Ελληνικά
Last Updated on 07:21 PM by Lilliana Tseka
A few days are only left for the Hardcore beast called Ryker’s to beat us down to the ground! I got the chance and talked to Chris for the band’s upcoming show in Thessaloniki. Wanna know what he told me? Keep scrolling!
Hey there, this is Hope from the Greek Webzine Metal Invader. First of all, thanks in advance for your time and the honor of having you with us. How are you, how is life treating you these days?
What´s up Hope?! Well, we are doing fine, just mainly busy with working and getting through life. Like everybody I guess.
Ryker’s will be visiting Thessaloniki for the first time in a couple of weeks. Are you as excited as we are? What should we expect from you? What have you prepared for us?
Hell yeah, going to place we`ve never been before is always exciting. But I know we got some friends down there so it will be great anyway. I think we´ve prepared a nice setlist… so old stuff some new stuff – should be a great show. We are looking forward to come over!
For this particular gig, the mighty hardcore band Streetwise will serve as a support act. They’re really fond of you and can’t wait for the date to come. Are you familiar with them? Have you listened to any of their releases?
I could easily say yes, but that won’t be the truth. I´ve checked them out online and so far I really dig what I´ve heard so far but I looking forward to meet people face to face… that´s always more comfortable and gives you a real impression!
Extending the previous question, are you familiar with any of the hardcore bands of the Greek scene? Do any names pop into mind?
I´m soooo bad with names, but I’m really good with faces. I usually won’t forget a face. We´ve played in Athens a few times and always played with cool bands and great people. They let us use their equipment and hooked us up. We always had a great time with the shows or buddy Dimi from Hardtimes Athens. That’s also where met our friends from 126 clothing for the first time. Great guys!
Like any other scene, hardcore scene has had its ups and downs on multiple levels. I won’t elaborate on the financial status of the bands or the current market; it’s a discussion for another time. All I want to know is, what has been Ryker’s finest moment and what do you consider as the lowest?
After 25 years there were quite a lot of highs but just a few downs. When Meff (our drummer) left the band that was a bummer… especially because it turned out not to be so cool. It came along with a big disappointment… whatever, personal shit. Playing CBGB’s in New York was definitely a dream coming true, the crazy show at the Dynamo fest in the Netherlands with all the chaos and Grobi getting arrested by the police was fun as well. Well to much great shit to list…
Ryker’s were formed in 1992, so the legacy the band has built is quite big. Do you consider the past as a burden? I mean, do these 25 years of existence create a certain sense of responsibility towards you, the fans, the labels, the gigs, etc?
How would the Cro-Mags say… ‘Do what you want and how you want it…’ that pretty much sums it up! Everybody is responsible for him/herself… we do what we want. If our fans and friends enjoy what we are doing – that´s great. Being true to yourself – that´s what this is all about.
Now that we’re talking about the past, there are many people who don’t know where Ryker’s name came from. Care to elaborate on that?
We just took the name from a comic novel (The Punisher). He was imprisoned in Rikers Island… that sounded cool to us and perfectly described the music. Well, later on we found out that Rikers is for real, and that the street that leads to Rikers is called Hazen Street ha,ha,ha.
What keeps you going strong? What’s the glue that holds this band together and keeps you alive?
Fun & Friends It´s just a great escape from daily life… travelling around, meeting great people all around the globe… That´s something I won`t miss.
What does hardcore mean to you? What does Hardcore way of life stand for you?
Be true to yourself, believe in yourself and question fuckin’ everything! Always searching for the truth and don’t getting fooled by what the media is trying to tell you.
Hardcore shows are known for their intensity and the close bonds created between the bands and the fans. Feels like family. When is a gig successful / fulfilling for you?
Blood, sweat and chaos… or in other words good, friendly, violent fun. I love to see people going off… stagedives, slamdances, pogos, sing-alongs… I love old fashioned HC shows.
In a sentence, what would you say to your fans here in Greece to warm them up for your show?
Well, this will be our first time in Thessaloniki – we are prepared to give you all we’ve got… so come down and represent! Hard to the core 2016!
Alright, that’s all from me for now. Thanks again for your time. See you soon in Thessaloniki. Finish the interview anyway you want it. Take care!
Thanks for the interview and support – that`s really appreciated… Just a few more weeks – hope to see Thessaloniki HC in the pit! Show us what it means! Cheers!
Ryker’s will be performing with Streetwise in Thessaloniki on December 16th at Eightball Live Stage, powered by OneTwoSix Clothing and Straight From The Heart Records.
