Venom: The Unlikely Heroes of New York Hardcore
Venom: Unlikely Heroes in the New York Hardcore Scene
In the midst of the Beastie Boys' album "Hello Nasty," rapper Mike D unexpectedly gives a shout-out to Newcastle, the hometown of the legendary English metal band Venom. This reference may have gone unnoticed by hip-hop fans, but it wasn't the first time the Beastie Boys had acknowledged Venom. Incorporating a snippet of Cronos' band live on stage in their song "Mark On The Bus" from the 1992 album "Check Your Head," the Beastie Boys showed their admiration for Venom's hardcore metal sound.
Mike D expressed his admiration for Venom, praising their speeches, routines, and overall metal vibe. The Beastie Boys were influenced by Venom's early crossover style, which they discovered through a hardcore radio show in New York that mixed Venom's music with bands like Black Flag and Minor Threat. When Venom performed in New York, the Beastie Boys realized the band's serious and authentic approach to their music, which left a lasting impression on them.
Producer Rick Rubin, who signed the Beastie Boys to his Def Jam label, enlisted Slayer guitarist Kerry King to play on the hit single "No Sleep Till Brooklyn." Despite King's initial reservations about the song, his collaboration with the Beastie Boys showcased their fusion of hip-hop and classic rock/metal influences. The Beastie Boys' transition from hardcore punk to rediscovering their love for classic rock and metal was influenced by their immersion in the hip-hop scene.
Adam Horovitz admitted that he used to dislike bands like Led Zeppelin, but his appreciation for chunky riffs in hip-hop music led him to revisit old metal classics. The Beastie Boys found inspiration in '70s metal bands like AC/DC, Black Sabbath, Kiss, and Krokus, appreciating their cool and influential music. Venom's 1986 shows in New York and New Jersey, where they headlined above Black Flag, became legendary events for hardcore fans in the area.
Sonic Youth's Thurston Moore, a fan of Venom, recorded the band's show for Black Flag's frontman Henry Rollins, capturing the band's iconic between-song raps. Moore described Venom as a heavy metal trio with a thrashed-out punk rock hardcore sound, creating a unique and underground music style. Moore's Ecstatic Peace label released a seven-inch single titled "Venom - Live," featuring Cronos' on-stage banter, showcasing Venom's raw and energetic live performances.
In conclusion, Venom's impact on the New York hardcore scene and their influence on bands like the Beastie Boys and Sonic Youth highlight their unique blend of metal and punk rock. Their energetic live shows and authentic approach to music have solidified their status as unlikely heroes in the hardcore community, leaving a lasting legacy in the music world.