Last night, The 614 Smackdown took place at the new Dropouts/Dead City location. The floorshow kicked off with Wetwork, followed by Halfman, World of Joy, and finished up with Knuckledragger, for a first gig at the skateshop turned D.I.Y venue it was the perfect show to christen it. It sold out quickly after being announced, so you know it was going to be an epic turnout.
What made this event truly special, it was an all-ages show. In a world where all-ages gigs are a rare gem, The 614 Smackdown embraced inclusivity, welcoming patrons local and out of state. The venue became a melting pot, where the shared support for hardcore dissolved age barriers.
The importance of all-ages shows in the hardcore scene cannot be overstated. They provide a space for everyone to immerse themselves in the culture, fostering a sense of community and passion for the genre. The 614 Smackdown was a testament to the vitality of these events, proving that when it comes to hardcore, the future is bright. Here's to more all-ages gigs, and more shows at Dropouts/ Dead City. Thanks to Burning Hammer Records for organising and Tyson Gierus for the photos.