‘Positive Mental Attitude’ Benefit show honoring Paul “H.R.” Hudson of legendary and mighty Bad Brains. Sold Out. Dec 11, 2023, at Teragram Ballroom in Downtown LA
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The music community announced an event dedicated to honoring Paul D. Hudson, known around the globe as “H.R.”-lead vocalist of the American punk band Bad Brains. H.R. played a pivotal role in shaping their iconic distinctive sound, blending an aggressive mix of punk rock with reggae rhythms, which was an innovative style that revolutionized the punk and hardcore music scenes.
This tribute event promised an unforgettable evening featuring a remarkable all-star lineup of renowned artists, coming together as a collective endeavor to support H.R.‘s medical fund following the distressing news earlier this year. H.R.’s quality of life has been significantly affected by the excruciating headaches caused by SUNCT syndrome, which is a very rare and horribly painful condition. As a result, this forced H.R. to cancel and postpone future shows.
Monday, December 11, at the Teragram Ballroom in downtown Los Angeles, an epic slaughter of Bad Brains’ material was covered by artists who joined together to raise funds for H.R. Among them was Angelo Moore of Fishbone, alongside Norwood Fisher on bass, who also played a pivotal role in organizing this legendary night. Additionally, artists such as Israel Joseph I, Ras-1, and Fred Armisen, among others, contributed their talents. Moreover, Eric Wilson, and Bud Gaugh, were in tow with Jakob Nowell who stepped in for his father, the late Bradley Nowell for a Sublime set. No disrespect to Rome, but this was what we all needed, and seemed the most genuine and sincere. Beyond being a concert anticipated for so long, this gathering felt like a nearly overdue reunion, rich with decades of sentiment, love, nostalgia, punk rock energy, and quite the atmosphere. More than just a musical celebration, its primary goal was to lend crucial support to H.R.’s medical expenses and overall well-being.
I was so inspired by this event that I also embarked on a personal artistic endeavor myself, printing a limited series of 20-photographs of H.R. I shot in 2009 that I’ve been given permission and blessings by him to use in my forthcoming book, “Subject: PUNK.” Each photograph was numbered and signed, and printed on high-quality linen paper. The photograph numbered 4 of 20 I set aside on my bookshelf before the event, along with $20, following suit with the same support I encouraged from fellow patrons at the show. All proceeds from the sales were donated to H.R.‘s medical bills.
December 11
Parking was a nightmare, on top of construction there was a Commercial being filmed right down the street for the Superbowl, which reserved multiple parking lots in the area. Once I found parking, it wasn’t so bad. As I locked my car, and turned to start walking towards the venue, I saw none other than Dr Madd Vibe himself, Mr. Angelo Moore whose car happened to be parked right in front of me, where he was heading to pick up some merchandise before going back inside. He graciously signed a copy of my latest book, “In Print,” and I gave him a copy of his own. I could tell he could use a helping hand with some of his equipment he was bringing inside, so I offered my assistance, and inside the Teragram Ballroom we went, where it was all love and unity within those walls.
When the night commenced, Kentyah Fraser and Norwood Fisher gathered on stage and expressed their love for Bad Brains, and what a huge influence H.R. had on the community and this band they called Sublime. Their speeches were followed by Mama Troy Dendekker, who brought back the 90’s nostalgia at the show’s onset. A video of H.R. played on the backscreen, and the show began, with Jah Faith and Jason Tamba before the dubstep.
Ras-1 and Israel Joseph sang “I and I Survive” and “The Youth Are Getting Restless” with Norwood Fisher on Bass, Money Mark on keys, Santa Davis on drums, and Spacey T on guitar with live dubbing by Subatomic Sound System. The bass was off the hook all night long.
Angelo Moore‘s stage presence is unparalleled and addicting, making him one of the most captivating showmen I’ve ever seen. His energy is unreal, he’s electrifying and never fails to leave an unforgettable impression. Joining Angelo was Israel Joseph, with Dave Lombardo on drums “performing “Attitude, and “Banned in DC” which, by the way, the crowd went fuck!ng nuts to.
I would have liked to have seen Fred Armisen onstage a little longer. It felt like if you blinked you would have missed him. He did “The History of Punk Drumming” which was very short, yet very punk rock, lasting just under 3 minutes, and left you wanting more, so it was perfect and an amazing addition to the high-octane energy of the night.
In the green room backstage, Jakob Nowell and I struck up a conversation, about the t-shirt I was wearing, a RAMONES import from Greece my dad picked up for me in his travels, which was the very same garment I wore when I photographed his father Bradley Nowell at the KROQ Weenie Roast in ’95. What made it even more special was that the shirt was signed by The Ramones … Joey, Johnny, CJ, and Marky Ramone all signed my shirt that night. I admitted to him that I hadn’t washed this shirt since then, and have only worn it a handful of times, but tonight it felt like it was the perfect shirt to wear. What an interesting way to connect multiple eras of music and generations by sweat particles on a t-shirt. Jakob found this amusing, sharing moments of laughter in our conversation.
I showed him the photograph I shot of his dad, to which he immediately recognized and said “That’s the photo we have in Bradley’s House when you walk in.” The Nowell Family Foundation has been working tirelessly in facilitating a residential recovery home that provides treatment options for those with opioid addiction in the music industry regardless of their financial situation. Bradley’s House just opened it’s doors December 1, 2023.
While rolling up tobacco for a smoke, Jakob confessed that no matter what, people are always going to compare him to his dad, and that was just how it was, it didn’t bother him, he just hoped to put on a good show that the crowd would enjoy. Jakob’s been making his own music for over a decade, and went his own path with a distinctive sound all his own, but tonight was different. Despite his humble and grounded demeanor in the green room, once he stepped onto the stage and began to strum his fathers infamous custom brown guitar built by Sublime’s late guitar tech Dan MacDonald, Jakob became otherworldly, the passion and spirit he embodied that night was exceptional. You could see it in his eyes that he was having such a great time playing music with his “uncles” Bud and Eric onstage, and with Trey Pangborn on guitar, Jakob sounded magnificent as he carried his families legacy for just a few songs that night for such a noble charity event. Their presence was powerful.
We are Sublime
“Hello Los Angeles. Make some noise!” Jakob Nowell‘s voice pierced the air crisply and magnificently, all eyes were on him and the band members onstage, and then the police scanner talking about the riots began, and the band went into “April 29, 1992.” “Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Jakob Nowell, and we are Sublime!” Those words hit hard—they packed a punch sending me back to June 17, 1995, reliving the moment when I was onstage with Sublime at the KROQ Weenie Roast photographing their live performance. Nearly three decades later, I found myself back in that moment of time and space, watching Bradley’s son now on vocals and rhythm guitar. It was a dizzying blend of past and present—but had I slipped through time, or was this an acid flashback from one of those hits I did in the 90’s? The song blended into “STP,” which Jakob removed his shirt for, creating a real Sublime feeling of nostalgia. Then “Greatest Hits,” “Wrong Way,” “What I Got,” “Burritos,” “Santeria,” and “Same.” Feeling the bangs and the buzzing of Eric’s bass notes reverberated through me. Listening to Jakob’s strumming on his fathers custom MacDonald, and Bud’s drum beats, all from the same side of the stage once again, created such quite the sensation. During the later part of Sublime’s performance and in between songs, Eric Wilson brought the energy back with a microphone announcement paying respect to H.R.
I had the privilege of conversing with various individuals involved in orchestrating the event, passionate music enthusiasts, and even H.R. himself, who graciously shared a few words regarding the benefit show exclusively with me for the readers of Jerk Of All Trades.
“I’m grateful. The benefit was really positive for the Family. It shows that unity in the community is the best way and I hope there will be more benefit shows like that in the future.”-H.R.
“This event came about as an expression of love for who HR is and what he and Bad Brains represent. The rollout of the project and the way the event fell into place felt like it was being supported by “guiding forces.”‘ The caliber of the artists involved and the overwhelming response of those who attended and supported from afar wasn’t anticipated and really showed tremendous love for both H.R. and the music performed the night of the show. Also, of note, this entire event cost only $500 out of pocket expenses, outside of the sponsorship money that went to advertising, which means that a bunch of incredibly talented people came together to manifest a night that has been called “legendary” and “epic” more times than I can count and much to my surprise. It was all for the love of HR.” -Kentyah Fraser (Creative Producer for PMA benefit)
“Watching Eric, Bud and Jakob sounding as close to his dad as anyone can. As an old-school fan, I was back in the 90s for a moment. It was a great night in the honor of HR.” – Mark D.
It was magical to be involved with such a great show for such a great cause. it was a night I will never forget. Seeing so many artists come together for H.R. A man who has affected us all.” -Ras 1
“The excitement surrounding the Sublime reunion with Jakob Nowell at the helm was reminiscent of the excitement of when he started his first band LAW in 2013 and began playing live shows… but ten years downt he line, the excitement was on steroids. I remember in 2014 at the Skunk Records 25th Anniversary show at The Observatory, Jakob’s drummer Nick was wearing a Bad Brains shirt. It’s so cool things came full circle and they could all get together to support H.R. of Bad Brains.” -Reid Clow
“I wasn’t around for that era, but as someone who’s well versed in this genre, I can imagine this is what a Sublime show felt like. The vibes were right.” – Auberon Webber
In closing, our deepest wish is for H.R. to receive the necessary support and treatment for his well-being. Every contribution matters, and attaching his GoFundMe account aims to facilitate ongoing donations. What an unforgettable night! Here’s to H.R.‘s enduring legacy and the everlasting spirit of Bad Brains.
Article and Photographs by Maggie St.Thomas
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