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.

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.