The Descendents weren’t the only band to play the Roseland in New York City the other night. We were also there to support the homey Toby play with H2O in his own backyard.

3,500 rabid fans later…

It’s always a challenge to shoot H2O shows because I impulsively put down my camera to finger-point and shout along to the choruses. #hardcorekidproblems

“When it began, for those who don’t know
it didn’t matter how you looked or what you wore to a show
dress codes, FUCK NO! we didn’t care
about the brand of your jeans and all that shit in your hair

But now the biggest part is all about the image and not the art
Fashion before passion!
And at nights, it makes me mad that I should have to ask:

What happened to the passion? (Passion!)
What -happened to- the reason for screaming?
What happened the music and the message that I love?
What happened to the hard work? (Hard work!)
And why does everybody look the same?
What happened the music and the message that I love?

And I know, that people change
and we go through different stages in life
and I’m not here to criticize
but the reason I scream, is a feeling inside

But now the biggest part is all about the image and not the art
Fashion before passion!
And at nights, it makes me mad that I should have to ask:

What happened to the passion? (Passion!)
What -happened to- the reason for screaming?
What happened the music and the message that I love?
What happened to the hard work? (Hard work!)
And why does everybody look the same?
What happened the music and the message that I love?

Lost (1,2,3,4) lifetime ago it seems
you gave up on your wildest dreams
but I refuse to let mine go
I took an oath, you can find me here
with an open heart and ears
refusing to surrender
I can’t believe they don’t remember
what it feels like to be young

What happened to the passion? (Passion!)
What -happened to- the reason for screaming?
What happened the music and the message that I love?
What happened to the hard work? (Hard work!)
And why does everybody look the same?
What happened the music and the message that I love?”

That song’s entitled “What Happened?” by H2O and it’s a message that goes beyond hardcore, beyond punk and music; it extends across all cultural horizons that were once driven by passion and hard work but then replaced by image and fronting. Church, Toby, tabernacle.

Toby’s still spearheading One Life One Chance, spreading the gospel of a Positive Mental Attitude and a Drug Free life to youth worldwide. One of the kids who recently heard him speak came out to see him tonight.

Next on H2O’s agenda is the Don’t Forget Your Roots album, 15 cover songs from bands that influenced their own sound. In stores November 15th…

by bobbyhundreds