Punk/metal/goth/hardcore subcultures and the nature of gatekeeping, poseurs, “selling out”, politics, social causes, and scenes that started out as youth culture now approaching 50yrs of development and have oldheads who never left as well as their grandkids joining up. For the most part the 90s “sell-out” idea that finding mainstream success is betrayal is gone so long as the band continues to be who they always were, some bands are naturally talented and will breakthrough into broader appeal. Gatekeeping can keep a community safe from predators trying to gain access to spaces where youth and intoxicated adults are just trying to have a fun time without having to fear exploitation. Sometimes youth come in trying way too hard and miss the point, sometimes the oldheads forget they were try-hard kids at one point too and are missing the point. In the past year I’ve run into a 65yo in the pit next to sweaty teens and watched a Millennial mom take her 5yo daughter to the edge of the stage and gently lower her into a crowd of tattooed, mohawked, crusty strangers who came together and made sure she floated safely to her dad. Also seen some boneheads get their shit rocked, so for all the debates and bickering we’ve never forgotten what’s really important. Best time I’ve had in the scene in nearly 20yrs.