How 86 Was Written As A Response To Being Banned From Their Old Punk Scene

March 21, 2025

It was the summer of 1986, and the air was thick with the electric buzz of punk rock. In a small underground venue in Los Angeles, a band called 86 had just finished playing to a crowd of sweaty, passionate fans. The music screamed rebellion, and the energy in the room felt unstoppable. But behind the exhilaration lay a bitter truth: the band had just been banned from their local punk scene. It was a crushing blow that echoed through their lives, leaving them feeling lost and angry.

The ban came after a heated argument with some of the scene’s gatekeepers over their new sound. 86 was evolving, mixing elements of alternative rock and pop into their gritty punk roots. They were excited about their growth, but the old-school punks weren’t ready for change. They felt betrayed and abandoned, and their heartbreak transformed into anger. Instead of giving up, the band channeled those feelings into their music. They gathered in their small, dimly lit practice space and began writing songs that told their story, reflecting their struggles and frustrations.

The result was nothing short of cathartic. As they penned track after track, they poured their hearts into lyrics that spoke to anyone who had ever felt out of place. The songs were raw, powerful, and filled with a sense of resilience. Each note struck like a battle cry, turning their pain into an anthem of defiance. The song “Never Back Down” stood out as a powerful message about fighting for your passion, even when the odds are stacked against you.

When the album was finally finished, it felt like a rebirth. With its release, 86 didn’t just reclaim their identity; they carved out a new path. They took their music outside of the punk scene that had rejected them, playing shows at college campuses and alternative venues. Their sound attracted a diverse crowd, and soon, the band was gaining traction. Fans who had never been part of the punk scene rallied around their message of acceptance and perseverance.

As 86’s popularity grew, so did their influence. The band inspired countless young musicians to embrace their true selves rather than conform to someone else’s definition of what they should be. They became a symbol of resilience in the face of adversity, and the punk scene couldn’t ignore them forever. Over time, even those who had once criticized their new sound found themselves drawn to the raw honesty in their music.

Reflecting on those early struggles, the lead singer of 86 often shared how being banned turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to them. It pushed them to find their own voice and connect with a wider community that resonated with their message. In the end, they learned that real punk was not just a genre—it was about the spirit of rebellion and the power of music to unite people. Their journey showed that even in the face of rejection, you can rise up, redefine yourself, and inspire others to do the same.