Roger Miret and the Disasters
Rock House USA - Aurora, IL
Tuesday, December 10, 2002

On the drive out I had second thoughts about my dedication to hardcore. I asked around and no one knew what, or where, the Rockhouse, USA was. That is total bullshit. From where I live, which is 12 minutes from downtown, it was almost a full hour. There must be some farmer term to justify the difference in distance or the difference between me and those people. Seeing Roger out in Aurora sucked on a Tuesday night, when you know if it was in Chicago, at the Fireside or something, there would have been more core AF fans, who alone could fill the room. This show was not well attended.

I missed all of the opening acts, which, since it was only Tuesday and still early, was not killing me. I could get home early and would not be in Aurora long. Roger and the Disasters hit the stage after a bit of trial and error with the door guy/sound guy/FOH engineer. Set was cool and simple. Four guys playing new songs in an old NY punk style, with anthem-ish, and almost oi-ish parts, fraternal choruses and real lyrics over great fast punchy punk rock. I was touched by NY Belongs To Me. These guys know their instruments and how to play them. None are new to any scene or the road. I wish the bar was packed, I enjoyed more beer, it was Friday night and the set was longer. I look forward to the next Roger Miret and the Disasters show