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Band Bio

Have Heart: The Boston Hardcore Band That Defined a Generation Have Heart was a hardcore punk band from Boston, Massachusetts that was active from 2002 to 2009. The band consisted of vocalist Pat Flynn, guitarist Ryan Hudon, bassist Ryan Briggs, and drummer Shawn Costa. During their time together, they released three full-length albums and a handful of EPs and singles, and were known for their socially conscious lyrics and high-energy live performances. Origins and Early Career Have Heart was formed in 2002 in the Boston suburb of New Bedford by Pat Flynn and Ryan Hudon, who were both still in high school at the time. They were heavily influenced by the straight edge punk scene and the positive message it espoused, and quickly developed a reputation for their intense live shows and politically charged lyrics. In 2004, the band self-released their debut EP, What Counts, which helped them gain a following in the Boston hardcore scene. They followed this up with their first full-length album, The Things We Carry, in 2006, which was released on Bridge Nine Records and featured some of their most well-known songs, including "Armed With a Mind" and "Watch Me Rise." Musical Style and Themes Have Heart's music was characterized by fast, aggressive guitar riffs, pounding drums, and Pat Flynn's raw, emotionally charged vocals. Their lyrics tackled issues like animal rights, social justice, and personal empowerment, and often emphasized the importance of community and self-respect. Despite the intensity of their music and message, Have Heart were also known for their positive and inclusive attitude towards their fans, and frequently encouraged audience members to take care of each other and treat one another with respect. Breakup and Legacy In 2009, Have Heart announced that they would be breaking up following a final show in their hometown of Boston. The news came as a shock to many fans, who had come to see the band as a leading voice in the hardcore scene. In the years since their breakup, Have Heart's influence has only grown, with many bands citing them as an inspiration and continuing to cover their songs at shows. Pat Flynn has also remained active in the music scene, playing with the band Fiddlehead and working as a high school teacher in Massachusetts.

    Trivia and Curiosities:

  • Pat Flynn's mother is a renowned opera singer, and he has said that growing up listening to classical music helped shape his approach to songwriting.
  • Ryan Hudon is also a member of the band Disappearances, and has worked as a music teacher in Boston
    • .
  • Ryan Briggs went on to play bass in the bands Rude Awakening and Soul Control.
  • Shawn Costa is also a drummer for the band Verse, and has worked as a producer and engineer for several other bands.
  • The cover art for their second album, Songs to Scream at the Sun, was created by artist Jacob Bannon, who is best known as the frontman for the band Converge.

Conclusion, Have Heart may have been a relatively short-lived band, but their impact on the hardcore punk scene cannot be overstated. Through their music and message, they inspired a generation of fans to stand up for what they believed in and to treat one another with respect and compassion. And even though they are no longer together, their legacy continues to inspire new generations of fans and musicians alike.

Discography

the things we carry album cover
The things we carry-2006
songs to scream at the sun album cover
Songs to scream at the Sun-2008
live album cover
Live 10.17.09-2009
what counts album cover
What counts-2004 EP
lions and lambs album cover
Lions and lambs-2019 SINGLE

The things we carry - 2006

Released in 2006, "The Things We Carry" is a landmark album in the hardcore punk genre. The album is a ferocious and passionate collection of songs that showcases the band's unique blend of melody and aggression, as well as their politically charged lyrics. The album opens with the track "Life Is Hard Enough," which sets the tone for the rest of the album with its catchy guitar riffs and urgent vocals. From there, the album never lets up, with each song building on the intensity of the last. The standout track on the album is "Watch Me Rise," which features an anthemic chorus and powerful lyrics about personal growth and perseverance. Other highlights include "Armed with a Mind," a blistering critique of societal norms and conformity, and "No Roses, No Skies," a raw and emotional reflection on loss and grief. Overall, "The Things We Carry" is a classic album that has stood the test of time and continues to inspire new generations of fans. Its mix of melody and aggression, combined with its politically charged lyrics, make it a must-listen for anyone interested in the hardcore punk genre.

Songs to scream at the sun - 2008

Released in 2008, "Songs to Scream at the Sun" is the second studio album by Have Heart. The album is widely considered to be a classic in the genre, and is known for its passionate and socially conscious lyrics, as well as its fast, aggressive music. The album features 11 tracks, including the opening track "The Same Son", which sets the tone for the rest of the album with its powerful message of unity and empowerment. Other standout tracks include "Armed With a Mind", which addresses issues of mental health and personal struggle, and "On The Bird In The Cage", which deals with the injustices of the prison system. Overall, "Songs to Scream at the Sun" is a powerful and important album that combines aggressive punk music with meaningful and socially conscious lyrics. It is a must-listen for fans of hardcore punk and anyone who appreciates music with a message.

Live 10.17.09 - 2009

Live 10.17.09" is a live album by Have Heart, recorded at their final show at the House of Blues in Boston on October 17, 2009. The album features 20 tracks from throughout the band's career, including fan favorites like "Watch Me Sink", "Something More Than Ink", and "The Machinist". The album captures the raw energy and intensity of Have Heart's live shows, with the band delivering their blistering punk anthems with ferocity and passion. The crowd is also a major part of the album, adding their own energy and enthusiasm to the proceedings. Overall, "Live 10.17.09" is a fitting tribute to one of the most influential bands in modern hardcore punk. It showcases Have Heart at their absolute best, capturing the power and emotion of their live shows and serving as a testament to their lasting impact on the genre. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the band's music, this album is a must-listen for anyone who loves punk rock.

What Counts - 2004 EP

Have Heart's "What Counts" is a powerful and socially conscious hardcore punk album that showcases the band's intense energy and passion. Released in 2004, the album features eleven tracks that are filled with fast-paced drumming, driving guitar riffs, and frontman Patrick Flynn's powerful vocals. One of the standout tracks on the album is "Lionheart," which features a spoken-word intro by Patrick Flynn that addresses issues of self-doubt and self-worth. Other notable tracks include "No Roses, No Skies," which criticizes the mainstream media and political apathy, and "On The Bird In The Cage," which confronts issues of systemic racism and police brutality. Overall, "What Counts" is a powerful and thought-provoking album that showcases Have Heart's dedication to social justice and activism. It's no surprise that the band went on to become one of the most influential and respected hardcore punk bands of their generation.

Lions and Lambs - 2019 Single

After a 10-year hiatus, Have Heart made a surprise return in 2019 with the release of their single "Lions and Lambs." The single features two tracks, "The Same Son" and "Bury Me Standing," and showcases the band's signature blend of melodic hardcore punk and socially conscious lyrics. "The Same Son" is a standout track that addresses issues of personal growth and self-reflection, while "Bury Me Standing" is a hard-hitting track that critiques the corrupt nature of the prison system. Both tracks feature Have Heart's trademark combination of driving guitar riffs, aggressive drumming, and frontman Patrick Flynn's powerful vocals. Overall, "Lions and Lambs" is a strong return for Have Heart, and a reminder of the band's influence on the hardcore punk scene.