The Godfathers of Hardcore

Ian McFarland's Godfathers of Hardcore isn't merely a great rock doc. It's the rare sort of film created by and entrenched within a genuine DiY ethos that is, at its core, a genuine human story. In it's portrait of the friendship between Cuban born Agnostic Front frontman, Roger Miret and Little Italy born-and-bred guitarist Vinnie Stigma, McFarland has exceeded every film (and there have been a number of them) to date to spring from punk's roughest underbelly: Hardcore.

First and foremost, this is a great story about Agnostic Front's two mainstays: the thoughtful and often troubled Miret and his oft comedic, heart-of gold foil, Stigma. It's a great coming-of-age story, a great New York story and a great rock film. With the notable exception of Don Letts' Joe Strummer biopic, The Future is Unwritten, it hits marks in pacing and production values that make it a singular and affecting piece of work.

It's a buddy flick told with a Taxi Driver-like grit and a snarling soundtrack that tells the story of two men who defined New York Hardcore and never let go of their values. Now, nearly four decades later, there have been successes, failures, wives, children, heartbreak and triumphs with Agnostic Front still taking stages from Boston to Bangcock and waving the flag, not just for NYHC but for their very own spirit of independence.

As a punk hardcore kid myself, I went to the London premiere expecting a traditional rock documentary. You know, the regular talking heads, the story of the band, the ups and downs of life on the road....The Godfathers of Hardcore delivers something different. The director chose to focus on the human side of things, the two contrasting personalities whose friendship kept the band alive for almost 40 years now. I believe that adds so much more depth to the movie and it's quite a different way of telling the story. It feels more like a documentary about life than music itself.

Yes, it's a niche film and if you're not familiar with hardcore/punk and the overall history of Agnostic Front you will feel a bit left out sometimes. This is not a biopic of the band and its members. Maybe a bit more context could have been added at times to back some of the past events that are presented, and the more recent live footage from the gig in Germany doesn't really add that much to it, other than the "on-stage" perspective that the director explained further in the Q&A.

Ultimately this is the story of two special individuals that grew up in a very specific (and rough) time and place and a snapshot of what they done with their lives and the challenges they face in getting older. It's a very unorthodox and beautiful perspective, something that appeals more to human emotions than nostalgia.

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!

Ian McFarland captures what most people have ignored for over 30 years. The honesty in which Hardcore music is portrayed is accurate, reverent and astute. I am honored by his documentary to be a part of that history as well as a curator of its history and significance. Thank you Ian for delving into a story that should be told, recounted and remembered.

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.