BAD BRAINS - Oct 24th 1979 - CBGB's

BAD BRAINS, October 24th 1979, CBGB's
It was a Wednesday evening on October 3rd 1979, Screaming Mad George’s band The Mad was performing at Max’s Kansas City on Park Avenue South and 17th St in Manhattan. They had finished their set and were playing George’s new song “Don’t Be Stupid” as an encore. Seconds after the song ended, Dave from the Mad came to the mic and spoke: “In about five seconds we have the Bad Brains, … from Washington D.C.!”. The crowd murmured “Bad Brains? Bad brains?”.
Who was this band? They weren’t on the bill that night. The four mysterious band members quickly took the stage, with one taking the mic and boomed out “THE BAD BRAINS!”
To the best of my knowledge, this was the Bad Brains first live New York performance. Unannounced, brought on stage by Screaming Mad George, they played five songs that night; SuperTouch, Regulator, You’re a Migraine, Pay To Cum, Atlantis.
I was recording The MAD on audio tape for a potential film I was going to shoot. That night I was using a NAGRA 3 reel-to-reel recorder when the Bad Brains took the stage, I kept the tape running. Half way through the first song the tape ran out, I quickly reloaded the new reel picking up half of the second song, and the remaining three songs of their set.
Those last full three songs, You’re a Migraine, Pay To Cum, Atlantis, are the sound track for my film.
It was later that night at Screaming Mad Georges Bowery loft, I approached the band who were staying at Georges loft and said “…I like your music and I’d like to film your band…”. They agreed , and H.R. said to stay off the stage while filming.
The Bad Brains next performed on with The MAD at TIER 3, a small club in SOHO/Tribeca on West Broadway Monday October 15th. This was their first official New York gig. Their second club date was Wednesday October 24th 1979 at CBGB’s, it was this date I chose to shoot the film.
I arrived at CBGB’s on the 24th, three weeks after their New York debut at Max’s, Armed with four 100 foot rolls of B&W negative 16mm film (3 minutes per 100ft roll), a spring wound Bolex camera with three prime lenses, 17mm, 25mm, 75mm, I shot the band over two sets, focusing on the three songs I had on tape from October 3rd.
Over the next six months I edited the film, post-dubbing on an upright Movieola, matching it to the October 3rd recording, now transferred to 16mm full coat magnetic. I edited the roughly ten minutes of film down to a final seven minute three song film. By May of 1980 I had the first answer print.
My film ran in a few film shows; New York City, Toronto, San Francisco. To my knowledge the film last ran in 1986.
Around mid 2018 I decided I should have the film restored. The original materials were beginning to emit a vinegar odor, forty year-old movie film has a tendency to shrink, become brittle, the black leader used on the A-B rolls can loose density, etc.
The original 16mm magnetic full coat had become compromised, with a large portion of the audio sounding as if one were underwater. The lab ended up taking the audio from the original optical sound negative. Aside from some pops and clicks, this was an improvement.
Additionally I sent the original ¼ inch Nagra tapes to audio specialist Dan Dugan in San Francisco to see about recovering the original audio. Dan told me that sometimes these old tapes stick together, and have to be slow baked to free them. My tapes however were good, turns out were in perfect condition.
I sent the film elements to ColorLab in Maryland to begin the restoration process. It took over a year to get a times print that I was happy with. I had the film scanned to high-res digital as well as 16mm inter-positive, inter-negative, and finally a few release prints. These new 16mm elements should last another 50 years.
I took the Nagra audio and dropped it in to the digital file using Adobe Premiere, Adobe Audition. The 16mm prints have the original transfer from the 1979 optical track, which includes some pops, cracks, etc, but otherwise sounds good.
Barry Masterson, April 2024

[@quietdoesmusic4029]

There would be no NYHC without this show. legendary footage.

[@u4tmradio]

What a true statement!!

[@richardvoisin6039]

Greatest American hardcore punk band in history!!! End of story...

[@jvkzhou]

If I had a time machine, October 24th, 1979 at CBGB's would be my first coordinate. This clip is different -- it's true filmmaking, and it captures a glimpse of true interaction, how we should all be doing it. Wow!

[@barrym.9802]

Thank you Joel! Add to your time machine coordinates October 3rd 1979, Max's Kansas City on 17th & Park Ave South. That night as Screaming Mad George's band The MAD finished their set and encore, George invited four men on stage; H.R., Earl, Dr. Know, Darryl, The BAD BRAINS. They performed five songs that night, three of which became the audio track for my film. MAD drummer Dave Id introduces the band in the beginning of the film: "In about five seconds we have the Bad Brains, From Washington D.C....".

[@lengtche3696]

I always fantasize about that all the time hahahah, Bad Brains are too godlike between 1979-1982 , just so wonderful in so many ways, their energy is unbeatable, one of the best rock n' roll bands ever. Imagine being in a shitty band and go watch the bad brains play in that time period, you need to be insane to not go home afterwards and the first thing to do is call your bandmates and end that shit.

[@robdiesel1579]

@@lengtche3696 That could've happened but luckily it didn't 😉. The Brains playing at CBGB's some could say gave birth to NYHC but definitely galvanized it ✊🏽 If anything it weeded out the bands that weren't up to snuff.

[@LaurenLawDawg]

@@robdiesel1579 InI RIGHT HERE! HC LIFERS!

[@flacobrian3754]

if I had a Time Machine I would record all of Bad Brains, Reagan Youth, Nirvana, Beastie Boys and Death’s shows from their start

[@frankdiscussion2069]

being an east coat punk in 1979 i can confirm this is what it was like before the mosh pit

[@written12]

What a great thing. Frantic music, wild dancing but without the stupidity of the mosh pit.

[@texmackenzie]

i can’t remember when the pit started …

[@damonfrazee5150]

I’ve been listening to Bad Brains since the early 80’s and have seen them dozens of times and I was excited and grateful to find this tonight. Imagine being in that crowd at a shitty little bar and seeing these guys in the beginning; not knowing you’re witnessing the beginnings of what in my not so humble opinion would become the greatest hardcore punk band. Thank you Barry

[@Tom-ub7ti]

Fantastic video! what strikes me is the shots of the audience. Slamming hadn't taken over yet, so people could dance and spazz out in front of the stage. Nobody is wearing their punk rock uniform. The vid of the Brains at the same venue three years later is brilliant, but the crowd had completely changed

[@hankgege2199]

Everybody has the 77 look uniform. Pre hardcore!

[@rebusd]

I caught Mr. Twitch trying to start a pit @5:31 but it didn't take lol

[@thekidfromiowa]

They're spastic dancing like they're at a Pentecostal tent revival.

[@lengtche3696]

Yeah i was just thinking about that, Bad Brains are total pioneers, none of those tropes was invented yet and they are rockin harder than most of the bands do today.

[@redghettosun]

True. The Pogo was the punk dance of this era but you really can't Pogo to the tempos they were setting anymore. When slam dancing became the norm, most of the females stayed away from the floor. A younger and more violent male element came in, probably from the suburbs and invented their own get down in the pit.

[@turkeypantz]

the difference between this and the 1982 video at CB’s is drastic. The band and the crowd. Both videos are amazing!

[@mrnickckkper]

You see that blonde girl? Now watch the 1982 video. She’s in it too. So are a few others.

[@michaelchalkley5484]

Typical night, 15 people totally shitfaced listening to and dancing to one of the most influential punk bands of our time.

[@betaville72]

Gigs without phones. The good old days!

[@brandonbrown5127]

hats off to the band, the crowd and the maker of this wonderful video. Thank you!!!

[@mattack6779]

I saw these guys in a 300 or so capacity bar called the Sun Set in Tampa, Florida around 1984. Belching Penguins and Circle Jerks were with them. At the time, I was into "Thrash" but a "Hardcore" friend dragged me to it and I am glad she did because I had a great time and I consider those 3 bands legends today. Man, every f-k-n thing was way better then!

[@cftvdata]

God, this is amazing. I don't think I've ever seen filmed footage of them doing "You're a Migraine" - one of my favourite BB tunes - during this early era. You've obviously put such care and love for the music into this little film. Many thanks for sharing it on here so everyone can enjoy it!

[@Jil8840]

Incredible document from the creators of hardcore.

[@GuerillaMetal]

The Bad Brains needs a biopic

[@Bruised-Not-Broken]

I was only 13 in 1979. But just 6 years later I saw them at Wesleyan. We got amazing bands at Eclectic from 84-88.

[@richardduckworth8126]

CBs was my home/workplace for many years and this footage is amazing, thank you!

[@theyapsta]

Wow. Life long fan and I've never seen this.....

[@MrRamaman1]

what can I&I say, the origins are beautiful. In my humble opinion, the beginning of slam dancing and hardcore with the BB, and I am sure there are a few more but a few...This and all BB videos must be archived for eternal experience.

[@OD_30]

this is some awesome footage, thanks for capturing this, bad brains 🔥

[@NBM3]

Nice to see see very happy old friends .

[@cageluke]

MY GOD, where did this come from!!!!!!!! Where has this been hiding…never knew it insisted.

[@barrym.9802]

Thank you, my film ran in a few local film festivals/shows in the early 1980's, then it sat on the shelf until a couple of years ago when I decided to get the film restored.

[@suzannevaichinger8233]

Wow, wonderful footage of the legendary Bad Brains!! Thank you for posting this. 💯

[@screenname88]

Incredible footage

[@petergallman1279]

Probably the coolest video on You Tube.

[@dawidklucz849]

OMG I was born very next day 25th😂😂😂and this genius noise masters they change hardcore music forever

[@rsean3281]

Ian MacKaye spoke about seeing Bad Brains at CBGBs, wondering if he was here…

[@petermackinnon6546]

Mike D. met Yauch at a BadBrains show a year later in "... late 1980." Actual fact

[@geoffreywilson-harrington4014]

busted three ribs at Irving plaza - I wanna say 84 ish? - best. rock. show. ever.

[@lotharhamburg5343]

Hell yeah ⚡🤪 I'm 54 still rocking NYHC

[@layditms2]

lol So you vvere ten - ish '' still rocking '' vvould be older

[@Yoquienmasqueyo]

Thank you❤

[@jorgegordillo7078]

It been an honor seeing these guys live at The Mohawk in Austin

[@bluemonk611]

Best to ever do it.

[@johnniejackson9794]

Definitely there last haircut

[@justsomedudeyouknow8372]

None will ever be able to capture not only the fury but also the stage magic this band had.

[@EYEBALLband]

Oh my god, that is fantastic.

[@pollution]

OMG, thank you for sharing this!

[@worthlessballsack722]

wow! thank you so much for sharing this gem

[@JMarinelli]

Pure joy.

[@traegermethod3802]

The birth of hardcore.

[@Frumess]

Thank you so much for uploading this.

[@patch8376]

Thank you!

[@ceevishus4130]

i love this so much

[@raybeez55]

great footage and good sound thanks for posting this

[@malex72]

Amazing! Thank you!

[@darylcumming7119]

Thank you.❤

[@williamtodd-king6348]

I was here

[@DwainDwight]

incredible.

[@dramatqueen]

Gold. Thanks! 0:28 - Pay to Cum 2:17 - You're a Migraine 4:23 - At the Atlantis

[@kahl1l0]

Thanks for the list.

[@CutlerHenry]

people like you are the MVPs of youtube 🙌

[@jackchaseconsulting]

I wish I could have been there. That was my 16th birthday!

[@sammencia7945]

Note the 70s vibe. We had not yet invented slam dancing and mosh pits.

[@johndoe480]

KILLING IT

[@felipe_isllipe]

⚡ 💥 ❤️

[@jasonmisfit5781]

GOD I FUCKING LOVE THE BAD BRAINS SO MUCH

[@blake4358]

Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@amber4sw]

Amazing.

[@yubari2517]

great!

[@RandyRhoadsFL]

Too good

[@MuchoMas640]

This is a treasure Thank you so much for the beautiful memories.. any more??

[@barrym.9802]

Thank you, no other film but check out the Tier 3 recording, from October 15th 1979, nine days before I shot the CBGB's film.

[@NBM3]

@@barrym.9802 Where can we find said recording ? Thank you for this .

[@barrym.9802]

@@NBM3 I just put it back: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g5bGeX99nNxnhbs

[@NBM3]

SUBSCRIBED !!! Thank u sir !!!

[@NBM3]

THANK YOU FOR THE MAD 2 !!!!!! EQUALLY FABULOUS !!!! Glad you were around ...with a camera and a nagra !!!!

[@danybuster2285]

Brutal esta rola waaaa......😼😼

[@magicmattyoung]

Epic 🔥

[@jeremydean7510]

This is absolutely incredible.

[@lonewizzard8456]

Pure

[@robertafierro5592]

They had a HUGE FOLLOWING!!

[@downallyourstreets]

Dancing of crowd and H.R. is so sick like they’re goading each other on!

[@byrondelacruz_lol]

amazing stuff. Any chance we can get a download link for this video or an uncompressed version?

[@barrym.9802]

sorry, but I keep the film on vimeo, watch as many times as you want. Final restorations is not complete yet: vimeo.com/594237731

[@OrangeYTT]

@@barrym.9802 can't wait to see the restoration! Already looks great

[@RandyRhoadsFL]

Too gooe

[@trafarin_sounds]

Wow

[@LPerezDancer]

Very early document, before slam dancing and stage diving became the standard

[@ronzodiac666]

DOOD....AMAZING FUCKING FOOTAGE!!!

[@johnniejackson9794]

💙

[@antennamondox2603]

yeeehhhawww :))))) yooouthhhh

[@williamtodd-king6348]

This is The best Of hardcore

[@bhed100]

This is fucking fantastic!

[@LaurenLawDawg]

⚡

[@DiEgOo440]

DADDAADADADADLADAAAA, DADADAAAALDADADA! this shit goes hard

[@hjd1539]

PIONEERS AND ORIGINATORS.

[@zainmudassir2964]

Good brains

[@lotharhamburg5343]

CBGB was intense

[@Strohat8]

Time Machine indeed 😅

[@jeanDan]

crazy !!! Who was the vocalist at this show?

[@michaeldicken7977]

Set list?

[@bongdonkey]

BAD BRAINS= Foundation!!!

[@Lira_Nacionalista1930]

The Grattest and First Hardcore Band.

[@mrnickckkper]

Nick Marden!!!

[@crackthefoundation_]

Is this on 16mm? Do you recall what model camera you had? Just wondering, thank you for sharing this amazing history!!!

[@barrym.9802]

Yes, 16mm. I was using a spring wound Bolex, parallax viewing.

[@crackthefoundation_]

@@barrym.9802 Fantastic footage that seems unrivaled from this time + quality! I wont pester you further but whatever transcoding was done should be the standard as, again, this footage is amazing quality. Thank you!

[@barrym.9802]

@@crackthefoundation_ Thank you, Color Lab in Maryland did the conversion, it took close to one year to get something I liked. 144 shots that had to be light timed. Lots of back and forth. I had the original A&B rolls remastered to dupe negative 16mm, and some 16mm release prints as well as the digital scans.

[@chemichaelteale5556]

along with the dead kennedys the firs time hardcore came about in the states??????

[@drbleed]

awesome job! how many cameras were used? i see a lot of b-roll shoots too, really fascinating to see stuff like this. did the sound was recorded through the soundboard?

[@barrym.9802]

Thank you, only one camera, a spring wound Bolex, shot over two sets. Sound was recorded on a nagra 3 or 4, open mic.

[@rawxtir]

Ahhhh two sets that explains sound / visual difference. Set of different music was used over other film. - thanks for filming historical show. Crowd shots are some of best from that era.

[@TheUnderdogzX]

This footage is incredible where is it from?

[@barrym.9802]

Thank you, I filmed at the one and only CBGB's Oct 1979.

[@ceegee3291]

I’m a New Yorker born in 74 so I was too young but what was it like to be old enough at that time?

[@brendendavis8596]

The mormon missionary at 1:50 first night out

[@MN_-]

HOLY SHIT

[@JohnR32111]

Bunch of No Wavers trying to figure out the headfuck of music they are hearing. This footage is excellent. Good job man.

[@mixedhairless]

Epic, except for that one dude who had a constant frown , and eventually sat down .. who is that?

[@Droy5555]

You'll never know

[@DbeeM]

My man got his dates mixed up and thought it was “Country” night at CBGB’s.

[@AlexanderJAllen]

Looks like these folks didn't know how to mosh yet. Look how they just shake around like they're doing the Twist on speed. Heh, they still think they're at the Pistols show. No, this definitely gets filed under 'Hardcore Beginnings'.

[@zippymufo9765]

Yeah, by all accounts moshing didn't hit the East Coast until 80-81. Legend has it that the Huntington Beach jocks started it at Black Flag shows.....

[@jackchaseconsulting]

@@zippymufo9765 Not really jocks, probably some surfers though. Yeah, it had it's origins at a club in Huntington Beach called The Cuckoo's Nest. For awhile it was one of a few places that would book hardcore bands. Lots of violence there directed at the punks from their neighbors, an urban cowboy bar, and the local police. Here is one of several documentaries on the club and all the harassment it's patrons, and owner were subjected to. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpmbhamJj7-bm8k

[@layditms2]

lol Moshing came from an older Generation than them and before this You sound super hardcore lol

[@tommoore4717]

Crowd is on zombie pills

[@layditms2]

Gavvd all you fu cking Noobs

[@thielees]

This video shows how egalitarian the punk scene was, as opposed to the hardcore scene. There were as many young women in punk expressing themselves as freely as the young men, but hardcore (ironically) morphed into this bullshit jock/frat boy macho culture where girls weren’t welcome as equals. Ironic because the hardcore kids all claimed to hate jocks… they just wore black leather instead of Izod.

[@rubios996]

Ummm idk about all these spasmatics 😮

[@layditms2]

stick to Ted Nugent

[@Bruised-Not-Broken]

I was only 13 in 1979. But just 6 years later I saw them at Wesleyan. We got amazing bands at Eclectic from 84-88.