A couple weeks ago I took a trip to Austin to see a Los Crudos reunion show. Many amazing things happened in Austin, but the most emotionally meaningful was a reminder of what hardcore actually means to people in dire situations. While Crudos were taking a breather, two Kids asked the rest of the Kids if we’d donate whatever we could to a fellow Kid who’d broken his arm and had no health insurance. A collection box was set up near Tragedy’s merch table, and I saw Kids who’d be hitchhiking home throw sweaty dollar bills into it. That’s what it was always supposed to be about.

When my friend Brian got shot, I saw that again. You may have noticed I’ve taken the PayPal button off of Attackerman. That’s because so many of you heard that One Of Us was in trouble and opted to prove that we’re a community that takes care of each other. You donated more money for Brian than I ever possibly expected. He thanks you from the bottom of his heart. And so do I. I’ve seen a light that will never go out, even when it flickers in the darkness. Thank you.