The Fosters Belmar Pro has seen some truly memorable musical performances over the years, but this year, the bar has been raised. For the first time ever, NYC hardcore will rock Belmar as the Saturday night, September 14 official Belmar Pro Afterparty features HUGE, Murphy’s Law and the legendary UNDERDOG at Paul’s Tavern.
Pillars of the New York City hardcore community since the 1980s, few people in the music world know that Underdog founding members, Russ and Dean Iglan (bass and drums respectively) are both Belmar boys. They grew up as skate and surf beach rats in the 1970s and early 80s going to classic venues like the Fastlanes and the Brighton Bar. Russ became entrenched in the hardcore scene of NYC playing bass for Murphy’s law and eventually started Underdog with Richie Birkenhead and recruited Dean. They played fast, hard, clever skate core but weren’t afraid to write a roots-reggae song as well.
1989’s “Vanishing Point” is considered one of the most important records in not only NYC, but in the entire history of punk and hardcore music. In 2010, they released Matchless, a collection of Underdog’s entire catalogue, on Bridge 9 Records. Russ and Dean still haunt Belmar – running Don’s Pizza King, a longtime supporter of the Belmar Pro, as well as skating ramps and catching waves, now with their next generation of rippers.
Underdog will share the stage with the equally legendary Murphy’s Law, who formed on the notorious Lower East Side of Manhattan. In contrast to the heavy and serious NYHC sound, Murphy’s Law bought the party as well as elements of West Coast punk and eventually ska, always keeping it light. Original frontman, Jimmy Guestapo has kept Murphy’s Law alive for over 30 years now. HUGE, Russ Iglay’s other project where he handles vocal duties, will open the show.
Bassist Russ Iglay has been pushing NYC skate hardcore band, Underdog for 30 years.
For the older generation who love Underdog, it’s a great opportunity to get down to the contest on Saturday, see some of the surfers you read about in mags growing up, as well as where the new generation is taking surfing. For those 21+ competing and watching the Belmar Pro, it’s a chance to see what old school hardcore is all about and what an how the members of Underdog have shaped the town of Belmar.
Drummer, Dean Iglay sets one up.
As always, your favorite acts from years past like Barry and the Penetrators will play the beach stage during the contest on Saturday and Sunday as well as some new blood with Lance O DJ’ing all day. More on those artists to come.
Sat 9/14
11am Soup Sandwich
12:30pm Bad Apples
2pm P-Dub Assasins
Sun 9/15
11am Bog Iron Bloom
12:15pm Barry & the Penetrators
1:30pm Paul Cilinski
