The Way Back: OG Hardcore Norfolk crew memories

Photos and memories courtesy of Wes Stephens

Hey I'm Wes Stephens, one of the original Hardcore Norfolk crew. After discovering punk in high school at Green Run in Va. Beach, I was attending ODU in the '80s and met guys like Gus Conklin, Kaan, Larry, Gil, Ed, Grey, Ken, Eric, Squinty V, Sue and Sean, and others. These are a few shots from the madness and the fun. Those shows were pre-Dominics and were a shitload of fun! At Connection Hall, you had girls getting into scraps and ripping each other's shirts off over a guy and shit like that. Anybody remember Planet Blue? After graduation from ODU, I moved back to Florida with my family and I recently retired from the military. I have a beautiful, solid wife, and two beautiful daughters who drive me crazy; we live down in the swamps of Louisiana. Still livin' it!!

Note: click the thumbnails to view larger photos and full captions.

Larry and Wes, turning Kaan's Volvo into a convertible with a blow torch! 1986

Wes, Kaan, Gilligan, and Larry getting ready to go on a road trip to Richmond in Kaan's 1965 Volvo. Drinking Black Label beer. 1986

Larry, Kaan, and Wes in the original Hardcore Norfolk '87 tour t-shirts, in NJ. On a trip to CBGB's, Wes can't remember what band they were seeing! 1987

Kaan and Gilligan, at a party at Kaan's apartment on 39th St. Ca. '85-'86

Wes and Gilligan (aka. David Sunde), catching up in California where Gilligan lives now. 2019

Wes, Kaan, Gil, and Larry, having fun and getting in trouble! 1986

Wes in the pit of a Government Issue issue, with John Stabb singing at The Corner in Norfolk. I see Big Al Staggs' head too! 1986

Kaan in another original Hardcore Norfolk t-shirt, that he made himself, at a party at his apartment on 39th St. 1985

Another shot of the party on 39th St., including…

Denise Lawrence, Debra Persons, Grey Persons, and Wes on our way to a Halloween party at Vic Demise and Michelle Skelenger's apartment in Ghent. 1988

Wes in the Dominican Republic in a Victory Records shirt, just chillin' and enjoyin' life! 2006

Kaan and Wes on I-64 heading to Richmond...

The Way BackDebra PersonsJanuary 4, 2020