The Godfathers of Hardcore

There have been many films documenting Punk Rock, Hardcore, Metal etc but none quite like The Godfathers of Hardcore. It goes beyond any "life on the road" cliches or tired band origin stories as it is far more personal and engaging. Along with its inherit NYC grit, it tells the story of 2 friends who have taken a band, Agnostic Front, from the streets in the early 1980s to one that tours the world over to thousands of die hard fans. You come away learning a lot more about Roger Miret and Vinnie Stigma and what drives them after 35 plus years of music. Without disclosing too much, you also learn about Roger Miret's harrowing and troubled childhood, as well as some issues he faces currently, that the brunt of Agnostic Front fans are likely not aware of. This aspect of the documentary really sets it apart from the pack. The documentary itself looks and sounds fantastic and is very well shot and produced. I definitely see this as a film that could appeal to music and documentary fans period, going way above the core Hardcore/Punk audience. I caught the film at its NYC premiere in 2017 and look forward to seeing it again!

There are things in this world that matter. There are people in this world that make a difference.

I went into this movie thinking that I would see a film about a legendary hardcore band. I walked out realizing that Ian McFarland captured something that has mattered to me and so many like me and that Roger Miret and Vinnie Stigma have made a difference. Don't just tell your friends about this movie. Take your folks. Take your family. The Godfathers of Hardcore is an amazing look into our life through our generations voice.

I was lucky enough to get a ticket to see this at its London premiere as part of the Raindance festival. This is not your usual rockumentary, this is a story of how two influential members of the NY hardcore scene have remained part of those that want to see that scene thriving. It's candid at times as we learn more about the backgrounds and early lives of Roger Miret and Vinnie Stigma but there is also a lot of (previously unseen) footage of their band, Agnostic Front, and others as they were in the early 80s and as they are now.

Stigma and Miret don't come across as pampered self-proclaiming rock stars, they come across as decent, honest, hard-working blokes that know their limitations but give their all to a scene they helped create and that they believe in still, today.

I loved the story, I loved the footage, I realised, again, how important hardcore music is as the very basis for so much of today's rock and punk scene.

This film is absolutely tremendous. Ian McFarland has done Roger Miret, Vinnie Stigma, and the Hardcore scene in general, proud. Watch it when you can.

Agnostic Front fans, punk fans, hell...even your parents will love this. Ian has made something truly special. Do yourself a favor and check out this incredibly well made film. Easily one of the best rock documentaries I've seen in recent years.

With the plethora of music documentaries that have come out in the last few decades, few work on the level of an actual movie. The Godfathers of Hardcore, you can tell is a labor of love from director Ian McFarland. It has all the hallmarks of a great movie... It's beautifully shot, it has real life characters that have totally different personalities yet are both engaging and important to each other. This movie takes you on a journey that will make you laugh and cry and feel happy at the end. Vinnie Stigma could have easily been a lead character in a Scorsese film and stolen the show.... But he's the real deal. He embodies New York City and it's Hardcore Punk Scene. You feel his sadness for a city that is being sold out to the wealthy and elite. It doesn't matter if you're a fan of Punk or Hardcore or Agnostic Front.. if you're a fan of great documentaries, watch this!!!!