This past weekend, New York City had arguably its biggest hardcore show since the start of the pandemic with at least 2,500 people in attendance at Tompkins Square Park. The show was headlined by New York natives Madball with support from Murphy’s Law (former Cro-Mags frontman John Joseph), Bloodclot and The Captures. The event was a fundraiser for the New York City Firefighters Burn Foundation and was orchestrated by Black N Blue productions who are known for planning This Is Hardcore Fest. No tickets were sold but GoFundMe donations were encouraged with a goal of $6,000, which is currently met with over $700.

This event received some backlash and was controversial given the current COVID restrictions put into law by Governor Andrew Cuomo on April 2nd. The current law states, “outdoor venues with 2,500 person and overcapacity can begin holding live concerts at 20% capacity.” A negative test or proof of vaccination would grant entry into the event. John Joseph of Bloodclot went on Facebook to combat the criticism and argued it was no different than the protests that occurred the past year or the gathering of people at Washington Square Park on 4/20.

“And let me say this – to all those talking shit. For the last year in NYC there were protests – tens and thousands of people in the streets – some rioting and looting engaging in bias attacks – on 4/20 weed day – thousands filled Washington Square Park – sharing blunts and weed pipes. Nobody said shit. This was our PROTEST – OUR RALLY. People who didn’t want to come – stayed away. Good – nobody missed their ass.

Wanna thank Cousin Joe and The Black-n-Blue crew for doing an amazing job. All the bands killed it THE CAPTURES, WISDOM AND CHAINS, MURPHY’S LAW, and the KINGS of NYHC MADBALL. PMA was had – smiling faces everywhere – we all needed this! I hope other cities do the same.”

Joseph also tweeted thanking fans for showing up,

“We had close to 3000 people at the show yesterday in Tompkins Square Park – Everyone had a great time – thank you to all the bands that played and thanks to all those who came out I live streamed it for those who couldn’t make it”.

NYC hardcore wasn’t the only heavily populated event this weekend as UFC 261 took place Saturday night at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, FL with 15,269 fans in attendance.

Will these past weekend events lead the return of major gatherings?

Check out videos and pictures of the outdoor event below!

Yes initially I was told 2000 peeps then someone counting bodies said 3000 in the park – amazing day https://t.co/5bQsv3p3v0

— John Joseph (@jjcromag) April 25, 2021

We had close to 3000 people at the show yesterday in Tompkins Square Park – Everyone had a great time – thank you to all the bands that played and thanks to all those who came out I live streamed it for those who couldn’t make it – everybody have a great Sunday

— John Joseph (@jjcromag) April 25, 2021