New Jersey hardcore band If I Die are returning after 20 years for a single reunion show on September 19 at Locals Bar in Manalapan. The set is dedicated to their drummer Jesse Burke, who died towards the end of 2025. Part of the ticket income, along with donations, raffles and a 50/50 draw, will go to Jesse’s daughter, who has just graduated from high school.
The band’s first run ended badly. Vocalist Chris Kovach does not clean up that part of their history when talking about why they disappeared.
“ifidie ended on a sour note. A few of our demons got the best of some of us which led us to breaking up. Now, 20yrs later, all spread out in different states, its a surreal feeling getting together for one more show. Unfortunately, our drummer Jesse passed away towards the end of last year, so this will be all in his memory. I think he would be so happy to see this happening. We do this for him and hope to raise some money for his beautiful daughter who just graduated highschool.”
If I Die recorded one album during their original run and were still writing a second when they broke up. They shared shows with The Dillinger Escape Plan, The Red Chord, Emmure and Merauder, bands that place them squarely in the metallic hardcore and metalcore circuit of the mid-2000s. Twenty years later, four original members were living in different states and had been out of touch for a long time.
They finally met to play together again in April 2026. Chris, guitarists Vinny Pfeiffer and Sean Egan, and bassist Yarely Rivera make up the returning core of the band. Kevin Basca is playing drums for the reunion.
“Wild how being apart that long but picking up right where we left off, like it was all a dream,” Chris said. “Im proud of each of our members and how they are living their lives as i know Jesse would feel the same.”
Chris can only speak fully about his own two decades away from the band. He spent years dealing with addiction and has now been sober for ten years.
“I battled addiction for many many years before finally taking my own life back 10yrs ago. Since sobriety I have gotten married, had children, a grandson and living a beautiful life. I still struggle mentally at times but when you have so much to live for, there is no option of going backwards.”
Jesse remained part of the reason the four original members came back into the same room. Chris remembers someone who could be reckless and funny, who kept people around him having a good time, and whose proudest part of life was being a father.
“Jesse was an amazing musician. He was funny, reckless and always full of life. Some stories I wont repeat but he always made sure everyone was having a good time, no matter what. I know his greatest achievement by far was his daughter. She brought him so much joy and pride.”
Kevin had to learn the drum parts Jesse left behind. Chris says he has treated that responsibility seriously throughout the rehearsals.
“We are also very lucky to have found a drummer to play Jesses parts and to take it as serious as Kevin Basca has. We greatly appreciate him, more then we can express.”
The September bill was assembled from bands that If I Die respect and bands whose music meant something to Jesse. It does not come from one old crew reconnecting after two decades. Enforcement Droid provide the direct family connection because the band includes Jesse’s brother John.
Subzero come from the NYHC side and were a band Jesse liked. Chris picked Dead Blow Hammer and Overthrow because they carry the kind of hardcore sound he has always enjoyed. Cropsey represent the current tri-state scene, while A Breed Apart are another New York band whose sound Jesse loved.
“These guys all stepped up and have honored us by being apart of something so important to others. That shows what kind of people our scene has and we are grateful.”
If I Die’s reunion line-up is Chris Kovach on vocals, Vinny Pfeiffer and Sean Egan on guitars, Yarely Rivera on bass and Kevin Basca on drums.
The Jesse Burke memorial benefit takes place on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at Locals Bar, 300 Gordons Corner Road, Manalapan, New Jersey. Doors open at 5 PM. Subzero, Dead Blow Hammer, Overthrow, If I Die, Cropsey, A Breed Apart and Enforcement Droid will play.
Advance tickets are $20 through Minty Fresh Presents on DICE, with tickets at the door priced at $25. A portion of advance sales will go to Jesse’s daughter. People who cannot attend can still support her by purchasing a ticket through the same page.
Chris Kovach and Vinny Pfeiffer have also joined the What Lies Ahead Podcast for a new episode about If I Die’s original run, their first show, the writing process, the people around the band and the reunion for Jesse Burke. They also discuss what brought them back into the rehearsal room and whether the September benefit could lead to anything further.
