“The Past The Present – a history of European Straight Edge 1982-2007″. 108 pages, and over 250 photos documenting the straight edge scene in Europe.

Straight Edge is a powerful subculture of a subculture. Punkrockers that don’t smoke, don’t drink and don’t do drugs are the outcasts of the outcasts. By following a timeline from 1982 to 2007 the straight edge authors tell the narrative of the European straight edge with the oral history from those who were there and from those that are still there, the people that made and still make it happen. The particular development of the European straight edge is described by five Dutch bands, each representing a different era. Starting with Lärm’s Do It Yourself punk ethics the straight edge scene in Europe has developed itself towards political activism of all sorts with a strong emphasis on vegetarianism and veganism as Eye of Judgement shows. Capturing the immense energy of a vibrant and vivid scene, The Past The Present contains stories from entire Europe, from Sweden to Spain and from Portugal to Poland. A document for anyone interested in hardcore or straight edge.

Authors:

Marc Hanou (1967) discovered punk in 1981 at age 13 and saw Lärm play at age 14. He became straight edge in 1985 and vegetarian in 1986. He played in BTD, Betray, Dance Cleopatra, Longshot, Blackheads and in Twin Cities outfit In Defence. Currently he plays bass in Nixnieuwz and guitar in Birds Of A Feather. He had a straight edge radio show between 1988 and 1994 on radio Patapoe, Amsterdam, did Revelation Records Europe from 1990 to 1994, booked dozens of shows at the Dirk and the Maloe Melo, both in Amsterdam, and booked shows in Europe for dozens of bands as well, from Green Day to Born Against.

Jean-Paul Frijns (1973) heard punk for the first time on a new-wave compilation tape that someone made for him during the end of the 80’s. Skateboarding and magazines like Thrasher and Maximum Rock ‘n Roll got him more involved in punk and hardcore. It introduced him to straight edge and
inspired him to start his own zine Value Of Strength, that is still around today. He organized the ‘Geleen Festival’ during the 90’s and booked shows in the southern part of the Netherlands. He interned as a graphic designer for Victory records and lived in Chicago where he picked up the bass
guitar. Currently he plays bass for Birds Of A Feather and books the occasional show at the Maloe Melo.

Also involved:

Andreas Gruter, Germany (“Vengeance” zine, worked for Crucial Response Records)
Atanasoski Vasko, Macedonia (F.P.O.)
Bart Griffioen, Holland (PROFOUND, COLT TURKEY, MANLIFTINGBANNER, DEADSTOOLPIGEON
Bruno Miguel Piairo Lopes Teixeira, Portugal (NEW WINDS, THESE HANDS ARE FISTS)
Bruno Pires, Portugal (NEW WINDS)
David Leon, Spain (AFTERLIFE, THE DEFENSE)
Fausto, Spain (“AHC” zine)
Hans Verbeke, Belgium (RISE ABOVE, BLINDFOLD, SHORTSIGHT, SPIRIT OF YOUTH, NATIONS ON FIRE, LIAR)
Inti Carboni, Italy (show promoter)
Jasper, Holland (A STEP APART, EYE OF JUDGEMENT)
Jennifer Ramme, Poland (Emancypunx Records)
Jeroen Vrijhoef, Holland (MAINSTRIKE, Coalition Records)
Jimmy Jensen, Denmark (STRUGGLE AGAINST)

Johan Prenger, Holland (Reflections Records)
Johnny van de Koolwijk, Holland (MAINSTRIKE, REACHING FORWARD, DOWNSLIDE)
Jos Houtveen, Holland (LARM, SEEIN’ RED, STAATHAAT)
Jose Saxlund, Sweden (ABHINANDA, Desperate Fight Records)
Lord Bigma, Holland (MANLIFTINGBANNER, MAINSTRIKE, NO DENIAL, STRIKE FIRST, BIRDS OF A FEATHER)
Lucas van Heerikhuizen, Holland (EYE OF JUDGEMENT)
Mario Tucman, Croatia (VASELINE CHILDREN)

Marcus Erricson, Sweden (EYES SHUT, LAST HOPE, DAMAGE CONTROL, ANOTHER YEAR, ANCHOR, “Soulcity” zine)
Mark Schenk, Holland (EYE OF JUDGEMENT)
Michiel Bakker, Holland (PROFOUND, COLT TURKEY, MANLIFTINGBANNER)
Olav van de Berg, Holland (LARM, SEEIN’ RED, PROFOUND, COLT TURKEY, MANLIFTINGBANNER)
Patryk Bugajski, Poland (SUNRISE, DAYMARES)
Paul van de Berg (LARM, SEEIN’ RED, PROFOUND, COLT TURKEY, MANLIFTINGBANNER)
Ram, Denmark (artist)
Rat, UK (STATEMENT, UNBORN)
Ricardo Dias, Portugal (TIME X, DAY OF THE DEAD)
Rob Beekmans, Holland (ABUSIVE ACTION)
Robert Matusiak, Poland (Refuse Records)
Robert Voogt, Holland (Commitment Records)
Roel, Holland (EYE OF JUDGEMENT)
Willem Jan Kneepkens, Holland (INSULT, EYE OF JUDGEMENT)
Yann Boisleve, France (“International Straight-Edge Bulletin”)