Hardcore punk/metal crossover artist and controversial New York City mainstay Harley Flanagan has been steadily preparing for the release of his upcoming no-holds-barred memoir, titled "Hard-Core, Life Of My Own". In the book, which hits physical and digital retailers next Tuesday, September 27 via Feral House Publishing, Flanagan details his beginnings in the drug- and crime-ridden New York City of the 1970s to the early days of punk rock, hardcore and beyond. As a homeless child prodigy and family friend of Andy Warhol and Allen Ginsberg, at a young age he became close to many icons of the early punk rock scene such as Joe Strummer of THE CLASH and was taught to play bass by members of the famed punk band BAD BRAINS. He went on to start the notorious hardcore band CRO-MAGS. On its release date, September 27, Harley Flanagan will host a special free "Hard-Core, Life Of My Own" book signing from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Manitoba's in New York City (99 Avenue B). Attendees can either purchase a book on site, or can bring their own copy to be signed. Anthony Bourdain — famed chef, author, television personality and avid music fan — has been an outspoken Harley supporter for years. He states: "Harley Flanagan's incredible story is not just the history of New York hardcore, of which he is a founding father, but a history of New York itself. It's all here, an amazing series of unlikely coincidences, catastrophes, accomplishments, and associations. Chances are if it happened in New York and it was important and interesting? Harley Flanagan was somewhere in the room. If you care anything about music history, punk rock, hardcore or just a ripping good story, this is the punch in the face you want and need." Check out an in-depth conversation between Flanagan and Bourdain at NewYorkNatives.com. The New York Times also recently sat down for a chat with Flanagan in preview of his book release, which you can read here. Harley Flanagan also recently released his brand new solo album, appropriately titled "Cro-Mags". The album features twelve all-new tracks, boasting brutality in the vein of the CRO-MAGS' "Age Of Quarrel" and "Revenge", exploding with heavy intensity and pure anger. For more information on "Cro-Mags" and details on the upcoming release of "Hard-Core, Life Of My Own", visit www.harleyflanagan.com. Photo credit: Drew Stone for "The New York Hardcore Chronicles" film (Facebook page)
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