring, his time in San Francisco in the notorious Vat days, and back to the L.E.S. to finally start CroMags for better or worse, and continues on through kids, marriage, Brazillian Jiu Jitsu with the world famous Gracie family, and gives his side of the story regarding the headline making 'incident' in NYC at a performance by current CroMags line-up led by front-man John Joseph, at the CBGB Festival at Webster Hall. Flanagan's book is entertaining, to the point, and FEELS honest (I wasn't there, so it isn't my business! hahaha), and throughout it all, he still maintains love for his brothers in arms despite the eternally waged conflict that will forever be attached to the CroMags name. At the end of the day, it seems some kind of peace has come out of the age of quarrel, even if it appears the past won't be mended, at least some personal version of closure is attained. In short: Read this s***- it's a killer book. -Hammerin' Hanke (DuRT-Head Army)

Just bought Harley's book. After reading recently Dave Dictor's bio (some interesting info in there) and Keith Morris' book (really fun to and interesting to read this one), I have to say that Harley's book is the one. Very well written and plenty of fun (at least for me) facts in there. Having been a rock then metal then HC kid myself, about the same age as Harley, and also coming from a family immersed into music, it is cool to cross some facts that we only knew via the grapevine back the (before the internet generation - remember?). Yes NYC LES was scary back then, and I will always remember the first time I dared to walk through all the Spanish speaking guys at the eastern side of Bleeker in 83 to finally hit the Bowery and CBs and face a see of skins and thinking: this might be even more scary than what I just went through ah ah ah. Anyway, this book is great, reflects that atmosphere perfectly and is very interesting to read: it makes you think how interesting NYC was fun (and scary) back then and how much it changed in the last 25 years. I was lucky to see Harley in Europe in the early Nineties a few times (that tour when John was back on board) and then as White Devil in London (killer gig with Parris I think and Bobby on guitars) and for me reading this book brings so many good memories back (zero violence on my side - just good memories of nice people) that I am recommending to anybody who is interested in understanding how NYC was back in the day to read this book. Well done Harley, and best of luck for the coming years!!!

I know and grew up around a handful of the people, places and events described in this book. So, for me, one of the best things about it is the accuracy of the story telling. The stories are backed up, confirmed and verified by photos, videos and many contemporary witnesses who are included and quoted in the text. The book lacks the "sh*t talking" you find in some other, related accounts of the time period. Stories are told, events are laid out and you get insight into the personalities of the people involved without being told what to think or feel about them. Given the nature of the scene and stories being told I find that to be a true accomplishment. It may be his autobiography, but it also serves as an accurate history of a very specific time period that is completely lost and has very little (if anything) to do with today's NYC. For that reason alone I think it'd be an enjoyable read for anyone interested in NYC history or music history whether they're Cro Mags fans or were previously aware of Harley Flanagan or not.

It was sometime in the late 80s when I was with my mom at the store. I picked up a metal magazine like I had usually done and on the cover of this particular issue was a group of guys standing together. They had the standard of what a rock musician would look like aside from one of them having a lot of tattoos. However, I remembered they were standing around another guy at the center kneeling down with his shirt off displaying way more tattoos. Particularly, there was one of a demon displayed across his chest that caught my attention which was pretty cool, I thought. I was about to open the mag before my mom, who was looking over my should said, “Look at that white boy with all them tattoos” -which made me quickly put it back to avert her attention. To this day, I don’t know if she was surprised or liked what she had seen and, the thought of that makes me cringe but in a good way. Obviously, the guy I’m talking about is none other, than Harley Flanagan of the Cro-Mags. I already knew about them and this right before they recorded ‘Best Wishes,’ an album I resonated with more due to the sound being more metal-based. Naturally, a few years later, I got more into Hard Core and Punk which eventually gave me more of an open mind when listening to ‘The Age of Quarrel’ which had me thinking how stupid I was for not getting into it sooner because it's phenomenal. Undoubtedly, that album is the hallmark of Hard Core music in so many ways. That’s not taking anything away from anything else that they’ve done up to now. It’s just one of a kind and whether you’re into the music or not, Harley Flanagan is a semi-controversial figure being that his name rings bells both in and out of the group. His relevancy throughout the years has been consistent and in the Age of tell-all, like so many others, it was inevitable that he, himself come forth with an offering about the exploits of his life. Overall, it’s good but like any book, there’s what you like about it and what you don’t. First, the good. Harley accurately talks about his life. From his troubled beginnings, the crazy events that he went through or witnessed as a child, his troubled relationships, his personal struggles, what his thought processes were at the time as well as looking back on it from a grown man’s perspective. Events may be skewed and there are editing mistakes but if you’re going to talk about your life that’s to be formatted to a limited page count, it’s not an easy task. And, although he wasn’t trying to be funny, I did laugh my ass off at some of the messed up things that happened. Let’s just say, I get it. Given that he was born at the end of a particular moment in time to grow up with a few iconic figures that were key players in their heyday is exceptionally unique and amazing. To anybody who doesn’t know the guy, I guess to take one look at him, they'll just assume he's just a street thug, totally unaware that he has a particular history that most of us do not have. Not only has he witnessed a few important eras in history, but he also was a part of starting something so iconic, it changed the dynamics of music and he lived to talk about it. But, I like that he glorifies nothing. Just telling it like it is or was. It’s just not cool being a gifted kid with a genuine love for music to leave a fun night of seeing your favorite band or playing a mind-blowing gig, only to go to an abandoned building that you call home not knowing where your next meal’s coming from while in danger at all times. How can you not have PTSD? He’s just really open and seemingly authentic with all of it. And now the bad. There are good moments in his life however, I feel that they have taken a backseat to all the debauchery and madness that he talks about which is a shame because I wished he had spoken more about that. I don’t doubt he’s a tough guy since I, myself heard what happened at shows way back when everything was by word of mouth and, I don’t doubt he’s still ready to scrap over the slightest insult however, at the risk of being honest, his telling of it is just over the top. All throughout the book, he talks about the squabbles he got into nearly the point that it seems like it takes up most of it. So, if you want ass-kicking horror stories, there's tons of them. But I find some of that to be questionable. You see, in every fight he talks about, not only is he the victor where the victim is lucky to crawl away without medical attention, it’s always the same thing. Don’t get me wrong. He does talk about the beatings he received in the neighborhood he grew up in but after getting hurt by two knucklehead buddies of his up while up in Canada, it stops and the rest of the book is about him handing people’s asses back to them. I don’t doubt some of it but not in every scenario. You see, whether you’re a brawler or not, you’re going to lose a couple. But, I don’t fault the guy. It’s only natural that everyone is the hero of their own story. Another thing I didn’t like is how he goes in on a few people particularly John, the former singer of the Mags. I get it though. When you have a falling out with someone that you were really close to, you just want to hurt them any way you can because that love turns to hate. I can’t doubt some of the things he’s said because he knows the man, I don’t. But there is a continuance of this where he maliciously tears into people taking no accountability himself. But again, I wouldn't know because I wasn't there. But what's apparent is how he shames some of the people that he’s helped out of certain situations like, "I don't know why so-and-so did that. He should’ve known better than to step to those guys. He was always a punk. Even from the beginning, I knew that. GRR, time to step in and beat these wannabe's to a pulp to show 'em who's boss." Another thing that I thought was annoying was bringing in other people to comment on certain situations that went down to give credit to how cool or crazy he was(?) I don’t know but considering that his rep speaks for itself, was it really necessary? The only thing that I’m curious about is that Harley doesn't mention anything about GG or Merle Allin. I don’t know if they knew each other but assuming they were around the same place and scenes at the same time, their paths had to have crossed. He did mention that there were a lot of things he left out of the book. Who knows? Honestly, I loved the book but I think it’s greatly overshadowed by all the fighting in it but I get it. Reading a book by a guy who was knee and fist-deep throughout the Hard Core movement, would you expect anything less? The odd thing is, somehow all of it flows together and that’s why I’m giving it 4 stars.

Incredible story of redemption and overcoming unbelievable odds. Fighting, drugs and playing music, while barely surviving the tough lower east side of NYC, to becoming a Renzo Gracie blackbelt and head instructor. Harley Flanagan is truly a one in a million success story. This book is gritty, tough, truthful and represents NYC and the punk/ hardcore scene as it was back in the day. Harley is an icon who has endured more hardships than most and was fortunate enough to have the street smarts and survival skills to make it out. He is definitely not proud of many of the things that he had to do to survive and is burdened by guilt, but at the same time is constantly searching for forgiveness and redemption. Harley has definitely earned my respect and made the short list of BJJ practitioners that I would love to roll with!!!

I got turned onto this tome via Jocko Willink's Twitter feed; Harley is going to be a guest on his podcast in the future, so stay tuned. Back to the book. The guts of this book live up to it's name: HARD CORE. Like the music, the City of NY (in the 70's-early 90's), and the author himself, this book's core is the hardest of the hard. It's got everything you want in an autobio; brutal truth, despicable honesty, and outrageous humor, all along with some tales of lessons learned. In addition, it gives you the history of the NYC punk rock scene as told from an insider (arguably the creator) from it's origins to present day. Long review, short; reading this book is like bumping into an old friend and catching up with them on a long, hot summer day, while sitting on a stoop, while sipping Tango clandestinely out of a paper bag. It's not preachy, or brainy, but rather real, rugged and raw. You will not be disappointed. I give it 5 nightsticks up !!!!!

I'll preface this review by saying I hadn't even heard of Harley Flanagan until I came across an article in the NY Times prior to the book's release, and I knew little about the Hard Core music scene. I am glad I went with my instincts and read this book, it is an eye opener. As someone who was forced to grow up and fend for himself starting at a very early age, Harley's life story is quite incredible. Sure there was drugs, some bad decisions, and violence that have you wondering how he survived. But ultimately, it is a very open and honest story, holding nothing back and letting the reader know how it really was. The story culminates with an incident where it seemed his entire life was about to come apart, but as was often the case when he was at rock bottom, things turned out as okay as possible. I can very much recommend this book.

when younger people ask me to describe the late 70's early 80's Lower NYC atmosphere , people etc I always find myself saying " you kind of had to be there" as if I told you some stuff, half of it your mind wouldn't be able to compute , seeing HF at I believ 13 years old one day while me and my pals were in WSP cutting school and we see this kid, no shirt on, shaved head, no crew cult but bald and wearing combat boots and he had a tattoo was almost one of those " am I seeing what I think I am , and man this must be some ill herb " he was without a doubt the first skinhead I had ever seen in NYC and that's saying something as it was freak show , his life story is deep, raw to the bone Oliver Twist type tip but uhh scarier , the fact he has come out the other side of walking through the fire most would be incinerated by after a couple steps , this kid ran a marathon through . Seeing the Cro mags in their heyday was the greatest form of chaotic release one could experience and they were ours and no matter what happens in the future , their legacy started by a 13 year old kid in some dank apartment on the LES came to fruition and has spawned generations of imitators who will never know those times and sadly should know their roots, reading this book will be like Crib Notes on the entire history of the real NYHC story but this story goes beyond that and reminds me of a Punk rock version of a Jack London novel or a more drug fueled version of one of my favorite tales of adventure Education of a Wandering man by Louis Lamour . Essential reading

Read the book in a week. Its a mesmerising read from start to finish. Ive listened to and grown up with the band since the 80s so was really pleased to get my hands on this. Anyone who wants to understand Harleys take on the NY punk and hardcore scene would be a fool not to buy this book 10/10👍

Il y avait la biographie de John Joseph, chanteur des Cro Mags, là on a le bassiste Harley Flanagan ( à qui je dois la découverte du groupe de Philly YDI, tout de même...), difficile de reposer le bouquin avant d'avoir tout lu!!!! Si vous êtes familiers avec le punk rock, le hardcore US des débuts ( le vrai diront certains, comme moi d'ailleurs), jetez-vous dessus! Sinon, ce n'est pas grave, passez votre chemin...

Nunca fui fã do Cro-Mags mas sempre imaginei que a vida de Harley Flanagan seria qualquer coisa menos monótona. Por esta razão li esta excelente biografia e pude descobrir um Harley muito além do sujeito marrento das histórias que a gente ouve por aí de maneira bem superficial e se vc curte Hardcore, CBGB, Punk, história rueira ou simplesmente gosta de ler uma biografia muitíssimo interessante, eu recomendo essa sem medo. EXCELENTE.

Engancha,no he podido dejar de leerlo,creo que es el libro que más he disfrutado y leo bastante.Hardcore y violencia en las calles de la jungla del Lowe East Side de NY en los 80.

A good read that reveals the personal story behind the stories of Harley.. growing up in the L.E.S. in the 1970's wasn't a cakewalk! Brutal in its violence, beautiful in its self reflection. I'm impressed with his continued creativity.