Tune In, Turn On
By Doug Deutsch
Do you remember where you were, or what you were doing, back in 1980, assuming you were around back then? My point is, most of us are now doing something different in life than we were doing more than 40 years ago.
But that’s not the case with Roger Miret, front person for longtime New York hardcore band, Agnostic Front, who’s been with the New York City-based group since late 1982 and sang on AF’s first recording, the 7-inch EP “United Blood,” released in 1983 on their AF Records imprint and considered a hardcore classic. He was cool enough to grant us an interview via email.
DD: Did you ever think that you and (Agnostic Front founder and guitarist) Vinnie Stigma would still be together playing music after 40 years?
RM: We never thought we would have ever toured the world let alone still be playing music together for over 40 years! We have truly enjoyed our lives and are grateful for it. We have traveled the world and have made lifelong friends. Truly blessed.
DD: How does the music on your United Blood EP from 1983 compare to your band’s more recent material, such as 2019’s “Get Loud”?
RM: Huge difference. We have come a very long way musically for sure. “Get Loud” is a perfect blend of our forty years musically. We have always been leaders, not followers, and we tend to recycle our music and stay at the forefront of it. Lyrically our message has maintained. We speak of oppression and overcoming oppression as well as unity and family.
DD: Who were some of the bands in the early New York City hardcore days that you first played and bonded with?
RM: Basically, all the NYHC bands, as we all created our scene together. We also bonded with many bands internationally and luckily have shared the stage with great bands like Minor Threat, Negative Approach, SSDecontrol, DOA, The Exploited, GBH, The Business, Slayer, The Misfits etc… a lot to list but it’s been a great forty years for sure!
DD: What effect did battling cancer have on your career?
RM: Like many challenges in my life, cancer was definitely a big one and timing-wise it really added a deeper level of depression and anxiety in my life. What truly got me through it was the generosity of our fans worldwide with their prayers and support. I am so grateful to have so many people touch me in my darkest days, thank you. I am still in treatment but out of the danger zone and it’s time to put it all in my past and stay driven to continue living life!
DD: How does playing a hardcore show today in 2023 compare with playing in the old days?
RM: Well, the crowds are bigger but we play our hearts out to those that attend. We enjoy playing, seeing old friends and making new friends. We are thankful to always be welcomed to different cities, states and countries.
DD: How long do you anticipate keeping Agnostic Front together into the future?
RM: As long as there is a demand for Agnostic Front and we still enjoy playing, we will be here! This is our passion and we have remained dedicated all these years.
Agnostic Front, New York hardcore legends Murphys Law, and UK punk band Grade 2, round out this killer triple bill 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, at Anchor Rock Club, 247 S. New York Ave., Atlantic City. See www.anchororockclub.com.
Doug is the owner/operator of Doug Deutsch Publicity Services, which since 1995 has been servicing nationally touring acts, and working record release campaigns for clients. Doug also hàs experience writing for the one time shore-based weekly publication, Whoot! He also was a team member with Chip Braymes Advertising. Doug loves bicycling and aspires to bring the Blues to Atlantic City. He can be reached at ShoreLocalDoug@gmail.com and www.facebook.com/dougdeutschpublicity.
