John Rivera, a powerhouse in the North Carolina punk/hardcore scene, worked hard to support the local music scene in varying capacities over the years until his health began to decline. His wife and daughter need the help from the community he loved so much as they navigate this incredibly difficult time. There is a GoFundMe to help support them and to cover the costs of his cremation, so please GO HERE to support.
The Revisionist History in the Life of John Rivera memorial show was just announced and tickets will go on sale August 26th. The show will end up being a part of John’s NC Punk collection and it will feature UNDYING (their first show since 2007), PRAYER FOR CLEANSING (original Rain in Endless Fall lineup: Dave/Paul/Will/Marc/Dennis), CATHARSIS, CODESEVEN (Division of Labor entire album), AZAZEL, FUNERAL CHIC, and RIOT STARES.
ALL proceeds will go to benefit his daughter, Penny and his Wife, Caroline.
Punks on Paper is a digital archive of North Carolina punk/hardcore show fliers going back into the late 1970s. It includes early fliers from Bad Brains and Sonic Youth in addition to more recent fliers for Converge, Pale Hound, etc.. The archive not only preserves the art of fliers, but it highlights venues – many of which are no longer in existence. I’m in communication with archival institutions to transition the caretaker responsibility of Punks on Paper and working to ensure North Carolina’s punk history is remembered. P.S. Click on the staple gun to view the fliers.
Headfirst!Records – Vestiges, Young and in the Way, Band of Mercy, False Light, and other Southern punk/hardcore bands released EPs and albums through Headfirst! Records for the decade the record label/discog operated. John provided a platform to elevate emerging bands and help them on their musical path.
