The Godfathers of Hardcore

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.

This is a great insight on the working trials and tribulations of a touring club band...Yes you get to see the gritty beginnings of a music genre that is still with Us and strong today that was started basically in the Lower East Side of Manhattan ...It is a story of the relationship of two pioneers of that "Scene"...It goes beyond the working relationship of two guys and shows the friendship that has lasted generations. Agnostic Front has lasted this long because of that bond that we get to see in this film...You do not need to be a fan of Hard Core Punk Rock to enjoy this, it goes beyond! Enjoy!

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!!!!

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.

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!