STRAIGHT FROM THE HORSE'S MOUTH - CLINT HALLADAY

Four months ago at breakfast the conversation moved in a direction that sent out a ripple effect that made the unforgettable show this past weekend. For many of us, this was something that we have only dreamed about.

When we finally decided to make it not just a dream, there were many obstacles we had to over come. Of course, money was the biggest issue. We meet up at a coffee shop to talk about how we were going to go about it. The first thing I said as we sat down was, "I don't think we can pull this off, we need a lot of money." Lucky for us I was wrong, and we have the best friends anyone could ask for. Not only did our friends say that they would help us cover if we lost money but, we had one very handsome but crazy friend, Nathan Steele, put up $1800 to bring six guys out to salt lake.

Plane tickets were bought, the venue was booked and the clock was counting down to dec 6. We chose the three most deserving bands to play the show and started promoting the show as best we could. I did nothing but stress out about making enough money to cover the cost of flight and venue, but the only thing I could do was put posters up and hope people would show up.

Three months later Mike, Jack, and I were picking Starkweather up at the airport, not having any idea what the next 48 hours had in store. We dropped them off at their hotel, and the next morning, Jack and I went and hung out with the six guys we had just met the day before. I can honestly say that it was like being with friends I haven't seen in a long time. If nothing else, you could never say that "..those starkweather guys are fucking terds." Fuck, I might hit someone if I heard them say that..

After a walk up to a pawn shop we parted ways and went to get everything we needed to get the show going. We met up at the venue and loaded everything in. As we were setting up for the sound check and me now stressing about the drum set, there is nothing that can be done but hope everything goes as planned.

The sound guy was ready and told Starkweather to play a song to check the levels. In the venue at this time were the few people helping with the show and other three bands, so a total of about 25-30 people. They started playing and everyone in there stopped in shock. My stomach turned, I was in complete awe, it was really happening. You could feel the excitement in the room with only the few people in there. Nothing made me feel that way since I was 16 and thought that the holy ghost and jesus were real existing beings.

The doors opened and people started to fill the club and if you were there you know the rest. Every band played as good as they ever have. The feel of the show was something I have not felt in a long time and to everyone there I say thank you. You have no idea what you help start. Please keep coming to shows. You are the life blood to our scene. With out all of you we would have just another sub par hardcore scene. So I thank you all.

I would like to give a very big thanks to those 7 guys I got to meet this week end. I would like to let Starkweather know with out you Salt Lake wouldn't be what we are. Bands like Lifeless, Triphammer, Climb, Cherem, Aftermath, Tamerlane, Reflect, ect. and the many up coming bands wouldn't exsist.

I would like Tamerlane, Sleeping Giant and, Reflect to know how much you mean to Salt Lake Hardcore. I look up to you as to many other kids, young and old. With you as examples I have very high hopes for what is coming next.

I would like to thank Blake Foard for all his hard work with all the past shows he has done, and more importantly the ones he will do in the future.

I would like to thank Nathan, Dan, Sias, and Trevor for all the hard work they put in to this show. Thank you for making this happen, I know Salt Lake thanks you too. With out you it wouldn't have happened.

And Big Dog, thanks for starting this crazy idea. You have many of them, keep them coming.

We have big plans, we have great ideas, WE HAVE SOMETHING NO OTHER PLACE HAS. Be proud to say you are apart of the Salt Lake City Hardcore scene.

Hats off Salt Lake, hats off.