THE MOVIE

  • Hardcore Norfolk: A Story of Rock 'n' Roll Survival (Now on DVD!)
    Hardcore Norfolk: A Story of Rock 'n' Roll Survival (Now on DVD!)

    What is it about the music scene in Norfolk, Virginia, that keeps it alive? Even though it’s located off the beaten path in a transient naval town, Norfolk and its surrounding cities have been a big player in the underground rock ‘n’ roll scene since the mid-50’s. This documentary uncovers the story of it’s “hardcore” music fans that won’t let it die—those that create fanzines, record labels and generally support the music—along with local musicians over time, including Gary U.S. Bonds, Gene Vincent, Front Line, The M-80’s, Buttsteak and The Candy Snatchers. Features never-seen-before-footage and local original music from a variety of genres.

How do I get a DVD or soundtrack CD?

Our limited edition two-disc DVDs are $15, and soundtrack CDs are $10. Buy them both for only $20! An additional $3 gets your postage paid anywhere in the U.S. The DVD includes the Director's Cut and almost 90 minutes of bonus features. The CD has 22 bands from 1981 until today, including never before released tracks from The Candy Snatchers, Big Bobby & the Nightcaps, The Bottle Babies and The Hydeouts. Cash, check or money order, please. Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for further information.

Testimonials about the Movie!

Ron Spencer
2013-03-14, 14:14
If there was a way to create an encyclopedic account of a local music scene, from a rabid fan's perspective and make it rock, you have truly found it! The completist aspect of what you have done is staggering. A connection between Judicial Fear and Gwar? Who knew? Gene Vincent to Dex, the amazing Hyde-Outs, and of course the force of nature that was The Candy Snatchers all in one film. Awesome. Thank you for going to Sean Epstein for the Buttsteak rundown btw, he summarized us perfectly, which was my only worry about your film (how would Buttsteak fit in? I always felt we were outsiders.). You guys have done an incredible job, especially considering the length, breadth and depth of the task! It actually takes a few viewings to absorb it all.
p.s. Who knew Jeff Maisey was such a charismatic speaker? It was great to see Barry's crazy eyes again too.

-Ron Spencer, Multimedia Technician, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore MD (former member of Butt...
Louie Carus
2013-01-07, 21:53
Just finished watching "Hardcore Norfolk" and I gotta tell ya, despite my interview winding up on the cutting room floor, it's one of the BEST rock docs I've ever seen! Bravo to you and your team for a job VERY well done.

-"Screwy" Louie Carus
Junk Records, Long Beach, CA
Sharon Eaton
2013-01-07, 23:59
I can't tell you how much I loved it. It was much more of a movie than I was expecting frankly. All kudos seriously to you three. You really accomplished something special. I expected to love it but who knew it was going to be so professional?!

-Sharon Eaton
Bartender/server, Mayville, Wisconsin (former resident of Norfolk, VA)
Show More Testimonials

In the News...

  • Hardcore Norfolk: The DVD (Veer Magazine, Dec. 15, 2012) Hardcore Norfolk: The DVD (Veer Magazine, Dec. 15, 2012)

    By Jeff Maisey / Courtesy of Veer Magazine

    “Hardcore Norfolk: The Movie” is being released on DVD as “Hardcore Norfolk: A Story of Rock ‘n’ Roll Survival” on December 21. The event is being celebrated with two silver screen showings of the film that night at Cinema Café in Virginia Beach (7 PM and 9:15 PM) as well as a concert December 22 at the Taphouse Ghent featuring Death Trip, The Bottle Babies, The Plurals and Crissy Babe & the Dastards.

  • Veer Interview: Lights, Camera…Anarchy Veer Interview: Lights, Camera…Anarchy

    Lights, Camera…Anarchy

    Underground music scene documented in “Hardcore Norfolk: The Movie”

    By Jeff Maisey / Courtesy of Veer Magazine

    Waxing Poetics’ frontman David Middleton once lamented that the 1980s-90s underground music sceneof Hampton Roads could have rivaled that of Seattle and Athens, GA if only the region had an indie record label like Sub Pop to document and expose the bands to the rest of the country.

  • Forthcoming film examines Norfolk's punk rock underbelly Forthcoming film examines Norfolk's punk rock underbelly

    by Sam McDonald (Daily Press, Jan. 2011)

    When it comes to rock 'n' roll, Hampton Roads does have a sound, and it's more brutal than beautiful.

    Certainly there's variety in the region, but the original rock bands that survive here tend to have a few elements in common. They're often tough, raw-knuckled guitar acts that incinerate pretension in favor of aggression and energy.

  • More than just a Scene: Hardcore Norfolk More than just a Scene: Hardcore Norfolk

    The AltDaily Interview by Marissa DiGirolamo! August 18, 2011

    When I was a young teenager growing up in the suburbs of Virginia Beach in the early 90’s, one of my favorite things to do was to walk up to the local record shop, Birdland Records.