Toronto SHARP (Skinheads Against Racial Prejudice)

The Prowlers take Toronto!

2012-02-28T15:53:00.000-08:00

Friday April 27th Montreal's best band, The Prowlers will be back in Toronto playing a show at Parts And Labour (1556 Queen St. West).

Birds Of Prey and more TBA opening for them!

$10.50 Advance tickets at Ticketweb, Rotate This, Soundscapes.

South End - 2nd Annual TFC Season Kickoff Show

2012-02-28T15:25:00.000-08:00

Yes, it's been a while. It's time to dust off the equipment and put on another show (how we maintain this hectic performance schedule we'll never know).

C'mon out, get ready for the season, get smashed, act like an idiot, no one will remember or they will be hiding their shame as well... we may even have a few new songs!

Time for our second annual TFC Campaign kickoff show.

South End w/(https://www.facebook.com/SouthEnd111)
(http://soundcloud.com/south-end)

Social Club No. 27 (x Broadcast Zero) \
Hard Luck, March 3rd
9:30PM 19+$5

Black History Month Racist?

2012-02-06T09:25:00.000-08:00

So it has been brought to my attention that Black History Month is upon us again. Sadly we are forced to deal with this racist cop-out of an idea. Black History Month presents itself as a way to achieve equality between the races, and a chance to promote and teach black history in the United States, and even in Canada.This is total B.S.

Black History Month does nothing more but segregate history in the minds of children. There is 'real' history, and then there is 'black' history, is the message it subtly sends. When it comes to North America, to Canadian and the United States, Black history IS the history of our two nations, or at least a very important part of it. As is European history, Asian history and Native history.

I'm not sure of how Black History Month is taught today, but when I was in high school we learned about the civil rights movement and peanut butter. Slavery was lightly glossed over (many people today do not realize that Canada had slaves as well. It is a shameful part of out history, but it is still a part none the less, and should be remembered and taught). For the most part until I decided to educate myself, by the way it was taught it never occurred to me that Egypt is in Africa. Cleopatra looked like Elizabeth Taylor after all, right?

As I mentioned Black History Month is all about segregation. Here is history, and this is the history for the black students. Here is the water fountain, and here is the water fountain for the black students. I'm betting one of the previous two sentences managed to make some people rather uncomfortable. Both should have.

Before I started writing this I made a little update on Facebook telling people that I was going to be writing about Black History Month, and to not judge what I write until you read it. I did this for a reason. I wanted to see people's reaction. It ran the gauntlet from people asking if the world needs another white person criticizing Black History Month, to someone else suggesting calling it “Humanitarian Month”, while others saying we should teach that racism is just as bad coming from black people as when it comes from white people. One person even commented that the fact that I asked people to not judge until I finished writing this was telling in itself. All this over teaching history.

We are so focused on the most trivial of things to the point that we seem to be always dividing ourselves up and missing the bigger picture. Is a black man a black man, or is he a man? Is a Catholic man a Catholic man, or is he a man? If you ask the Klu Klux Klan both black man and Catholic man are not really men at all, and something to be scorned. Am I a white man? An Irish man? A Canadian man? Other than us all being individuals does my skin define me as a different man than you? Does your skin make you a different man than I am? My cultural roots run deep within me, and helped shape who I grew into. There is nothing wrong in my having pride in who I am, who my family is and where we are from. These things helped me grow into a man. No matter what colour your skin is if you work hard, you try to educate yourself, you help to provide for your family, then you are my brother or sister. There will always be a space for you at my table. I hope there will always be room for me at yours.

If black history was better incorporated into the normal curriculum of history classes it would be better learned by students, slowly being dished out all year long. To attempt to cram the history of a large part of the population all into just one month makes it harder to learn, understand and remember. It would also stop people from saying things like “When is White History Month?” It would give children a better understandings of who they are, who the person sitting next to them is, and teachers could gloss over things like peanut butter and get into more important topics.

If a class was learning about World War II then in that lesson for the week include the contributions of black and Native soldiers with the white ones. We all bled together, shouldn't we learn about it as a whole? When looking back at the 50's and 60's shouldn't we then talk about the civil rights movement and how it changed the country, rather than skim over it and wait until February? Was Dr. King's dream to have "the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit together at the table of brotherhood” but have segregation of our history?

History classes should encompass all history of a nation. Here is the history of our nation in the 1st century. Here is what happened in the 17th century and so on. Students, parents, teachers and future employers should be asking, demanding, more incorporated history be taught in schools. We settled so easily on this segregated way of teaching, this flawed idea, that now for a lot of people the very act of teaching history that should be taught, that needs to be looked at and learned seems to bring out such controversy.

I don't want a Black History Month. I don't want a White History Month, or any history month based on the colour of someone's skin. My history is just as important as your history. Your history is just as important as my history. I would rather fight for a year long quality incorporation of our shared history than have it split up like this.

There, I've tossed in my two cents. Feel free to rip me a new one now.

N.J. Rock Against Fascism w/ DJ Mono Local

2012-02-04T06:03:00.000-08:00

The skinheads in New Jersey are putting on a little gig with DJ Mono Loco spinning the best in oi, punk hardcore ska and reggae. No cover means you have more money to spend on drinks!

This will take place at the Green Room, in Harrison NJ. Click HERE for more info and directions.

Austria and HARM... Check them out

2012-02-03T11:15:00.000-08:00

2 new websites for you to check out. S.H.A.R.P. Austria and Hoosier Anti-Racist Movement (HARM)

Check them out!

The S.H.A.R.P. Blog on Facebook

2012-02-01T12:58:00.000-08:00

Making it easier to contact the S.H.A.R.P. blog a Facebook page has been launched. Feel free to like it, comment on it, post it around. The page will be checked every couple of days, so your posts will be noticed.

The S.H.A.R.P. Blog on Facebook...

Supporting Cheri DiNovo In Removing All Aspects of BSL In Ontario

2012-01-31T05:53:00.000-08:00

Here is an issue that will be near and dear to a lot of skinhead's hearts... BSL (Breed Specific Legislation) aka pit bull bans.

In Ontario pit bull "type" dogs are banned. Some (like mine) are grandfathered, but new bully breeds (pit bull and pit bull type breeds are targeted... what exactly is a "pit bull type breed"? Boxer? Mastiff? Bulldog?) are not allowed in the province.

Anyone who has ever had a dog and has half a brain knows that ANY dog can be a dangerous dog depending on how it is raised. Banning a breed will eventually stop that breed from biting after all of the breed die out in the banned area. However the idiot owners will just get another type of dog, and them being idiot owners will raise that new dog to be a danger. So do we start banning Bull Terriers in 10 years? German Shepards in 20 years? Or do we come up with a law that targets bad owners, and not entire breeds?

Cheri DiNovo MPP for Parkdale-High Park in Toronto (NDP) has a bill before the House fighting to rid the breed specific portion in Dog Owners Liability Act (DOLA)If you happen to agree with the slogan "Ban the deed not the breed" then please help support Cheri's by visiting www.supporthersheybill.com or the Facebook page for this bill.

A Guide to the cults

2012-01-29T00:02:00.000-08:00

A clipping from the Mirror that was sent to me the other day. Just a little bit of skinhead history for everyone to enjoy.

Live music in Hogtown

2012-01-27T02:11:00.000-08:00

It was brought to my attention that this blog has a history of helping promote local shows in the GTA, so I called around to see what was up and where and found some upcoming shows for you all to enjoy.

The Matadors perform in Toronto with the legendary Maximum RnR and Rehab for Quitters. Saturday February 18th at The Hard Luck Bar (812 Dundas Street West, Toronto, ON). $12 Advance Tickets at Rotate This!(801 Queen Street West Toronto)19+, Doors open at 7:30 PM

Also on the same date (oh the choices that you have to make!) The Lager Lads will be back in Toronto for the first time in years and are rippin' it up with Out of Order, Overpower, Birds of Prey, and True Grit!$8 before 10 o'clock, $10 after! 19+, at Rancho Relaxo (300 College street, Toronto)

Follow me on Twitter (I just died a little inside writing that)

2012-01-23T04:16:00.000-08:00

I've gotten a few e-mails from people (well, the SHARP blog has and they have been forwarded to me) asking to set up interviews, asking questions, wanting to network etc. The fastest way to get in contact with me I guess would be through Twitter. I am horrible for checking my e-mail, and I'm not going to be posting my phone number on here so if anyone needs to get in contact with me, rather than those who I do this blog with feel free to add me on Twitter.And yes... yes I do feel like a giant nerd at the moment.On to more important things however. A few new interviews will be posted soon and a few rants and essays are in the works.KTF

An interview with Roddy Moreno

2012-01-14T12:53:00.000-08:00

TO SHARP: You have been a skinhead for a long long time now. What was it that first attracted you to skinhead, and what is it that has kept you an active skinhead for all these years?

Roddy: I got into it as a 12 year old in 1969 after seeing older skins at the football. The sight of skinheads on the terraces made a big impression on me so When I got home I borrowed my brothers work boots, rolled up my jeans and stole my old mans bracers. Slowly the hair got longer and the jeans got wider and by ‘74 it was all over. After I got out out of prison in ’81 I got back into it and been into it ever since. Now I’m a 55 year old skinhead and can’t imagine being anything else.

TO SHARP: What do you think of the skinhead scene today? How does it stack up against when you were younger?

Roddy: What I see is when I’m on the road with the band and most of the skins I meet are cool people. I can’t really compare how it was with how it is because my perspective has changed. First time round it was a youth cult and we was just kids looking cool and acting stupid but now it’s a totally different thing. I know it’s a cliché but now it’s a way of life.

TO SHARP: What does the term 'greyzone' mean? What makes a band a greyzone band?

Roddy: The way I see it the greyzone is just another way of saying fence sitters or fence walkers. I suppose if a band plays dodgy right wing venues while claiming to be non political and anti-racist they’d be considered greyzone.

TO SHARP: What difference is there between SHARP and groups like ARA/AFA?

RODDY: SHARP is simply stating that you’re a skinhead,who is against racism and disassociating yourself from racist boneheads. ARA/AFA are activists although many SHARPs are involved.

TO SHARP: There have been some postings from some people online calling you a Communist, and saying that you have become too militant in your anti-racist stance and activities. How would you respond to the people saying this?

Roddy: I don’t. I’ve been called a Commie ever since we issued Work Together. Some people will always throw the commie comment around so you just take no notice. If saying fuck fascism and playing anti racist gigs is too militant for some people then that’s their problem.

TO SHARP: How do you feel about skinheads who claim 'no politics'?

Roddy: I find most people who talk about no politics mean left wing politics but seem to have no problem with right wing politics. Fuck the government and fuck the police are political statements but no one says a word when bands sing about these things but as soon as a band says fuck the Nazis and fuck the racists you get accusations of “POLITICS”. At the end of the day life is political and it’s hard to ignore life.

TO SHARP: Skinhead has grown and evolved since the 1960's, and spread all over the world. North America, South America, Asia, Africa and Australia each have their own skinheads, and skinhead cultures. Some try to copy what they see on Youtube or read in the George Marshall's books(Spirit of '69, Skinhead Nation, etc) and others seem to mix skinhead with their local cultures. I've been seeing 2 sets of opinions on this. One side says that skinheads should act as English as they can, the other says that blending skinhead with local cultures helps keep it fresh and growing. What do you think?

Roddy: I think skinheads should do whatever they want and fuck what other ‘skinheads’ think. I wear trainers most of the time and if someone thinks it makes me less of a skinhead because I ain’t wearing boots then fuck ‘em. Skinhead has been evolving since day 1 and I suppose it will continue evolving.which has to be a good thing.

TO SHARP: Your most famous band, The Oppressed has toured all over since being formed in I believe it was 1981. Are there any cities you have played in that stand out in your mind? Are there any cities that you would have liked to play but never got the chance to?

Roddy: To be honest all cities are the same from a band perspective. The only difference is the language or the accents but the gigs are all full of skins n punks n herberts who all seem to share the same way of life wherever we are. Maybe it’s because I’m and old man but all the gigs are much the same. We always have a ball meeting new people and making new friends and the city I’d like to play is the next one.

TO SHARP: Are there any bands you never got the chance to play with that you would have liked to?

Roddy: The Short n Curlies. Twice we were going to play with them and twice it never came off so I’d like to finally share a stage with them.

TO SHARP: What was some of the music you loved growing up? Who did you listen to?

Roddy: I grew uo listening to my by brothers and sisters soul and motown records and then when the skinhead thing kicked in it was all reggae. The Tighten Up LPs, The Pioneers, Prince Buster,Desmond Dekker and of course Symarip. When I was about 10 yeas old though I loved The Monkeys

TO SHARP: Who do you listen to today?

Roddy: Same as back then. It’s still Ska, Rock Steady, Reggae & Soul but I’ve also dived backwards into the roots of ska and sometimes listen to Rhythm n Blues.

TO SHARP: The media seems to be using the word skinhead less these days when they talk about racist attacks. Do you think this has to do with SHARP growing, oi and ska bands taking an anti-racist stance, and the popularity of books (Skinheads by John King) and movies (This Is England)showing a more realistic slice of traditional skinhead life?

Roddy: I think it’s all of the above but the media will always do and say what they think will sell papers.Truth has never meant a thing to the mainstream media.

TO SHARP: Have you got any advice for the older skinheads still out there today, and the new ones that will be cropping up tomorrow?

Roddy: Watch your back because the cunts are just around the corner.

A blast from the past

2012-01-01T10:51:00.000-08:00

Anyone out there remember this old flyer?

Coming back better than ever in 2012!

2011-12-31T02:45:00.000-08:00

On the cusp of 2012 (Happy New Year to all the faithful) the Toronto SHARP blog is about to have a bit of a new feel to it as it adds a new writer who will be taking on the majority of the writing for the next little while. A crusty old skinhead that the local boneheads just love (you should see the profile of me that they put up on their sad little "RedWatch" blog, it is comedy gold).

So grab a plate of bacon and a beer, and get ready for the new year!

See you lot in 2012!

A rant about S.H.A.R.P

2011-09-12T08:37:00.000-07:00

Ugh... wrong wrong wrong!

I'm not even sure where to start with this photo. So I'll just rant for a bit and see what comes out...

Anyone who knows me knows that while I'm a funny happy kind blah blah blah guy, I can't stand bullies. Neo-Nazis fall under my definition of what a bully is. If you want to have white babies, have white babies. If you wand to have black babies, have black babies. If you want to have mixed children, have mixed children. Unless I am directly involved in the baby making, I don't care. All babies look like Winston Churchill to me anyways. Just promise me that you will be a good parent to your baby and I have nothing bad to say...

I was A.R.A. (anti-racist action) for a while in the early 1990's. There were a lot of problems in the area... fire bombings, beatings, rapes, gay bashing, murders, cemeteries being damaged and more. Eventually I left the A.R.A. (long story, better saved for another date. Went on my own for a time just being me, and then a bunch of my friends in Toronto started getting targeted by Neo-Nazi goons. I decided fuck this noise, and stood with my friends. Became one of the founders of the current incarnation of Toronto SHARP (Skinheads Against Racial Prejudice). Wolfgang got shot over a coke deal gone bad... Zundel is trying not to drop the soap in prison, Paul Fromm has a ,for girls 30 years younger than him, and Scrotumhead and Puddles are not worth mentioning by real name. Toronto, aside from drunk dumb bar talk is more or less free from organized idiots...

The beauty of S.H.A.R.P. is that other than saying "fuck you" to bigots in the skinhead scene, it is not political. YES there are Red S.H.A.R.P. There are left leaning S.H.A.R.P. But there are also right wing leaning S.H.A.R.P. (I fall into this category).

I have Red friends, who I love. I will always find time for my Red friends. I might not agree with them on some issues, but I respect their opinions, just like they respect mine. I've never heard of Redskins marching down the streets attacking skinheads who are not hard left. I will ALWAYS stand with my Red friends against racist bullies. I will also always make jokes about "the people's beer" and such. Fuck everyone, get enough pints in me and I find that joke funny as hell.

When it comes to religion, S.H.A.R.P. is not pro or anti any religion. I WISH S.H.A.R.P. was funded by the Jews, or the Muslims, or anyone. More money in my pocket for beer and gin. The truth is individual S.H.A.R.P. have their own opinions. And I for one am glad that they do.

this photo is of the Anti-Nazi League (ANL). A group formed in the U.K. The fact that the caption under the photo says S.H.A.R.P. support "monkeys and jews" is rather telling in itself. How the Trojan Reggae logo that S.H.A.R.P. uses is suddenly considered Jewish is beyond me. Music is music, and calling Trojan reggae Jewish is as stupid as calling it Muslim, Christian, Hindu or Atheist.

Individuals in S.H.A.R.P. are free to have their own opinions on anything and everything. Provided they are "Against Racial Prejudice." As far as I am concerned, ANY skinhead who tells a nazi to fuck off is a S.H.A.R.P. Claim S.H.A.R.P. or not. Join a crew or not. If in your heart you think boneheads are idiots, you qualify.

Anyways, while things might eventually piss me off enough that I WILL stand up and make my opinion known, 9 out of 10 times I really don't want to talk politics. But until the day I die, I will not suffer a bully. Believe what you want. Follow whatever path you feel is right. It's your right. Mine too. And right or wrong, we will all answer for it in the end.

SHARP urban noise

2011-04-17T12:00:00.000-07:00

Toronto SHARP seems to be in this video. Thanks for the shout out!

Brass Knuckles & Lace

2011-04-11T06:58:00.000-07:00

A book is being written about the best part of skinhead... skinhead girls! Feel free to surf on over to the Brass Knuckles & Lace blog to learn how you can be a part of this book (boneheads need not apply).

Can't with to be able to read this baby... described as a "Spirit of 69 but all about the byrds."

The Business with Prowlers & Class Assassins in Toronto!

2010-07-23T02:26:00.000-07:00

August 15th at 8pm

Lee's Palace.

$16.50 and it's a 19+ show (sorry kiddos).

THE BUSINESS (South East London)
http://www.myspace.com/businessoi
THE PROWLERS (Montréal)
http://www.myspace.com/theprowlers
CLASS ASSASSINS (Toronto)
http://www.myspace.com/theclassassassins

Just some food for thought.

2010-06-10T00:52:00.000-07:00

How come you never see any photos of Ian Stuart Donaldson with any women? There are plenty of him with beefy young men in combat gear... but never seem to be any of him with women?

Canadian anti-racist blogs worth checking out.

2010-05-05T21:46:00.000-07:00

There are 2 Canadian anti-racist blogs that some of us here at Toronto S.H.A.R.P. really like. We thought we'd share them with you, so please feel free to check them out.

First up, is a blog that has been around for a little while now. Anti-Racist Canada, also known as the ARC Collective. This blog was launched November 30th, 2007 after the live Journal version was shut down. The ARC blog covers neo nazi activity all over Canada, posting stories and information all the way from BC to NB, with a touch of humor added to keep the blog from being a depressing read. The comments section after most posts is something to make sure to check out. It's amazing to see how many boneheads are convinced that the ARC Blog is an ARA (Anti-Racist Action) Calgary blog, even though the writers have said time and again, while they support ARA for it's anti-racist stance, it is a completely different entity and not part of ARA Calgary (even ARA Calgary say ARA and ARC are different).

The second blog is a newer player on the scene. Nazi Watch Toronto, which was launched on June 24th, 2009 as a reaction to the now defunct Red Watch Toronto blog. In less than a year Nazi Watch Toronto has posted quite a bit of information on local GTA boneheads. This is a good little blog to see who is active in Toronto, and also uses a dose of humor, mostly to mock the boneheads featured in it's posts. With a new Red Watch Toronto blog being discovered, Nazi Watch Toronto seems to have kicked it up a notch.

Both blogs are good reads, and worth checking out.

Luke Querner, S.H.A.R.P. shot by boneheads needs your help.

2010-04-05T10:29:00.000-07:00

So as some of you who have been reading the blogs and news online know Luke Querner, a well known 30 year old Portland S.H.A.R.P. was shot down over the weekend in his downtown. Luke is alive, but he is currently in the Intensive Care Unit in an area hospital, fighting to overcome extensive injuries.

This is not cheap. His medical bills will be mounting.

Toronto S.H.A.R.P. has decided to try and help out Luke Querner's family a bit by having (S.H.A.R.P. Dressed Skinhead) have a little fundraiser. I'm putting aside 50 of the Pride Without Prejudice patches to be sold for this, with 100% of the profit from their sales being donated to a fund that the Rose City Antifa have set up for Luke.

Some of you are in bands, work for bars and pubs, work for companies that make gear, or know people that do. What we are asking here is if any of you would like to help us out with this? Even if it's something simple like letting us make an online album that people can download for a donation of their choice, or as a link to be sent out with the purchase of a patch with a song on it.

Please feel free to pass this post around, or the link to it around to people that you know who might be interested in helping out some how. If anyone wants to get in contact with us, they can write to Toronto S.H.A.R.P. at torontosharpblogspot*AT*gmail.com

The link below here is to donate directly to the fund set up for Luke, if anyone on a personal level has a few extra bucks and wants to help out please feel free to donate.

http://rosecityantifa.weebly.com/donate.html

To the individual who commented on the Chris Murry new video post

2010-03-31T22:53:00.000-07:00

The e-mail that you provided does not seem to exist, which could have been due to a typo. Please feel free to get in contact with us, and we will see what we can do to help you out with your project.

New Chris Murry

2010-03-18T22:37:00.000-07:00

Chris Murry is back, having recorded a new album. This Canadian ska icon just released a video for his song "Shades Of the Same Colour", and we here couldn't agree more! Enjoy!

Class Assassins March 19th

2010-03-18T20:24:00.000-07:00

We found this e-mail in our inbox, and thought we'd share it with all you good music loving folk out there.

I've got two reasons to be excited. One has to do with the awesome weather we've been having. The other has to do with the fact that tomorrow we'll be joined by Chris from The Class Assassins! We'll be talking about the band's new album "You've Got It All Wrong," and giving you a taste of what to expect from its release show, which will be happening at the Bovine Sex Club tomorrow (Friday March 19th) night. Rumour has it there will also be a few give-aways floating around for folks who tune in, so there's some extra incentive to spend your lunch break tuning in to CHRY.

You know the time (noon-1pm). You know the place (105.5 FM - www.chry.fm). Tune in. It's gonna be a good one.

Check out the Class Assassins on their Myspace page.

Still here, still going strong....

2010-03-15T23:07:00.001-07:00

Seems some people have missed us, and have written in asking when we will be posting more updates. March is a VERY busy month here, and we have some things in the works that we can't post about at the moment, so we will leave you with this little video, and the promise that more is to come soon enough... and we will have a lot of fun telling you about what is up!

THE CLASS WAR KIDS - 4-SONG DIGITAL EP - BENEFIT FOR HAITI

2010-02-03T03:02:00.000-08:00

THE CLASS WAR KIDS have released a 4-song digital download EP. All monies made from the sale of the EP will go toward relief efforts in Haiti.

In the liner notes accompanying the EP, the band says:

"We were just hanging out talking about our favorite music and the decision to record some of our favorite songs by other bands came about. These were recorded close to two weeks after we had finished recording our second album 'Reflection, Rage, Rebellion'.
We have been sitting on these songs for a while now wondering what to do with them, and then the earthquake struck Haiti. Wanting to be able to help in some capacity we decided the best thing we could do would be to release this online so the cost to us would be $0.00 and then all money collected could be donated."

The EP - Twinkles Last Stand - has songs by Joe Strummer (Coma Girl), Randy (Freedom Song), The Weakerthans (Confessions Of A Futon Revolutionist) and Chubby Checker (The Hucklebuck)

It's available at Bandcamp and the EP is $3.00 (minimum) or $1.00 per song. Or, just take a listen to it!

Thanks for your support. Please help by spreading the word.

If you do a radio show/zine/blog/whatever, we'll be happy to hook you up with tunes, an interview, graphics, etc

More info at the Class War Kids bandcamp website.

Skinheads Against Racial Prejudice shirts

2010-01-14T22:35:00.000-08:00

Need quality S.H.A.R.P. gear? Professionally printed, Skinheads Against Racial Prejudice t-shirts are now available from the S.H.A.R.P. blog! All shirts are white ink printed on a black t, sizes small to XL (XXL and larger coming soon).

*** Small has been sold out until the new order comes in***

Rivetheads Against Nazi Thugs (RANT)

2009-12-27T20:30:00.000-08:00

The following text was taken from the RANT Facebook page.

RANT is a new political movement inspired by the SHARP movement. The SHARP movement was started when a group of neo-nazi's were infiltrating the punk/oi scene with fascist politics. The SHARP's decided they weren't going to tolerate these white power bands having control of their subculture. They decided to create social change by any means necessary.

Since the SHARP's finally stomped the neo-nazi's out of the punk/oi movement they turned to goth/industrial/powernoise. We do not need to tolerate this. We are sick of seeing these douchebags at the shows we attend. We are sick of their hateful attacks against people who aren't a part of "their brotherhood" and their misuse of ancient symbols. Their thug mentality is not what industrial is about. This is not the mafia. This is music.

The neofolk bands with fascists beliefs have already been exposed and pushed underground. It is now the dark electro/powernoise bands with fascist politics that are causing problems within our scene. It is time to stomp these idiots out of once and for all.

RANT was founded by Rachel Haywire (Experiment Haywire | machineKUNT Records) in November of 2009 after she was violently attacked at a show and received threats against her life as a musician of Jewish ancestry. She has been slandered, harassed, and gangstalked for the purpose of keeping her silent but continues to speak out in the name of justice.

Mission:

-To promote a more tolerant subculture
-To put an end to racist/fascist/homophobic attacks against people in our scene
-To stop white power artists from dominating the genre
-To make this about the music once again

RANT is also looking to put out a musical compilation. Songs will be open for submission on January 1st. The songs do not have to be anti-nazi in nature but it definitely helps.

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-24T00:22:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to you and yours from Toronto SHARP!

Or if ska is more you bag, then this one is for you...

Safe and Happy New Year too!

Help save the Toronto Woman's Bookstore

2009-12-21T23:12:00.000-08:00

A message from the Toronto Womans Bookstore:

Dear TWB community,

The Toronto Women's Bookstore is in crisis and we need your help!

Independent businesses and bookstores have been closing their doors this year, and after 36 years it is possible that we will have to do the same if we are not able to raise enough money to survive. TWB is one of the only remaining non-profit feminist bookstores in North America, but despite all of the events, courses, workshops, community resources and additional services we offer, the fact that we are a store means that we do not receive any outside funding and rely entirely on sales and the support of our customers to stay in business.

Over the past few years, our sales have not been enough to sustain us and this is why we are coming to you, our community, for help. If every one of you donated $10 we would raise enough to keep going for 3 months, $20 each would keep us in business for 6 months, and $30 each would be enough for us to keep our doors open, hopefully for good. All donations will go directly towards covering the bookstore's costs, and are a part of a larger plan of action and structural change to make the business sustainable in the current economy.

In the past, when feminist bookstores were closing down all across North America, the support of the community is what kept TWB alive. You are the reason that we are still here today, and we believe that with your help we can once again work together to save this organization where so many of us as readers, writers, feminists, artists, and activists have found a home.

You can make donations over the phone, on our website www.womensbookstore.com (paypal link available soon), or in person at the store. As a non-profit store we are not eligible for charitable status and cannot offer tax receipts, but we are hoping to be able to offer tax receipts for donations over $100 in collaboration with a non-profit charity who shares our mandate, and we will have that information available on our
website and in store as soon as possible.

You can also help by spreading the word to your friends and community, contacting us if you know of any funding we might be eligible for, promoting this fundraising drive in your paper or on your blog, website or radio show, organizing your own save the bookstore fundraisers or just passing the hat at your holiday parties, giving a TWB donation as a gift, and of course, coming in and bringing all your friends to the store for some holiday shopping!

Thank you all for your support,
The Toronto Women's Bookstore Board, Staff & Volunteers

Dayglo Abortions!

2009-12-21T20:40:00.000-08:00

DAYGLO ABORTIONS

LAST EVER TWO NIGHT SPECIAL @ KATHEDRAL!

Friday, Jan 8 - Licensed All Ages

Want Tickets for this ALL AGES event? Click HERE

Saturday, Jan 9 - 19+

Want tickets for the 19+ event? Click HERE

Support bands TBA

GOING TO BOTH EVENTS? GET DISCOUNTED TICKETS Going to BOTH events? Get your discounted tickets HERE!

* must be 19 years of age or older

DISCOUNT TICKETS ARE LIMITED!! This ticket will get you into both events @ a discount rate! Just remember, you MUST be 19 years of age or older to purchase this ticket! The 2nd event is a 19+ event!! This is only offered through TICKETSCENE!

The Big Bop (Kathedral, Reverb & Holy Joes) will lock their doors forever Jan 31st 2010... this will be your last chance to witness a Dayglo double feature!!

OI POLLOI with DELINQUINTS, Murder Squad T.O., and Legion 666

2009-12-20T22:54:00.000-08:00

Life's a Riot presents:
Scottish Anarcho Oi/Punk Legends

OI POLLOI

with:
DELINQUINTS
Murder Squad T.O.
Legion 666

12$ at door ALL AGES

THIS IS ONE OF LAST PUNK SHOWS AT KATHEDRAL!!! DON'T MISS THIS!!!

EQUALITY Party!

2009-12-20T11:31:00.000-08:00

From the 'Blackface' incident at a U of T Halloween party to the firebombing of anti-racist activists in Calgary, with racial prejudice on the rise in Canada we need to band together and let people know we won't let the racists win!

That's why we're having an awesome dance party in support of racial equality and unity! We want people to be able to come to get their groove on and at the same time learn a little bit about the Toronto anti-racist movement!

Toronto Young Communist League and Toronto Skinheads Against Racial Prejudice Present...

Peace, Love, Unity,
EQUALITY Party!

9pm Saturday January 30th at 290 Danforth (West of Chester Station)

Featuring hot Ska, Reggae, Soul mixes by Toronto DJ El Machetero!

Cheap Booze!

Rudies, Skins, Dreads, and Everyone Else Welcome! (Yes, Even you Hippies!)

$5 Donation Goes Toward Helping Our Toronto Delegation Get to the 2010 World Festival of Youth and Students

For More Info Call (443) 957-1384

Documentary on Anti fascist Action from the early 90s.

2009-12-16T21:29:00.000-08:00

AFA (Anti-Fascist Action) and SHARP (Skinheads Against Racial Prejudice) are very different groups. While SHARP is non political, AFA tends to be left wing and militant anti-racist.

Here is a documentary called "Fighting Talk", all about the AFA in the early 1990's. It's an interesting little watch, and shows a slice of the battle between racists and anti-racists, and how hate can lead to violence and worse.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

A letter from Anonymous

2009-12-13T01:55:00.000-08:00

We found this letter in the blogspot e-mail account, and decided to publish it on here. It's from an anonymous woman, and is her story:

I don’t know if I am doing this for my own disclosure on the incidents or because I believe that other people should learn from my story, but either way, this is something I must tell you about.

Growing up in a small town I had no idea about racism, as backwards to stereotypes as that is. Small things that happened to me that could be seen as racist I just shrugged off and just thought that teacher, or person, was stupid; after all this was elementary school time. As I aged out of this town, I left with a thick skin for crude native jokes and a low sense of pride that comes with being the only punk in town.

It wasn’t until my second time living in a major city that my world really opened up to all the evils in this world, but we have to start at the beginning. While living in my first major city I turned 18 and met the Skinhead culture. Now remember, Punks think the whole world is a stage dive and are incredibly resistant to change when they want to be; I was a punk from the ripe age of 13. However these Skins and their working class pride struck a chord deep within me. I was always raised with a very strong work ethic, something punk rock lacked and left a hole within me. The transition wasn’t instant but it was coming.

My second major city wasn’t pleasant in the beginning. Coming from a place of comfort to hardships and homelessness is never pleasant, but my family needed me. At last the homelessness ended and things were becoming stable. Time to start looking around, and when I did, I found myself in the punk family of that city which at the time was a blessing. Fast forward a year; I became a hybrid, 14 hole docs and my ‘security blanket’ of punk attire. I went to college for a short while. The very first nazi I met was a homeless meth addict, who followed me for awhile and ‘chatted’ with me (I’m an avid people watcher). It wasn’t until well into conversation that he showed me his swastika jail tattoo. I got out of there quickly. A week later I heard that a squeegee punk took care of him, or that he ran to Montreal.

My next few encounters with Nazis were are at local shows (usually forced to leave) and in the streets. However one caught me off guard. It was during one of the more harder times at home where I wasn’t getting along with my parental units and I felt as if moving out was the only solution. I had been talking to a traditional skinhead who I met through a common interest website. We got along great and met several times before I decided that his city would be a good place to live. Vulnerable? You bet. It wasn’t until I was living with him for awhile that things became strange. He would disappear for days, snort coke, get invited to parties I wasn’t allowed to attend, get violent when drunk all on top of some emotional abuse. Being the highly independent woman I am, I started to plan my leave with the help of some co workers. It was when he found out my plans that ‘shit hit the fan’. Suddenly, I was a rabbit in a trap, it all became clear the moment his fist hit my face. I was a SHARP, a half breed, alone and blind, he knew it all along, and he was a white supremacist. I was a pawn in their game to help him earn a ‘rank’. Without getting into detail, as it’s still painful to remember, it took 7 months and several police reports for all the attempts on my life, and threats on my family’s lives and my friend’s lives to crease. 8 months for the stalking to end. I had been accepted to college whilst this happened and decided to stay in the city. Nearly at the end of my academia I still am dealing with residual happenings. I see him and them in the streets; still get hassled by his family and friends and I hear through the grape vine of them talking about me. I guess I left a lasting impression.

I rebuilt my life from the rock bottom with the aid of close friend, who I will forever be thankful for. I rebuilt myself so well that I show no scars of the past and have a great extrovert love for life. I’m still SHARP, alive, and continue my work against the racists.

New Jersey SHARP Crew

2009-11-26T18:42:00.000-08:00

Some trad skins in NJ have gotten sick and tired of all the boneheads infesting the scene, and ruining the good name of skinhead, so they decided to reform the New Jersey SHARP crew. Any skinhead in the area please feel free to contact them here. So far they look like they have a good little crew forming, and we know they will do great stuff!

Toronto SHARP wishes the best to our brothers and sisters stateside. We are also sure we can out drink them when we all get together... Keep the faith!

"I don't see the difference between SHARP and WP skins."

2009-11-24T14:05:00.000-08:00

"I don't see the difference between SHARP and WP skins."

I read this online today, and while I responded to the person who said this, I figured it would make a good blog post.

What are some of the differences between S.H.A.R.P. (Skinheads Against Racial Prejudice) and WP (White Pride/White Power) "skins" (which will be referred to as 'Boneheads' for the rest of this post)?

To start, I could point out that SHARP is not political, in the sense that it is neither left wing or right wing. SHARP is anti-racist, and that is as far as the political end of SHARP goes. Individual SHARP can be militant anti-Fascist, or militant Republican, or not give a damn at all about politics. Most of us fall somewhere in between. People all over the political spectrum can be anti-racist.

WP boneheads are right wing. WP boneheads are racist. Some WP boneheads (too many sadly) are so racist, and so far to the right that they actually support the lost cause of Adolf Hitler, and will show respect, or even try to bring a resurrection of his National Socialist racist genocidal state in their own countries, despite their own grandparents having fought against Hitler, and the Axis countries.

You will never see SHARP attack someone due to skin colour, or be happy about genocide. You will never see SHARP vandalize a home or business or church (temple, mosque) because of someones religion or faith.

SHARP was formed in the 80's as a reaction to WP boneheads infesting the skinhead scene. WP boneheads had been attacking proper skinheads in the 70's and 80's who refused to join racist neo-Nazi groups like the National Front, and The Heritage Front. WP boneheads had also been attacking people for reasons as silly as their skin colour. It got so bad that a racist attack by bikers or punks would be labeled as a "racist skinhead" attack in the papers.

At the end of the day, all SHARP are Trads (Traditional skinheads). All we want is for the WP boneheads to get out of the skinhead scene and leave us alone to enjoy being skinheads, and everything it means to be a skinhead...

PRIDE WITHOUT PREJUDICE

Come move on up... and get down with some Northern Soul classics!

2009-11-20T19:30:00.000-08:00

An often overlooked yet very important part of the skinhead scene was the development of Northern Soul music. Turn it up and dance the night away!

Edwin Starr - 25 Miles

R Dean Taylor - Ghost in my house

Al Wilson - The Snake

Wayne Gibson - Under My Thumb

Dobie Gray - Out On The Floor

Gloria Jones - Tainted Love

Oi! Oi! Skinhead! Get yer hair cut!

2009-11-19T18:40:00.000-08:00

We brought you some classic skinhead reggae the other day, now here is some classic oi for you all to enjoy. Crack open a beer and turn it up loud!

The Oppressed - Joe Hawkins

4 Skins - Yesterdays Heroes

The Blood - Stark Raving Normal

The Business - Drinking and Driving

The Press - Revolution Now!

Cockney Rejects - War On the Terraces

Cock Sparrer - Take 'Em All

I want all you skinheads to get up on your feet... and listen to some classic skinhead reggae cuts

2009-11-16T02:04:00.000-08:00

If these tracks don't make you want to get up and dance, well then you are just not listening to them loud enough my friend!

First up for you we have Dennis Alcapone - Alcapone Guns Don't Bark.

Now we have some Dave Barker - Lock Jaw.

Are you feeling it yet? Well lets just take it a little higher for you with some Derrick Morgan - Conquering Ruler.

Now it's time for some David Isaacs - Since You Are Gone.

Want more? How about some U Roy - My Girl

This is why we are skinheads.

Thoughts about Remembrance Day and modern Neo-Nazis.

2009-11-14T06:43:00.000-08:00

So another Remembrance Day has come and gone, and hopefully we all observed it, if even only the 2 mins of silence part (I know a lot of people had to work at 11am).

I've had some time to think about it, and a couple questions have come to my mind...

Should Remembrance Day be a holiday? Now before you jump up and say yes (and up until I thought of the point I'm about to make, I'd have agreed with you if you are one of the yes camp), let me ask you this... Would making Remembrance Day a holiday help or hurt children's understanding of it? If it became a holiday, would children wake up for it, or just watch cartoons all day? At least with it being a school day, schools can have assemblies, or field trips to war memorials to take part in the day.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/cenotaph-vandalized-days-before-nov-11/article1357429/

Would more events like this happen if it were a holiday? Or would keeping kids in school help to make them understand why doing something like this is horrible?

Also on my mind, neo-Nazi boneheads. I've noticed on Facebook a lot of them have had Remembrance Day style photos on their profiles. If 364 days of they year you are walking around saying the Holocaust was a Jewish lie, and have Swastika tattoos on your chest, just who are you remembering on November 11th? And really now, should you actually be wearing a poppy?

I know some neo-Nazis would say that they are remembering the brave Canadian men and women who fought and died for their country. But if you live your life thinking Hitler was a great man, can you really honour the dead who fought, and beat him?

If Canada had been invaded by the Nazis, and they won the war, and Canada today were a part of the 4th Reich, and if I were running around trying to build Canada into what it is today against the Nazis who controlled Canada (yes, I know I would not have the freedom to do this if the Nazis had won the war) I don't think I could stop for one day and honour the dead Nazi soldiers who defeated the Canadian army. But that's just me. So it makes me wonder, on the 11th of all days, is there hope for these neo-Nazis? Will standing in the presence of the people who fought their idols help them see the light? Or are they silently mocking them?

All and all I had a good Remembrance Day. The service was respectful, full of Vets and school children, as well as adults of all ages and colours. It made me proud to be in Canada.

Hopefully yours did too.

In Flanders Fields

2009-11-10T12:55:00.000-08:00

By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army
In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

The 4 Skins Short Documentary (Secret Gig in Kent) Oi! Oi!

2009-11-06T23:21:00.000-08:00

Here we have a secret show in Kent from back in the 80's by the legendary skinhead band the 4 Skins.

Update on Project Boneyard II

2009-11-04T08:21:00.000-08:00

A little while ago we told you about Project Boneyard II Well Canada's best free weekly music mag just did a little write up on this fantastic little album.

From Exclam Magazine...

Various
Northern Aggression — Project Boneyard Volume 2
By Brad Schmale

This release is a compilation distributed with the intent of cracking down on fascist propaganda and White Pride organizations, using music as a message of unification and urgency. Comprised of punk, hardcore and hip-hop acts, and featuring 16 tracks of vigilant activism, this collection brings lesser-known artists out of the dark and onto the battlefield. Baltimore, MD outfit Fighting Chance set the scene with "Somethin's Gotta be Done," a call to arms that's delivered in the true oi spirit. Toronto, ON street punks the Class Assassins and their outcast anthem, "Outside Looking In," are a fitting contribution, as is hardcore faction Death in Custody's abrasive and spastic "Car Bomb." Remarkably, America's premier working-class punks the Press also lend their assistance to the disc with "Just another Warning," which has just as much relevance today as it did 20 years ago. Northern Aggression ― Project Boneyard Volume 2 is a propitious comp that successfully manages to connect different artists and genres together with the soul purpose of the masses following suit despite race, creed or gender. Amen. (Insurgence)

My French is horrible. But here is one of our more popular posts translated into French for all our French readers!

2009-11-02T02:32:00.000-08:00

Nous avons reçu un commentaire d'une peau plus âgés / Suedehead des années 1970 que nous aimions assez pour publier comme un pot, afin que chacun puisse le lire. Voici un peu d'histoire scène pour tout le monde. Apprécier!

"Bonjour tout, j'aime bien votre style et vos efforts pour expliquer SHARP etc
J'étais moi-même un adolescent au cours de la renaissance SKA de 1979 qui a abouti à une relance énorme de la 1960's / '70 's Skinhead / culture Suedehead. Après le buzz initial apaisé nous étions déterminés à bien faire les choses et me regarda droit dans la culture skinheads traditionnels de 1969. Nous préférions être appelé Suedeheads, (parce que les os Head avait déjà paru, un mélange de tous les mauvais côtés de la Punk / Skinhead scène), nous avons accroché autour d'un lot avec Mods (qui a également un réveil à cette époque) et a également piloté les scooters Lambretta (Vespas ont été vus comme étant un peu trop Mod pour nous). Nous ne ferait que nous couper les cheveux à un grade / Blade 3 ou 4 avec un side-séparation rasés sur le côté de la tête. (certains vieux garçons aurait jokeingly appelez-nous Tennisballs) Pour nous, c'était le style et immage, Sta-prest à puce brogues pantalon / fainéants / bottes polies comme des miroirs, trois trimestre longueur noir ou marine Crombie manteaux à la poche à billet tout important. Nous avons écumé les magasins pour les années 1960 de véritables vêtements. Long-poussoir vers le bas des chemises à col et de la marine véritable bleu Levis 501 de vestes et pantalons coupés et tourné dans (non roulé) et parfois l'insigne de la classe ouvrière ..... la demi-pouce accolades (bretelles). Il n'y avait pas de racisme. Lutte contre souvent été observées entre nous et ce que nous avons appelé occasionnels (les gens qui s'habillait à la mode actuelle) commence généralement par eux, ou à long mecs aux cheveux en métaux lourds. Nous appuyons l'Mods s'ils étaient pris sur (Rockers n Mods) mais il n'y avait pas de questions raciales ensuite parce que l'Irlande était un pays relativement blanc 99 pour cent. L'affiche qui a essayé de mettre l'Irlande dans le "British Box" m'a fait rire, mais de l'extérieur regardant dans Je suppose que nous sommes inexerabily liés par l'histoire et le sang ..... qu'on le veuille ou pas, mais parviennent à maintenir notre identité individuelle / langue / douanes même au plus fort de l'Empire britannique dite nous a fait uniques à travers le monde. Pour l'affiche critique encore, je dirais que vous avez une vague idée de ce que vous parlez, disant toutefois à quelqu'un de lire un livre est simplement enfantin, n'importe qui peut écrire un livre, does'nt faire effet, et de son bon de rappeler que l'histoire a plus souvent été écrite par conquorers et ceux qui se sont accrochés heros.
Nous sommes restés fidèles à notre identité Suedehead jusqu'à la fin des années quatre-vingt. En Angleterre il y avait beaucoup de mal entre les types de têtes nazie des os et des Peaux-Rouges, qui a été notre première indication que la politique était désormais gettin impliqués, l'Angleterre était en effervescence, il y avait un droit de Gouvernement aile au pouvoir et des milliers de travailleurs perdaient leur emploi. Le British National Party (toujours à la recherche d'une occasion) ont travaillé dur pour recruter de jeunes skinheads Clueless et leur colère sur un non-sens sur les immigrants et du pouvoir blanc. Je me souviens avoir demandé par un skinhead de 16 ans à Dublin en 1988obviously impressionné et un peu nerveuse de voir un de 25 ans traditionnelle Suedehead prospectifs. Ce garçon distribuait des tracts sur Sharp et me demanda aux conditions météorologiques ou non je le soutiendrais, il dit: «Je suis un SHARP Skin", j'ai dit "je suis un ".... SAP Skinheads Against Politics. Il rit, nous nous sommes serré la main et il dit: «Wow tu ressembles à quelque chose d'un documentaire sur les années soixante"

Bonne chance à vous et vos camarades de "Keep On Keepin On" "Right On" cheval de Troie à jamais, The Harder They Come! "

Movie : The Firm

2009-10-31T20:32:00.000-07:00

for all the Toronto FC fans out there, as well as skinheads, punks, mods and rudies, here is a sweet little film to check out. The Firm, a film by Nick Love.

Loosely adapted from Alan Clarke's 1989 classic TV film, Nick Love's film is set earlier in the 1980s in around 1984 and retells a similar story to the original - but from a different character's point of view. The film centres on Dom, a young wannabe football casual, who gets drawn in to the charismatic but dangerous world of the firm's top boy, Bex Bissell.

Least we forget.

2009-10-29T23:13:00.000-07:00

Please remember to buy a poppy, wear it on your left side, and respect the 2 mins of silence on November 11th.

Follow The S.H.A.R.P. Blog on Twitter

2009-10-21T03:09:00.000-07:00

That right, we've decided to give Twitter a shot. Feel free to check us out, and follow us for quick little updates, and specials on S.H.A.R.P. gear. Just click here to check us out.

TAQWACORE: The Birth of Muslim Punk Rock

2009-10-19T08:31:00.000-07:00

The filmmaker Omar Majeed is in the attendance in Toronto all week for Q&As. The author of the novel, THE TAQWACORES, Michael Muhammad Knight will give a panel discussion on Saturday October 24th, 2009.

In 2003, a white Muslim convert named Michael Muhammed Knight wrote a novel called THE TAQWACORES about a fictional music scene that managed to be both hardcore punk and Muslim at the same time. The book was an underground best-seller, and more importantly, struck a nerve with disenfranchised young Muslims everywhere. Soon after, actual "Taqwacore" bands began to form all over North America. This documentary film joins Michael and bands like The Secret Trial Five and The Kominas on their first tour / pilgrimage across the U.S.A., as they challenge Muslims and non-Muslims alike with audacious anthems like Sharia Law in the U.S.A. and Mohammed was a Punk Rocker. Their spiritual odyssey leads them to Pakistan, and their rocky attempt to bring punk to the streets of Lahore. Produced by EyeSteelFilm (Up the Yangtze, RIP!: A Remix Manifesto). Released By EyeSteelFilm / KinoSmith. 80 minutes.

Screening Times in Toronto:

Royal Cinema 608 College (at Clinton St.), Toronto tel. (416) 534-5252

Monday Oct. 19 - 7pm, 9:15pm
tickets: $10 /$8

TAQWACORE... check out the website for more info.

Another blast from the past!

2009-10-14T22:52:00.000-07:00

Digging up more old S.H.A.R.P. flyers from days gone by for you.

Click the poster for full view.

Anyone remember seeing this old beauty in a Zine or around town?

CHRIS MURRAY W/ SOUND ONE, DJ CAM CANADA

2009-10-12T23:01:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, October 13, 2009 at 9:00pm Chris Murray (formerly of Toronto ska greats King Apparatus) will be playing the Smiling Buddha Bar (961 College Street, Toronto) with Sound One and DJ Cam Canada.

$10, 19 plus. Come dance the night away with this Canadian ska legend!

More old S.H.A.R.P. flyers

2009-10-12T10:51:00.000-07:00

Bringing you an old flyer from back when S.H.A.R.P. was just in the United States. Here is some S.H.A.R.P. history for you guys and gals right here!

Just click on this image to see it larger.

The Skinhead "Family" Tree

2009-10-10T21:00:00.000-07:00

Considering we have been on a kick bringing you music and video clips from the past, we here at Toronto SHARP thought it would be cool to show you an old flyer from way way back in the early 1990's showing the evolution of skinhead (in a nut shell).

Just click the image to see it full size. Oh the memories this brings back!

A blast from the past!

2009-10-01T00:07:00.002-07:00

Now as most of you know (or if you did not, now you do) Geraldo Rivera had a talk show back in the 1980's and he decided to have some boneheads on it, and well, tempers flared and he ended up with a broken nose (I'm pretty sure this happened in 1988). Anyways, after this happened, another American talk show called "People Are Talking" had a special with trad and anti-racist skinheads (including SHARP).

Here for your viewing pleasure is that long lost episode of "People Are Talking".

World of Skinhead

2009-09-29T23:51:00.000-07:00

Here is a little bit more skinhead history for you. You'll love the soundtrack. Ohh the memories....

Some good interviews with skinheads of all races, all religions, colours and politics. A good place to start off if you want to learn some skinhead history.

Skinhead Reggae

2009-09-27T03:16:00.000-07:00

While we could have written a whole book about skinhead reggae, we figured most people today online don't have time to read a big long huge blog about this fantastic style of music. So we posted this youtube clip for you, followed by 2 of our favorite boss tracks. Listen to them loud, and dance like no one is looking.

Here we have Toots and the Maytals doing their classic "54-46"... Live!

And to close this post, we have the legendary Desmond Dekker doing "Israelites"... live!

If anyone is interested in hearing any more skinhead reggae greats, feel free to drop us a line and we will e-mail you some killer cuts.

Demonstration For Equality. Good times

2009-09-21T22:01:00.000-07:00

Just a quick little post to let people know how the Demonstration for Equality went.

It was a small turn out, but the few who did come were very cool. A mix of skinhead, punk and hip-hop cultures all against racism. New friends were made, ideas and info exchanged, and a few people learned some truths about the skinhead subculture.

Local boneheads had been making threats against the organizers and random people who planned to attend the Demonstration for Equality on both Facebook and Craigslist, and well as sending some people private messages. But only 3 showed up at the demonstration to protest it and cause problems. That is if you count yelling out "Oi!" from across the street and up a flight of stairs, showing a white power flag and then running away as fast as they could causing a problem. Typical boneheads... tiny brains and tinier spines.

Cheers to the people of Toronto who went to this event and stood up for equality!

Demonstration For Equality. Friday September 18th.

2009-09-08T02:24:00.000-07:00

On Friday September the 18th, some local lads and ladies have decided to put on a little demonstration for equality. They are planing on meeting up at Union Station after 3pm, and at 4pm march out to Queens Park for the demonstration. After this they will head out to the Annex to go see "Shwatarded", a film about how the 3Tards concert againt breast cancer was shut down by the police.

"Missed the last Shwatarded show ever?

Live it again!!!!

Shwatarded - The Movie

Filmed during a charity fundraiser in Memorial Park in Oshawa, Ontario, watch the antics unfold as these punk rock undergods attempt the improbable... one woman, and four bands shattering a thousand stigmas in one action packed, fun filled, riotous rainy afternoon in the Shwa.

what happens is*almost* impossible to imagine....

Starring the now retired kings of Toronto Punk The 3Tards, and the hardest working band in Rock'n'Roll... The Groopies.

Shwatarded LIVE it….

September 18th, 2009 7PM
Bloor Cinemas
506 Bloor Street West
Toronto, Ontario

Last Friday of the Toronto International Film Festival

A Portion of proceeds from this screening will be donated to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation."

NORTHERN AGGRESSION - PROJECT BONEYARD VOLUME II

2009-09-03T05:41:00.000-07:00

Insurgence Records has teamed up with the Turn It Down Campaign and a host of bands, show promoters, crews, and individuals to bring you: Northern Aggression - Project Boneyard Volume II. The scene is stepping up again to challenge the spread of fascist propaganda (and bad music) like Project Schoolyard, a lacklustre sampler CD crapped out by a US-based bonehead label in an attempt to recruit youth to the white power movement.

Our subculture has always played to the tune of 'having a laugh and having a say'. Our message to the fascists: Get out of what was never yours to begin with. The kids on the street won't be fooled, and we will never abandon turf to self-serving freeloaders like you and the muck you spread.

The Northern Aggression sampler features the hardest selections from Insurgence bands - several of them unreleased - accompanied by tracks from other bands in our orbit. This CD is without question, the best collection we've ever compiled. The first of several runs of 10,000 are hitting the streets as you read this.

Insurgence supporters armed with bulk copies of the sampler aim to get this spread as far and wide as possible. We need all the help we can muster! The success of the project relies on the involvement of groups and individuals like you!

We're urging supporters to purchase bulk (for as low as 50 cents a unit) and specifically target areas being contested by the fascists. At times like this, it's about more than just the music. It's about defending our way of life and dutifully reminding the boneheads where their place is.... In the dustbin of history!

The sampler CD is FREE with all orders from Insurgence Records and available in bulk from Insurgence Records

Suedehead speaks his mind!

2009-08-25T03:27:00.000-07:00

We got a comment from an older skin/suedehead from the 1970's that we liked enough to publish as a post, so that everyone could read it. Here is a bit of scene history for everyone. Enjoy!

"Hello There, I like your style and efforts to explain SHARP etc.

I myself was a teenager during the SKA revival of 1979 which resulted in a huge revival of the 1960's/'70's Skinhead/Suedehead culture. After the initial buzz died down we were determined to get it right and looked deeply into the traditional skinhead culture of 1969. We preferred to be known as Suedeheads, (because the Bone-Head had already appeared, a mix of all the bad sides of the Punk/Skinhead scene) we hung around alot with Mods (who were also having a revival at that time)and also drove Lambretta scooters (Vespas were seen as being a bit too Mod for us). We would only cut our hair to a grade/blade 3 or 4 with a side-parting shaved into the side of the head. (some old boys would jokeingly call us tennisballs) For us it was style and immage, smart sta-prest trousers brogues/loafers/boots polished up like mirrors, three quarter length black or navy crombie coats with the all important ticket pocket. We scoured shops for genuine 1960's clothes. Long-collared button down shirts and genuine navy blue Levis 501's jackets and trousers cut and turned IN (not rolled up)and occasionally the badge of the working-class..... the half inch braces (suspenders). There was no racism. Fighting often occured between us and what we called casuals (people who dressed in current fashion) usually started by them, or long haired guys into heavy metal. We would support the Mods if they were being picked on (Mods n Rockers) but there were no race issues then because Ireland was relatively a 99 percent white country. The poster who tried to put Ireland in the "Brittish Box" made me laugh, but from the outside looking in i suppose we are inexerabily linked through history and blood..... like it or not, but managing to maintain our individual identity/language/customs even during the height of the so called Brittish Empire has made us unique throughout the world. To the critical poster again i would say you have a vague idea of what you are talking about, however telling someone to read a book is just childish, anyone can write a book, does'nt make it fact, and its worth remembering that history was more often written by conquorers and those who hung heros.
We stayed true to our Suedehead identity until the late eighties. In England there was alot of trouble between Bone head Nazi types and Redskins, that was our first indication that politics was now gettin involved, England was in turmoil, there was a right-wing gouvernment in power and thousands of workers were loosing their jobs. The Brittish National Party (always looking for an opportunity) worked hard to recruit young clueless Skinheads and anger them up on nonsense about immigrants and white power. I remember being asked by a 16 year old skinhead in Dublin in 1988obviously impressed and a little nervous at seeing a 25 year old traditional looking Suedehead. This lad was handing out leaflets about SHARP and asked me wheather or not i would support it, He said "I'm a SHARP Skin", I said "I'm a SAP".... Skinheads Against Politics. He laughed, we shook hands and he said "Wow you look like something out of a documentary about the sixties"

Good luck to you and your mates "Keep on Keepin On" "Right On" Trojan forever, The Harder they come!"

Klownheads and the Klown Klux Klan

2009-08-07T20:56:00.000-07:00

So this really has nothing to do with Toronto, and we saw this on another blog, but damn it made us laugh. So we decided to post it here too.

Thanks goes to the ARC for showing us this!

Punk Rock Girl - Rehab For Quitters

2009-07-17T20:22:00.000-07:00

Ladies and gentlemen, for your viewing pleasure, Toronto's own Rehab For Quitters first video, 'Punk Rock Girl'

Are these guys good or what?

Rehab For Quitters

Punk Rock Matinee!

2009-07-13T02:30:00.000-07:00

Boys and girls, finally a reason to visit Hamilton! Check out some tunes from Class War Kids. Then check out some tunes from Broadcast Zero. Like what you hear? Wait till you see them live (we've heard the other bands are pretty damn good too)!

Insurgence Records Sampler

2009-07-02T22:47:00.000-07:00

Coming straight out of Toronto, there is a cool little record label that takes a strong stance against racism. Insurgence Records. If you are new to the skinhead scene, or not from Toronto there is a chance that you might not have heard of them. Not a problem, because we here at SHARP Toronto love this label, and want to help you find some cool music from them.

Way back in 2004, some neo-nazi twats decided to target school children with their white power RAC crap, which if you ask us, sounds like barking dogs and bad metal guitars. They were handing out these CD's at high schools in hopes to brainwash and recruit some young kids to become the next wave of brain dead stormtroopers. 100,000 CD samplers were supposed to be sent out all around the United States and Canada. They were calling it 'Project Schoolyard U.S.A.'

Insurgence Records decided to take a stand and do something to counter this. They came up with 'Project Boneyard U.S.A.' A CD sampler of much better quality bands, all who were against racists. They offered this CD sampler for free download from their website, along with artwork. 16 tracks, and every one a winner.

Insurgence Records still offers this free sampler on their website. Here is the track listing.

THE PROWLERS - Through All The Years
STAGE BOTTLES - Real Skinhead
FIGHTING CHANCE - History Repeats
FATE 2 HATE - Iron Fist
THE CLASS ASSASSINS - Full Control
THE PROWLERS - We Come Out First
THE OPPRESSED - Sleeping With the Enemy
STAGE BOTTLES - Dead But Not Forgiven
FATE 2 HATE - Fight For Justice
HELL TO PAY - Zero Tolerance
FIGHTING CHANCE - Coward's Pride
THE CLASS ASSASSINS - No Justice, No Peace
FINAL FOUR - Us Against Them
THE OPPRESSED - Work Together
FATE 2 HATE - Prove (unreleased)
FIGHTING CHANCE - Blamed

Now after looking at who is on this sampler, I'm sure you are asking yourself where you can get it... well just click here and it will take you straight to Insurgence's webpage and the download link. Download it, have a listen, and enjoy. And if you really like it feel free to buy a CD, scarf pin or patch from Insurgence. They are cool people after all.

Cheers to Insurgence Records, for actually standing up and making a difference!

2nd Annual Bottom Feeders Beach Bash 'n' Car Crash

2009-06-26T22:29:00.000-07:00

Our friends, Toronto's best car club, The Bottom Feeders are having a little party. Come check it out!

Pre 63' HotRodz, Kustomz, Mudercycles, Booze, Broadz,Bandz, live pinstriping by MASK, Live music By Dark Pearl, Rehab for Quitters,The Video Dead, etc.... Possible Burlesque contest(ladies please contact if interested in participating),Circus freaks, Tattoo bus provided by WILD INK!! Vendors are welcome(please click HERE for more info)....

What is S.H.A.R.P.?

2009-06-24T01:20:00.000-07:00

There have been numerous email sent to the Toronto S.H.A.R.P. blog asking all sorts of questions. From the well thought out, to the really really strange (along with the normal Neo-Nazi bonehead rants and raves, but we will leave that for another day). Normally when an email comes in, we do our best to answer it. But sometimes the same question pops up from may different readers. So today, we are going to answer a few of the generally asked questions for everyone.

What is S.H.A.R.P.?

S.H.A.R.P. stands for Skinheads Against Racial Prejudice. Nothing more, nothing less. No, this is not a joke, and no this is not an oxymoron. Most skinheads are not racist. And by 'skinheads', we mean actual skinheads, not bald racists running around trying to ruin a good scene. It takes more than a shaved head and a pair of boots to be a skinhead. You should have pride in yourself, your friends, family and country. You should have a good love of skinhead reggae, ska, soul, and oi music. You should care about how you look, and be working class. Stand up for yourself, and those you care about. Have a beer with your friends, watch a game, listen to some good tunes, don't take too much crap from people and have a good time. This is what it takes to be a skinhead. S.H.A.R.P. skinheads are just traditional skinheads tired of being associated with racist boneheads in the general media. Remember your skinhead roots. Pride without prejudice.

Another way to look at it is that the Klu Klux Klan claim to be Christians, so does that mean everyone who celebrates Christmas is a Klan member? Of course not. The same holds true for skinheads. Some bald idiot in army pants and boots shouting racist stuff is as representitive of skinheads as the Klan is to Christians.

Is S.H.A.R.P. political?

S.H.A.R.P. is political in one way only. We are against racial prejudice in our scene. Beyond that one point any member of S.H.A.R.P. is an individual, with his or her own politics, be they left leaning, right leaning or center politics.

Is S.H.A.R.P. a gang?

No. We are a crew of friends. If we were not S.H.A.R.P. we would still hang out, drink beer, watch TFC matches, and go to shows.

I'm not a skinhead. Can I still be a S.H.A.R.P.?

Ask yourself this question. Why do you want to be a S.H.A.R.P.? If you are not a skinhead, are you part of the scene that skinheads involve ourselves in? If the answer is no, why would you wan to be a S.H.A.R.P.? While there are a few non skinheads in Toronto S.H.A.R.P., they are all involved in the the ska, soul, punk or oi scene, or in the football scene. If you are an anti-racist, and want to make a difference fighting racists, you might want to look into one of the many local anti-racist groups. We don't go looking for racists to fight. We will ALWAYS take a stand against them when they try to start shit, but there are more active groups out there that might be more to your liking.

I'm not white. Can I join S.H.A.R.P.?

Skin colour has nothing to do with being a skinhead. A skinhead of any colour will always be welcome in S.H.A.R.P.

Can women be S.H.A.R.P. too?

Yes.

Is S.H.A.R.P. violent?

S.H.A.R.P. is a skinhead thing, and lets be honest... skinheads are known to fight. But Toronto S.H.A.R.P. will never go out and look for a fight. And we will never start one. But we will also not back down to racist bullies. These our our streets, our pubs, and to borrow a chant from TFC supporters, "This is our house".

What do different colour laces mean?

We have already written about this. See here for the answer.

Keep writing into the Toronto S.H.A.R.P. blog with your questions We will answer them.

Celtic Soul Bhoys

2009-06-17T03:23:00.000-07:00

Will be spinning some fantastic ska, soul and skinhead reggae on Sat. June 20 at the Cloak & Dagger (394 College St. Toronto). Doors open at 10pm and it's free admittance.

Every time these talented and fun loving dj's put on a night, you KNOW you will be having a good time. Come have a pint and a laugh!

TFC LA Game Action - Final Decision From The Red Patch Boys

2009-06-05T19:50:00.000-07:00

Direct from the Red Patch Boys:

"Well, this has been a hell of a week and a rollercoaster ride of emotion.

After much debate, we have decided upon a course of action to express our concerns over the state of affairs in TFC-land.

I know several forum users have been eager to join in this initiative, so these are our plans for the next steps. Please join us in ensuring TFC gets the message and continues to strive to do the best they can.

This is the plan for Saturday:
No official merch or colours
No banners or flags
Yes capo, yes drums. (<--no point in going and chanting and not doing it properly, I think) At the end of the game, win or lose, we meet at Gate 3 and march to gate 4 to protest the FO During the game chant and sing for the boys on the field. Whatever we may feel about what needs to happen with the team, we need these three points on Saturday. We will reduce our in-stadium spending. I know not everyone will boycott beer, but try buying one instead of two, or two instead of three. We will aim for a full-on concessions boycott, but we also need to build it up and try to get as many people on board as we can. We will aim for the June 13th game as the 100% boycott. At the same time as we plan this for Saturday, we are also looking at measures to express our concerns through email campaigns and phone campaigns to our ticket reps. On Monday, when the Madrid tickets go on sale, we should all phone our reps to register our concerns. We will put forth a list of concerns we can all express, but feel free to make your own . We will also put together an email that we can send to the higher ups at the team. This same sort of communication will be sent out through our Facebook group and the message board users list. We may need to get some flyers showing our concerns printed and be ready to hand these out by the New York game. These are the first steps after which we will assess the situation and move forward. There will be a meeting with the heads of the supporters groups and the team this afternoon which will hopefully help clarify some of our concerns."

Red Patch Boys

A little bit of skinhead history for you : The Dr. Marten story

2009-06-04T20:52:00.000-07:00

Ska Saves Lives 2: Ravers and Rudeboi's, a War Child Benefit

2009-06-03T20:41:00.000-07:00

Alright ladies and gent's, those who were there last year know it was a solid show...this year is going to be bigger and better! As part of NXNE we have extended bar hours until 3AM! So come drink for an extra hour, and party your faces off for a great cause...

2 FLOORS OF MUSICAL MADNESS! Bands until Midnight! DJ's Until 4am!!

Area 1: This Is Ska!!?!?!!!

Omega 3 Fatty Asses
Suspect
Phil Allister
The Good Times (inc)
BiG Scen
The Bring Back Swayze's (comedy duo, like flight of the conchords but more gangster)
The Arsenals (Ska Legends..have shared the stage with Toots and The Maytals, Barrington Levy, The Slackers, The Toasters and many more)

plus

MARCUS VISIONARY (Canadian DnB Pioneer)
DJ UNABOMBER (infamous shitshow anthems)
DJ Hi-C (Jump up and then laid back jungle sounds)

Area 2: ...loud music saves lives

Bored Stiff
Pissed To The Eye
Police/Thieves
Ghetto Blaster
Blunt Fiction
Fatality

DJ DMT (blog Beats)
Dj PIKPOKET (dubstep and w/e)

MORE TO BE ANNOUCED

Tickets $10 in adv, $15 @ The Door

Proceeds from the event will go to WAR CHILD an international aid agency that has raised awarness for issues such as the Genocide in Darfur, and currently aid-ing the war torn Tamil's in Sri Lanka...

for more info on warchild and what they go to www.warchild.ca

Ska saves facebook page

2009-06-01T22:58:00.000-07:00

Just saying thanks to the fine folks at Anti-Racist Canada for the shout out.

A S.H.A.R.P. Girl Story

2009-05-15T02:00:00.000-07:00

Everyone has that moment in life where it hits them, this is where I belong, this is a part of who I am. That happened to me when I became a skinhead, to me it just felt right. It clicked, after all I had grown up listening to many of the reggae and ska artists that are famous for being a part of skinhead culture. I had run with kids from most crowds and identified a lot with the punks, I even knew a few SHARPS as a teen, we all hung out together, went to shows, parties, had the same ideals about life, politics and music. Loud fast and aggressive, get the message out, take what you can and run with it.

I wasn't ready to be a skin yet, I was still searching for the right path in my life. But over time I realized there was so much to the way of life, the culture, the music, the fashion that drew me in, and ultimately kept me there. Strength, pride, unity, respect and above all fun with your mates, it was me through and through. Growing up my father raised me with the belief that all people deserved respect, despite differences in culture, race or religion. You can disagree but respect comes first. The same can be said for being a skinhead, politics dont come first, race doesnt come first, instead its what brought you together that is celebrated, its what makes you strong. Being a girl, I have often been the one to run with the boys, I always had a crew to watch my back, skins or not. But as a skinbyrd I can say its not just a boys club, women are just as important too, our opinions are repected, valued, hell there's so many great songs about us our men must love us!

Being a skinbyrd means being a strong woman, outspoken, probably a bit rowdy, ready to go to the show and dance and yell and drink just as hard as the boys, all the while with a grin on your face. It means I walk down the street with my head held high, not in disdain but in confidence of who I am. I remember cutting my hair (similiar to a feather cut but a bit longer), putting on my fred perry and skirt, SHARP pin on my flatcap. I looked good, I looked proud. I felt it inside me and it showed. I always wore my heart and pride on my sleeve, now I was putting it out there for the world to see. I saw me, I saw a skinhead and I saw that I was finally in the right place. This is a way of life and I have fully embraced it, ready and willing with all the responsibility that comes with it. In the end, I just wanna toss back a pint, dance dance dance and fall in love with my skinhead man. After all, even tough girls need someone sometimes...

May 22nd Two Tone and Trad Ska at Lee's Palace

2009-05-08T08:14:00.000-07:00

A full night of Two Tone and Trad Ska courtesy of...

FRANKIE FOO - Toronto's own monthly Ska staple, dance numbers and love songs to soothe your aching skull. Hold the phones.

RUDE BOY - Hailing from Ottawa and having recently opened for The English Beat, they'll show you what eleven years of Two Tone style ska music can do to your dancing feet.

SOUND ONE - Heavy traditional Ska music non stop, drawing great influence from the original Skatalites, fully instrumental hard sounds that more than compel you to move your feet.

Lee's Palace, May 22nd, $7 at the door, starts at 9pm, 19+

The Business and Overpower June 25th, Toronto

2009-05-03T18:39:00.000-07:00

On June 25 Toronto's favorite local oi band Overpower will be playing a show with the legendary Business at Lees Palace!

Tickets are $16 advance (don't bother trying to get them at the door, this show will sell out!) and doors open at 8:30 pm. Sorry kids, this show is 19+ to get in.

Tickets for all shows at Ticketmaster, Rotate This, Soundscapes, and Horseshoe.

A S.H.A.R.P. Story II

2009-04-22T07:03:00.000-07:00

Another member of Toronto S.H.A.R.P. shares their story:

I first got into the Skinhead scene around 2 years ago for all the wrong reasons. I was young, angry, impressionable and an easy target for Nazi bonehead propaganda. I liked the feeling of being superior to others and most of all being feared by others. It was a rush to walk down the street with my boots, bomber jacket and Nazi patches. But the longer I was in there and the more I witnessed hateful acts being committed on innocent people the more I realized that these political and racial views were wrong and not for me. I left the bonehead movement about seven months ago, and it’s a change that I do not regret.

When I left I became a Traditional Skinhead and I felt so much better about myself, and the way I treated people. There was a lot of stress and pain taken off my mind. I could finally be me, a loving and caring person. I fell in love with Ska, Reggae, Rocksteady, Northern Soul, and REAL Oi! A lot of music that I once loved before my thickheaded days.

When I left the boneheads I was sent many threatening messages by those I once considered comrades and friends. I was then truly able to see who these people were. Not long after becoming a Traditional Skin I realized that not only did I disagree with bonehead politics I hated it. It might have been partially because I felt bad for my previous alignment and because I wanted to make up for my actions, so I joined Toronto S.H.A.R.P. I got heat from both sides, people telling me I should hang up my boots but I’m not ready to do that, and I don’t think I ever will be ready to leave.

So here we are today, still being harassed by boneheads and your average Jane and Joe on the streets. I accept that people have been mislead by the media through out the 80’s, 90’s, and even now. Even though it angers me I still show respect and do my best to educate those willing to listen about the true Skinhead culture.

Cheers!

The Oppressed - Joe Hawkins

2009-04-01T03:39:00.000-07:00

While we are waiting for the new blog post to be ready (Almost, we promise) we figured we'd bring you a bit of skinhead history.

The Oppressed was a Welsh anti-fascist Oi! band that was formed in 1981 in Cardiff and split up in 2006. Most of the musicians in the band's various lineups were skinheads. Throughout the band's career, the members (especially vocalist Roddy Moreno) openly expressed opposition to racism and fascism, in their lyrics, interviews, on-stage comments and other actions. In 1989, Moreno visited New York City and met many members of Skinheads Against Racial Prejudice (SHARP). On his return to the United Kingdom, he started promoting SHARP ideals to British skinheads.

Here they are doing Joe Hawkins. Enjoy!

One SHARP story

2009-03-01T09:21:00.000-08:00

I remember the first time I shaved my head. It was kind of cool out, the end of summer, but not quite the start of fall. It was late in the evening, I laced up my boots, put on my flight jacket, and as I stepped out onto the street for the first time, the cool breeze hitting my freshly cropped hair felt tingly and electric. It was an amazing feeling, one that I have never forgotten, some 15 years later.

This was back in the mid 1990's. The "bad old days" of the skinhead scene. Not only had the boneheads started to pop up everywhere, but they had organized, and many older skinheads from the 80's had decided to hang up their boots, out of disgust at what they saw as an invasion, and a distortion of what they had been for many years. What had made it worse was not only that the popular media was convinced that all skinheads were thick headed, jack booted neo-nazi thugs, but the general public seemed to agree with them. Hate groups like the Heritage Front, and the Northern Hammerskins had taken an amazing and long lived youth culture, and in the span of a few years had all but ruined it.

But there were still hold outs. People who were unwilling to just hand over the keys to the boneheads. The ska scene was going through it's 3rd (or 4th depending on who you ask) wave, and people were starting to remember (again) 2 Tone and first wave ska. Old classic tracks like Symarip's "Moon Hop" had started to see the light of the modern day being issued on "Best Of Ska" style cd comps. George Marshal and STP came out with "The Spirit of 69: a Skinhead Bible". And lets not forget the scooter clubs and football clubs. The Real skinheads were still out there.

Walking down my street, heading downtown, was amazing. People crossing the street, or walking faster, the thought hitting me that they were afraid of me, just because I was a skinhead was an ego boost. When you are used to people looking at you like some dirty little punk, with eyes rolling in their heads, thinking you are some glue sniffing dolt, the change in how people look at you as a skinhead will stand out in your memory forever. I'm here. I'm a trad. Deal with it. Ahh, the memories of that first night...

Because of the organized racist boneheads, some traditional, non-racist and anti-racist skinheads formed crews like Anti-Racist Action (formerly the Baldies) and Skinheads Against Racial Prejudice (S.H.A.R.P.) in the late 1980's. These groups (or crews) were formed to fight the stereotype of skinheads that was being presented to the general public. This is not to say that skinheads were sweet innocent little tykes out to collect butterflies or anything. Skinheads drank, smoked, swore, danced, shagged and fought just as much, or more than the punks, hippies, goths and jocks. We just strongly opposed people looking us and seeing Hitler Youth. Considering the number of skinheads who were (and are) Catholic, Jewish, black and Asian, it's not hard to see why we objected.

I fell in love with skinhead because of the music mostly. Such great artists like the Maytals, with singer Frederick "Toots" Hibbert singing songs with such raw emotion and power, it was hard to not be blown away. This was fantastic music! This was skinhead music! The people were amazing! The beer was flowing! This is where I wanted to be!

The Heritage Front had their "hateline" phone number openly printed in the phone book. Neo-nazis were trashing Jewish cemeteries. Then there was the firebombings. In the high schools if you were not with the boneheads, they would target you. Fights. Beatings. Swarmings. People got stabbed. People got shot. Enough was enough.

The look was neat. It was clean. It was tough. The girls liked it. A polished pair of boots, jeans held up with braces, and a nice Ben Sherman or Fred Perry. What a look! A look you could take pride in. A look you could take and make your own. Stitch on a few ska or oi badges to your jacket, and you were ready to go. Off to see the Arsenals or Skaface. Off to a party. Off to meet your girl. Good times. The best times.

Anti-Racist Action was the group that I joined to help take a stand against these neo-nazi invaders. We founded a chapter, put on Rock Against Racism concerts. We wrote zines, and printed shirts. We were asked to come into the schools and talk to the students about racism. We fought with boneheads in the streets. We protected each other, and anyone we saw being picked on by them. We made a difference. We won. The Heritage Front became a joke. the Hammerskins were driven out. We could go back to just being skinheads again.

2006 and groups like the Aryan Guard are popping up, and not just out west. The internet has brought out the hate in some people. It's helped them to form networks. It's spread a message of hate, that has infected new minds.

It's 2009 now. The fights are starting back up. Bonehead gangs are starting to cause problems again. There are some amazing skinhead reggae bands out there today. The Aggrolites. Westbound Train. This time I'm S.H.A.R.P. Less politics. Pride without prejudice. As Judge Dread said... I'm still a skin.

Ska ska ska

2009-02-28T10:29:00.000-08:00

March 15 2009 @ The Reverb

Keepin'6
Staylefish
Sound One
Maple Street Impressions
The Dirty 30's

7pm, $10, All Ages

skinhead reggae, ska and soul music

2009-02-25T00:48:00.000-08:00

Toronto SHARP has a last.fm account. If you happen to be a fan of old ska, 2 tone, skinhead reggae, rock steady and dirty soul, feel free to give it a listen, or add us as a friend.

http://www.last.fm/user/TorontoSHARP

looking for S.H.A.R.P. in the 80's and 90's

2009-02-17T03:34:00.000-08:00

If there are any SHARPS from the 1980's and 1990's, in pretty much any country in the world, still skinheads, or having hung up there boots out there, or if anyone happens to know of any, please e-mail the Toronto SHARP blog.

torontosharpblogspot *at* gmail.com

Cheers!

Toronto SHARP Crew

Pins Patches and Shirts oh my!

2009-02-02T12:48:00.000-08:00

There have been a LOT of requests coming in from people all over the world it seems looking to find quality S.H.A.R.P. gear.

No, Toronto S.H.A.R.P. patches are not for sale. These are just for people in the Toronto S.H.A.R.P. crew. Sorry.

However, we are about to start making generic S.H.A.R.P./Anti-Racist pins, patches shirts and hoodies that will be for sale to anyone who wants them. They will not be made in any sweatshops, and will be sold at working class prices for working class people.

A page will be set up when they are ready, and the link will be posted here. Or you could just e-mail torontosharpblogspot *AT* gmail.com

Cheers!

Raygun Cowboys and Rehab For Quitters at the Bovine

2009-01-13T00:24:00.000-08:00

January 17th at the Bovine Sex Club : The Raygun Cowboys, Rehab For Quitters and Dj Vania. Doors at 9pm. $5 cover, NOT all ages (sorry youngins, and yippie for the drinkers).

www.myspace.com/rayguncowboys
www.myspace.com/rehabforquitters

Leave your politics at the door and good times will be had by all!

Cheers!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-23T12:41:00.000-08:00

To you and yours, from evertone at SHARP Toronto. Have a safe and happy holidays, no matter what you celebrate!

Cheers!

Rehab For Quitters needs your help!

2008-12-16T20:02:00.000-08:00

Jenni and Richie plan to stay in Canada but without being able to work they can not raise the funds for immigration needed to stay here. They are trying to get the cost of immigration which is $3000 CDN in donations, and any money would help greatly. It's definately hard on everyone these days with the economy and such, but this is for a good cause.

The cost for them to live at home in New Jersey would be double the amount it is here in Toronto. Jenni has many work opportunities here and Richie has his band Rehab For Quitters here. Without immigration they can not continue to live here and have these wonderful opportunities. Any help is greatly appreciated.

The couple are also doing odd jobs around Toronto to try and contribute as well, but without work permits it's hard for them to find work and hard to get loans.

Donations can be made at:
www.paypal.com
select make a payment.
SEND payment to jenniandrich@gmail.com

The benefit concert went great they raised $500 so that will help greatly.
The benefit concert went well in Oshawa as well thank you to Black Cat Attack for hosting this event.

They also have a petition going around all over the place so please sign it. There is a link to it below.

www.petitionspot.com/petitions/therefalos

Check out Rehab For Quitters. Straight up rock and roll with an in your face punk edge and a 50's flare.

The New full length album titled "Ladies and Gentlemen...Rehab for Quitters" has been Released North America wide through Boonsdale Records. www.boonsdalerecords.com and will be available in stores shortly.

www.rehabforquitters.com

Celtic Soul Bhoys, Mahones, Over Power, oh my!

2008-12-10T20:38:00.000-08:00

There seem to be quite a few good gigs going on in Toronto at the end of December. Here are a choice few that SHARP Toronto recomends checking out.

Celtic Soul Bhoys X-mas Dancecrasher: December 20th 2008. Event starts at 10pm, and goes all night. Cloak & Dagger 394 College St. Toronto. Come party like it's 1969.
Celtic Soul Bhoys spinning the best of Ska, Reggae, Soul, Rocksteady riddims all night long. A good time is had by all when the Celtic Soul Bhoys spin, you don't want to miss this! Free!

Over Power, Night Bringer, Rack Shot and Mature Situations : Saturday December 27th, 2008 at Siesta Nouveaux, 15 Lower Sherbourne. $8 Doors open 7:30pm

Night Bringer (EX-RUINATION, EARTHMOVER)
http://www.myspace.com/keepupthefight
Over Power - Toronto Skins
http://www.myspace.com/overpoweroi
Rack Shot - Dead Boys Worship
http://www.myspace.com/rackshot

And for those of you who can not make the Mahones NYE bash, they are playing in St.Catharines on December 20th for Stumble Records Xmas Bash!...The Mahones, Broadcast Zero & Oscar B. at the Merchant Ale House, 91 St.Paul Street, St.Catharines ON. $10 and the doors open at 9. This will be a +19 show.

The Mahones

2008-12-05T02:10:00.000-08:00

For those who don't know, the Mahones are a GTA Irish punk band, that have been around since the 1990's, and SHARP Toronto LOVES them. Check them out at any or all of these shows, show them some love, and buy a cd or a shirt (or the band a pint, Christmas is just around the corner after all).

http://www.myspace.com/themahones

20 Dec 2008 20:00
Merchant Ale House (Stumble Records X-Mas Bash) St. Catharines, Ontario

22 Dec 2008 20:00
Bovine Sex Club (Xmas Bash special appearance) Toronto, Ontario

26 Dec 2008 20:00
Slainte (Boxing Day Party) Hamilton, Ontario

27 Dec 2008 20:00
Atlantic Hotel (The chapterIVclothing Holiday Hangover Bash) Alexandria, Ontario

31 Dec 2008 20:00
Mitzi’s Sister (New Years Eve Bash) Toronto, Ontario

The Pogues in Toronto

2008-12-03T16:53:00.000-08:00

UPDATE:

Unforeseen circumstances have caused the two announced Canadian dates to be canceled. The Pogues regret any inconvenience.

from pogues.com

Wednesday March 25th, 2009, the Pogues (and you should be smacked upside the head if you are asking yourself who this band is) will be playing the Kool Haus (132 Queens Quay East) in Toronto! Doors open at 7pm, and tickets are $50. You can get your tickets at Ticketmasters everywhere.

This is a once in a life time chance to see one of the worlds best bands play live in Toronto! Trust me, you DO NOT want to miss this show!

http://www.myspace.com/thepoguesofficial

Red Laces, White laces, Yellow laces! Oh my!

2008-11-27T20:09:00.000-08:00

So, what's up with skinheads and laces? Why all the different colours and what do they mean?

A lot has been written into pop culture and the mainstream media about the colour of skinhead laces and what their meanings are. Too much actually.

White Laces : White Pride / White Power
Red Laces : Neo-nazi OR Communist Or Socialist Or Anti-Racist
Yellow Laces : S.H.A.R.P Or Anti-Cop
Green Laces : Homophobic Or Animal Liberation
Purple Laces : Gay Rights
Black Laces : New boots, owner has not bought the proper colour coded laces yet
Grey Laces : Owner has not figured out yet how to keep white laces clean
Suede Laces : Clown Fetish (ok I just made that last one up)

All of the above is total bullshit. Lace colour has NOTHING to do with politics. The only way that the colour of laces in your boots means anything is if you decide they mean something. Red laces could mean you support Manchester United, or even Toronto FC (good on you if you do, let's go catch a game sometime), or your hatred of ketchup. Or they could mean you thought "Hmmm, red laces would look good and stand out against these black boots!"

Anyone trying to tell you that lace colour stands for something is most likely trying to sound like they know something and are trying to impress you, or sell you on a set of politics.

Sometimes a cigar in a dream is just a cigar, and sometimes boot laces are worn to keep your boots on your feet.

White Pride, White Power, White Culture.

2008-11-18T22:25:00.000-08:00

Is stupid.

Now I could just end this little blog here like that, and I'm sure there would be people leaving comments saying how I'm right, and a few that might leave a comment like "Why is white power bad but black power good?" and such, so I'll write a little more.

White pride ruins European history. With the number of countries, and cultures in Europe, to forcibly unite them under one big happy banner of "White Pride" and speak of "White Culture" takes away from thousands of years of events. European nations have been at war with each other ever since they got the idea of "mine" in their heads. Peoples have been enslaved and scattered. Ireland, Scotland and Wales (remember Wales? most sadly do not) were, or are under British domination. Germany invaded Poland. France and Spain had a few wars. Italy, back when it was Rome tried to take over everything. Pardon the pun, but to white wash it all like some people seem to be takes away some very important and interesting history.

Culturally, Russia is vastly different than Greece. Both cultures have their own distinct foods, legends, mythologies, music and costumes. France is different from Norway, Ireland is different from Portugal. All of these countries (and a lot more) make up the European cultures.

So when someone speaks about white culture, and how we have to save white culture, which white culture are they talking about? English fish and chips? Scottish bagpipes? Russian Vodka?

"Well Canada is a white country...it was discovered, founded, and settled by white people!" Okay, that's true. Except that the Mnjikaning, Mohawk, Cree, Ojibwe, Neskantaga, Kashechewan and quite a few other First Nation peoples were already here. And there was quite a bit of African slave labour (yes, in Canada too). And the Irish (Who were not considered white at the time) Indentured Servants and Transported Convicts. And all the Asians who came over and helped "settle" the west. That's a lot of very different peoples who helped to create and shape this great nation of ours.

My point is you can have pride in who and what you are, and where you or your family came from, and that is more than fine. I am proud to be Celtic. I have Irish pride. I feel no shame in this, nor should I. But white pride? I might as well feel "Northern Hemisphere Pride", or "Human Pride".

Racial pride, in this day and age, only serves to devide people. If White trailor trash, and Black ghetto trash stood up, and realized that they are basically in the same economic boat, and gave up with calling each other nigger and cracker, they could unite and start working towards getting better health care, better education, higher standards of living, a living pay that actually lets them afford things that they need and want.

This is Canada. You are Canadian. Start acting like it.

Over Power

2008-11-18T13:22:00.000-08:00

http://www.myspace.com/overpoweroi
http://www.overpoweroi.blogspot.com/

Check out Toronto's own Over Power, one of the best hardcore/oi bands in town! 4 angry young men who love to drink, and will close any pub you find them in. Boot stomp your way over to their myspace page, watch their videos, add them to your friends list, and send them a nice message telling them to put up some songs, because they are worth it!

100% Toronto SHARP approved!

See ya in the pit!

So you want to join S.H.A.R.P. Toronto

2008-11-11T20:09:00.000-08:00

Anyone interested in joining S.H.A.R.P. Toronto should know it's pretty easy. Just contact one of us, hang out a bit, and if we think you are a good fit (aka not a violent psycho, drug dealer or someone who is going to try to convert us all to some odd religion) you are in!

Contacting us is pretty easy. You can find us on Facebook in any S.H.A.R.P. group, you can see us at ska, punk, reggae and oi shows, and find us in the pubs. Or, you can just e-mail TorontoSHARPblogspot *at* gmail.com

Young or old, byrd or boi, black or white, all are welcome. S.H.A.R.P. Toronto is made up of Traditional Skinheads from all backgrounds, and our friends and supporters.

If you do join you get a nifty patch, a pin, some cool friends for life, and the knowledge that you are helping to keep your scene free from ignorant boneheads that will always try to sell you a set of politics, and tell you who you can shag, and who you can be friends with.

So drop us a line, come have a pint, and dance the night away at a show. It beats sitting at home with a bunch of white power fools reading Mein Kampf.

November 11 Rememberance Day.

2008-11-10T00:15:00.000-08:00

On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month (11:00AM, November 11th) please join the many thousands of Canadians who plan to pause for a moment to commemorate the courage, honor, and sacrifice of the many men and women -- military and civilian -- who have fought and died in service to this country and the ideals it represents the world over.

As Remembrance Day quickly approaches, let us give thanks not only to Canadian soldiers who have died, but also for our veterans and the soldiers of all nations that have died while fighting against tyranny and oppression in the past and present.

This has nothing to do with being pro war. It is a thankless job, and the least we can do is honor those who do it for us.

And just a quick reminder, poppies are to be worn on the left side, over where the heart was traditionally thought to be.

SHARP Toronto Playlist for the week

2008-11-07T20:14:00.000-08:00

Skinhead reggae! Oi! Soul! Ska! What more could a skinhead want in a playlist? Here is what some of SHARP Toronto ase listening to this week!

1. The Business - Real Enemy
2. Cock Sparrer - Chip On My Shoulder
3. The Aggrolites - We Came To Score
4. The Jam - The Eton Rifles
5. Judge Dread - Dread Rock
6. The Street Dogs - You Alone
7. The Adjusters - Armstrong
8. The Soul Children - Hearsay
9. Fishbone - Party At Ground Zero
10. Last Resort - Oi Oi Skinhead

2008-11-04T03:34:00.000-08:00

The Heatskores 2 Goodbye Shows!

2008-10-11T13:13:00.000-07:00

This will be your last chance to see the Heatskores play live! the band is calling it quits after 10 long years of ska/metal/hardcore fun! Come out one last time and send them off proper!

Saturday December 6 @ The Kathedral

Heatskores w/The Legendary Klopeks, The Outbred Inlaws, Single File to Freedom, The Black Faxes!

$10 All AgesDoors @ 7 pm
http://www.myspace.com/legendaryklopeks
http://www.myspace.com/theoutbredinlaws
http://www.myspace.com/singlefiletofreedom
http://www.myspace.com/blackfaxes

Tuesday December 9 @ The Bovine

Heatskores w/The Weirdies (Garage punk ex. Threat and Tijuana Bibles)

FREE19+Doors @ 9
http://www.myspace.com/theweirdies
http://www.myspace.com/theheatskores

See ya in the pit!

Don't Forget To Vote On Tuesday

2008-10-11T13:01:00.000-07:00

Listen up Toronto! On October 14th, you'll have the chance to make your voice heard by voting in the Federal Election. It does not matter which party you vote for, just so long as you get out and vote!

If you are worried that you did not get your voter card, that's ok. Just show up at a polling station with your photo ID, and proof of addy.

http://www.liberal.ca/default_e.aspx
http://www.ndp.ca/
http://www.conservative.ca/
http://www.greenparty.ca/

Vote for who you want. Vote for who you like. Vote for the lesser of 2 evils. Hell vote just to block your friends vote, just get out and vote!

See you at the polls!

Agnostic Front w/ Reign Supreme in Toronto Sunday November 16th

2008-10-10T23:02:00.000-07:00

On Sunday November 16 @ Kathedral : Agnostic Front, Reign Supreme, and more tba!

7:00pm All-Ages $17.50 advance.

You can find tickets at Ticketmaster, Rotate, Soundscapes, and Horseshoe.

See you in the pit!

Patches and Pins

2008-10-04T00:27:00.000-07:00

Patches for Toronto SHARP are on their way. BUT to get one you actually have to be a member of Toronto SHARP. The pins are already ready. They are free to each member of Toronto SHARP, and $1 each for any non member who wants one.

Pics of the patch and pin will be posted soon for all to see.

The Toronto SHARP t-shirts are in the works, as well as a "Support your local SHARP" style shirt.

For those interested, check back soon, we will let you know when they are ready.

Cheers!

Toronto SHARP

2008-10-03T15:12:00.000-07:00

The increase in the misrepresentation of skinhead culture and a rise in particularly militant right-wing separatists caused a small core group of long time traditional skinheads, along with current and former S.H.A.R.P. members from the Toronto area and other cities, to discuss reforming the chapter in the GTA. It's birthplace was not a certain time or place, and no single person is its creator, or controller, or president. Instead, it has been born in the hearts of traditional skinheads who live to protect and defend our way of life, and everything it represents, including the freedom for anyone, regardless of race, sex, age, or religion, to enjoy our culture as equals... brothers and sisters alike, as one.

This is the official blog of Toronto SHARP (Skinheads Against Racial Prejudice). Here you can find updates on what's going on, concerts, shows, and general information on Toronto SHARP.

Remember, a scene is only as good as the people in it!