Ian Mackaye Testifies Against All Ages Ban

discussing dc councilman jim graham's proposal in response to the shooting of a minor at a nightclub. no ban happened - alternative options including varying the licensing scheme were brought up.
www.grahamwone.com/index.php?o...
www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/...

[@BudLightBeerOfStarCommand]

I have such immense respect for Ian's integrity throughout his career

[@scottEhall3]

Ian Mackaye... the best US politician you never had.

[@Ojoe2010]

Together with Frank Zappa...

[@thc_freebaser]

@@Ojoe2010 The whole point of their careers was that they were the literal opposite of politicians but okay

[@Ojoe2010]

@@thc_freebaser Zappa actually consired running for president...'but okay"

[@benverde6099]

NYC is a prime example of how age limits destroy music scenes. There are only a handful of venues in NY that allow minors to play or attend shows and as a result our once thriving music scene is now dismal at best. Power to youth.

[@punkgrl325]

So true. CBGB's is now a fucking Louis Vuitton.

[@punkgrl325]

Sorry, stopped by it today. It's actually a John Varvatos. Same bullshit though, even if there's still a lot of stuff on the walls reminiscent of CBGBs.

[@kittinsmittens]

We use to go overprotective *because* we knew it was a lone outlet for so many kids. Now its a fucking fashion club at best.

[@siggylloyd3566]

@@punkgrl325 varvatos can suck the end of my pistol.

[@ReadyMindsetGo]

Uhh that's so sad to hear... 😞

[@pitergriffin01]

and this man used to be a singer in a hardcore punk band. respect.

[@chadwickwright2833]

“Hardcore punk band?” You should be talking about the post-hardcore movement he made with his band Fugazi.

[@greasergreg785]

I like Minor Threat more. Whine about it

[@ericurdiales8978]

Fugazi was revolutionary and the only band who stopped at their best and can always come right back and do it again

[@vivaldireal1741]

@@ericurdiales8978we could only hope

[@jamiedeatley8680]

Ian is the fucking man

[@Durrutitv]

He is absolutely right, and it's sad to go to a show and see them turn away kids. When I was a teenager there was nothing that mattered to me more than the music I loved and I would have been devastated if the government stepped in and separated me from such an important part of my life. Ian is a musician of such passion and integrity, it's really an inspiration to listen to really tap into the core of how important music is for young people, and everyone.

[@sammysosa1563]

I got into punk rock at 16 and was so glad "Soma" was an all ages venue. I had great times there.

[@imazombieee8949]

Sammy Sosa soma san diego? Same shit if so. Hah

[@kidicarus8584]

Che Cafe, Queen Bees, LGP... 619/858 represent!

[@griffendesai2039]

Ian fought the law, and fucking won!

[@creamcannon825]

I'm preparing to give a statement at a PTA meeting in my school about them getting rid of the music education program in the elementary school, and Ian standing up for what's right in this video totally has me ready to speak my mind in a way I never have before.

[@ph03beuwu]

good luck man!

[@LesserMoons]

This is real punk.

[@jasonpeng33]

Lmao! 🤣

[@sonicwingnut]

I'm currently doing a presentation at university on the influence of Ian MacKaye on both the hardcore scene and after, and have to say the more I find out about him the more I admire the man. He is truly an inspiration for anyone who loves music.

[@ChesterAsucka]

Whenever I'm feeling bored or less passionate about life, I come back and watch this.

[@ManufacturingIntellect]

i love his view! most people see teenagers as reckless, stupid, irresponsible, and ian really brings it out and gets his point across well. that teenagers want to see great bands live! maybe he should've looked up "insane," in a thesaurus (joke), but everyone and anyone, it doesn't matter what music scene or the drugs you use, you must respect him for being an activist, for standing true to what he believes, and for still fucking rocking out, and doing it so well.

[@Slipstarroffical]

Ian sounds like me trying to convince my mom to take parental controls off my phone

[@britguns]

I think I just shed a tear. This was very moving.

[@lalalaboomdeeay]

Ian's solidarity with teens is impressive. He has so much understanding and so much passion. Mackaye for president.

[@evilchild3684]

All age show is I got into punk and almost 30 years later I still go to shows and I see all age kids there with stars in their eyes and you can feel that they love this sound or any type of other music old music is for the new generation all generations young and old punk rock forever!!!!

[@MonstaFishKeeper]

So glad this didn't happen.

[@Ramblebar]

Right on Ian,way to school them man,you are truly a living legend,It's a shame how the all ages music scene has been destroyed throughout America,after all that's how lots of us came up through the scenes,and got into all this interesting music,I remember growing up in Denver,Colorado and in the surrounding areas in my teens we had at least ten all ages venues but now with have at most only two,a real shame especially considering that most of the people who get into indie music are below 18!!!

[@CannibalWHORE22]

This dude is fantastic. His music is some of the best punk has to offer and we all know the genre has millions upon millions of bands, but without him punk wouldn’t be what it is. But also he is well spoken and actually cares about the fans or people he meets! No way you can hate the guy

[@chadwickwright2833]

Ok, he was in a punk band. He also started Fugazi who did far more than MT. They created post-hardcore. You’re welcome.

[@CannibalWHORE22]

@@chadwickwright2833 Again he formed another form of punk. I’m already acknowledging his achievements

[@ReadyMindsetGo]

I was in The Hague, NL two nights ago coz my friend was jamming in a jazz band, and suddenly a woman with three kids (probably all under ten) came in after they'd been standing outside watching the musicians. I was a bit unsure but then I realized I never really see kids at shows... but they were in absolute awe of the band and it was wonderful to see the admiration and wonder in their eyes. I hope they keep that forever.

[@jevanskickstandcrew8373]

Yep I attended an all ages Fugazi show in Derry Northern Ireland many years ago

[@pleasantnightmare21]

Thank You Ian. I am so tired of being written off for being a young person. I'm sorry that I havn't been alive long enough to see as much of the world as someone else and I'm sorry that I was not around the fight in world war 2 like my grandparents or whatever other conflict I was not alive to see. I live in this world too

[@williamjeffbuckleyjr.2648]

You’re welcome

[@inaudiblefx323]

ive never seen so much confidence in my life. probably the wisest person alive.

[@goodbyegoodhair]

Truth to power- very well said!

[@johngordonwyland]

Watching from New Orleans. Awesome. I had no idea he talks to Rollins every Sunday.

[@nicktroy3432]

im from the uk so laws are different but im 16, iv been involved in mosh pits since i was12/13, yeah iv got hurt but iv had a fucking great time. music is for all, pits are for all. claiming you have to be 18 to get into a pit is moronic

[@2929vic]

Well spoken. I don't understand how anyone could disagree.

[@maxzen203]

"you may not know my band fugazi" boards response " fu-what" ians response "you may not know my band minor threat" "oh you were with minor threat, Hell Yeah"

[@MarkArandjus]

You go Ian, you tell 'em, man...

[@TheSatanist13]

Music is a form of communication that predates language, the most smart thing I've ever heard

[@cheshiremouse]

lol wish it was there still. jonesing for a chuckle. and if your comment ended up on top it must have been a gem.

[@Versthadog]

Enjoyed meeting Ian a couple times. Such a cerebral and creative guy. I’m definitely interested in knowing did he indeed win here? Was the ban implemented or enforced?

[@Peepholecircus]

great stuff

[@Witregel]

Great speech

[@jpbslayer]

preach on brother ian

[@dozer0206]

Too bad. Thanks for letting (me) know.

[@thedude928]

i think a great alternative to this would be more shows being done at the VFW halls that scatter every city in the country. you can rent out the halls for relatively cheap, and with proceeds from the show, it becomes easy to pay that small bill. if you have friends in other bands (which many of us who are in bands do), you can get a full roster. best part is you determine what kind of show it can be; all age or set a limit. it goes along well with the DIY mentality of not relying on big venues.

[@KingBoner]

cool Thee Oh Sees profile picture

[@partykrew666]

That was fucking awesome. holy shit.

[@z0diak1990]

Mackaye is fucking well spoken. It's good to know he has had this much influence so far.

[@josephgavinsyverson]

thank u Ian Mackaye

[@shaolinlueb]

well spoken.

[@fauxjita]

i love this man.

[@mustbesoph11]

They don't like violence

[@gravelyma]

Thanks Ian. :)

[@ShadowPlay1919]

If you put your mouse along the red line from front to back, it looks like he is a conductor for an orchestra hahahaha I'm gonna do this from now on to youtube vids!

[@michaellelle4447]

Thanks Ian, without your all age shows at my town I would not have seen you more then ten times and numbers of others ,Rollins the first your friend

[@TheIllegalKind]

ian and henry rollins are so inspirational

[@OlafProt]

The very definition of integrity

[@PetrSilie]

insaaane! It's insaaane! *punches the table*

[@klingchad]

do you know if he ended up winning the vote or not? Tbanks. I love Ian too. What a stand up guy. We are so lucky, as a generation, to have him around.

[@GlueyPorch]

here comes the argument

[@dotheeEVOLUTION]

ian, you are my hero. even more so now.

[@thedude928]

wow, that's nuts. i guess my town (and surrounding towns as well) are lucky, because we don't have to provide for any of that. yeah, in that case, more garage and basement shows.

[@Kriskazam]

This makes me proud to be a part of the DMV area :)

[@reverendd]

The living legend pwns the politicians! Long live Ian MacKaye!

[@bailiff360]

Ian is now offically my hero

[@7Spronge]

if everybody would think like Ian , the world would be a wonderfull place , now all we can do is dream ...

[@Teetee33]

Righteous, Ian. I mean, if they take away the ability to go to shows from kids, what the heck are they supposed to do? This is how mindless violence and youth end up meeting: because they're bored and have nothing else going on. Making a gig and seeing your favorite band can be great way of staying out of trouble. Keep up the good fight. Does anyone know what happened with the proposal?

[@ph03beuwu]

the description says no ban happened

[@dadloraed]

This is scary, I wish we never have these laws here.

[@1afoohs1]

i cant touch this man he is so in touch with politics what a role model

[@bradgotch]

A great man.

[@GGjesusAllin]

Music saved my life growing up. I wouldn't be here if Public Storage, or the Glasshouse had age restrictions.

[@EctInc]

@yojimbo81 I agree; up in Boston we have about zero all ages underground venues. The closest reputable one is four hours away in central MA, while most bands I look forward to are busy in places like The Middle East. I hear it's a great venue, but I won't know until I'm legal. All you folks who do have access to live music should NOT be taking it for granted.

[@Soundgardener80]

This guy has a lot of integrity

[@NathanPalmer]

Indeed it is.

[@magicvoodooppl]

OWNED!!!

[@bricebeaulac]

In college I had to recite a speech from someone famous for my public speaking class. I chose this speech

[@orphanejk]

AMEN Ian!! This guy rules... his band rules...

[@shawarmaboy4844]

Places like fucking Virginia Beach have almost no minors let into shows; Ian is right here.

[@brooksjedi]

Ian is very right here. i grew up with minor threat and fugazi. i think they were a key influence in my life.

[@caseyforever]

amazing. Ian MacKaye is amazing.

[@theonlytruepunk]

I second that motion!

[@giddyrradfem]

there are certainly more pressing issues, but at least he's saying something to help a cause (however comparatively small)

[@densaugo007]

Its not about the age, it's about the heart

[@BarrySPeas]

I think his response about it being "legendary" is more referencing the all ages culture in DC in general, then specifically referencing Dischord bands, Fugazi or his own personal influence.

[@dirtyworks13]

I came up the late 80's I thought we had it bad,but we talked about in the past how much stricter it was.When I said that we don't treat kids as people I mean it.It almost seems with the Drugging,the behavior modification,the zero tolerance that they are trying to kill their identities.Mold everyone to the same,get them ready to work in a cubical.I'm not gonna say for any kid to get themselves in trouble but please try to hold onto your own ideas, individuality,creativity,READ 1984 or somethin

[@carty2354]

Mr. Graham doesn't know what to say after that

[@Nigeman]

I think he called the concept of a scene that played only all ages shows was legendary, not just fugazi itself

[@Type-zg8mu]

What a champ!

[@mattisprettycool]

wow, what an awesome guy.

[@cheshiremouse]

"we can't have a demonstration" dude is salty!

[@angelocatapang6054]

mic drop.enough said ian mackaye.

[@williamgatesenson]

i may not agree with everything ian says but this gave me goosebumps

[@Deadbeatherosuk]

damn he is amazing

[@taylorbortnerathing]

yeah i mean look at the SF bay area. it was fucking thriving as a music scene back about 10 or 15 years ago, maybe even a little bit less. now it is a whole lot harder to become successful in the area. there are very strict age limits on venues that serve, and just being a venue causes suspicion and a lot of them are monitored. also, the for of communication offered by the internet definitely discourages actual communities and weakens music scenes, because nobody wants to help each other anymore

[@CoffeeDrinker2010]

What does he mean at the end "we cant have demonstration"? Is he referring to the clapping or is that what he is insuating was Ian's plea to them?

[@ChiliDawg327]

@Soundgardener80 Ian is the definition of "Integrity" :)

[@colinkay6957]

"We can't have demonstration" Uh huh. Stop me from clapping for: 1. A remarkable musician., 2. An amazing human being, and 3. Someone who pretty much shut down your idea of a ban for 21 and under in 4 minutes flat.

[@evanisovich]

What a fucking legend. Thank you Ian.

[@ickyy]

TELL EM IAN

[@DamianLoved]

MacKaye nailed his argument. I wish he was still making music. Maybe it is me, but there is a void. Fugazi was hardcore, too. None of that tough guy crap that is pervasive in hardcore today.

[@crazyneighbor3758]

I love Fugazi, but they ain't hardcore

[@ethanellis2896]

Without the "all age" You do not get another music scene which means no growth

[@ArmyofBulldogsProductions413]

Ian invented straight edge most modern xxx kids dont know that it s pathetic. but such a great man . a legend . a guiness

[@icbm777]

Ian has always stood for his fans, when was the last time this councilman was at anything considered music worthy? An all ages ban should be considered discriminatory and unconstitutional, unless a show clearly had an adult theme. To take the opprotunity away from teenagers, who make up the largest percentage of consumers of music related merchandise is just like slapping customers in the face who come into you place of business.

[@jefferygwatkins]

As I turn 30, I don't want kids at shows anymore, haha.

[@demonicsweaters]

That was awesome

[@squareinsquare2078]

I saw Fugazi twice. In Ireland.

[@loveseat-honey]

I agree that everyone should be allowed to watch concerts, but not if moshing is common or if it’s got lots of drinking and drugs. Or at places like bars and nightclubs

[@user-sw4qd2up2s]

What were the results of the hearing? Was a ban put in place?