#144 Jesse Alvare (FWA)

The Story of Jesse Alvare: History of FWA, South Florida's 80s Hardcore Punk Scene, and More

In this episode, we're joined by Jesse Alvare, founder and longtime driving force behind South Florida hardcore punk band FWA, to explore the band's history and its place in the South Florida punk and hardcore scene. Jesse reflects on growing up in Pasadena, California, moving to South Florida in 1979, discovering punk rock through bands like the Ramones, and becoming part of a growing underground community built through DIY shows, warehouse events, backyard parties, and more.

The conversation explores the early South Florida punk and hardcore scene, including important spaces such as Pops, a warehouse near Tamiami Airport, Churchill's, Ocean 71/Flynn's, and the Cameo Theater. Jesse discusses the brotherhood with other South Florida bands from the era, including Indecision, Cultural Brain Rot, The Believers, Powerhouse, Meat Locker, The Roidz, Genitorturers, and others.

Jesse shares memories of opening for touring bands like Youth Of Today, 7 Seconds, Agnostic Front, Scream, and The Exploited, along with unforgettable shows featuring Dead Kennedys, SS Decontrol, Kraut, Circle Jerks, Motörhead, Slayer, Overkill, the Ramones, Fishbone, and Wall Of Voodoo. He also reflects on the venues, record stores, flyers, and word of mouth that connected bands and fans before the internet era.

The discussion also covers the formation of FWA in the mid-1980s, recording early demos at Third Eye Studios in Miami, releasing vinyl, creating flyers and merchandise, and preserving the band's history through posters, photographs, and memorabilia. Jesse talks about keeping a DIY band active through decades of lineup changes and why FWA continues to perform more than four decades later.

Jesse also discusses how punk and hardcore culture has changed over the years, from the DIY flyer era to social media, the rising costs of live music, and the differences between the scene of the 1980s and today. He reflects on the lasting impact of the South Florida punk and hardcore community and the people, venues, and bands that helped build it.