HEY B.Y.O

Letter (and response) from Flipside 55.

Hey Flipside,
What ever happened to the B.Y.O.? I've been going through old zines. And I saw a million ads for B.Y.O. benefit gigs and records. What are they doing, collecting money off reprints of their old records? I know most of the bands on that label copped out, so what? I know a million bands that would play B.Y.O. gigs. So why not? Despite popular opinion punks do care about the scene. So let's try something ok? OK? I'm In a band that wants to play anywhere. So if you're in a band write to me and we can set up shows that people can afford. At places without security that you need protection from. How about it? Sound good? If so write:
--Riot 77, 6723 Poinsettia Ct, Chino, CA 91710

Riot 77,
If you wanted to know about B.Y.O., why not write us?!! ... We're doing just fine, thank you, and no we are not "Collecting money off reprints of our old records." In fact, we have no 'reprints' because none of our records have ever been out of print! (except the first version of 'Sound and Fury', which will never be reprinted!) And as for your seeing "a million ads for BYO benefit gigs and records", please tell me where they are cause we've never done a benefit record and the only benefit we've done, beside those to raise money for Generation magazine and Godzilla's were for such charitable organizations as Sane/Freeze, Aids Foundation LA, and various other worthwhile groups. As to our bands "Copping out," besides some of the music being not to your personal taste, please tell me what ideals have changed in either the independence and ideology of B.Y.O. or the people we support?!!

It is admirable that you want to do things for yourselves, which is something we feel is worth supporting and have been supporting as a record company for the past five years and as musicians and fans for over ten years. Really though, is there anything to be gained in pursuing pointless, uninformed and shallow attacks against an organization such as B.Y.O. to try and engage and enthuse a somewhat apathetic generation of kids? When we started out we had many obstacles to overcome and many still exist, so what purpose is there in attacking us when there are so many worthwhile problems to try and find solutions??!! Your disillusionment and consequent resolve is great and we applaud it, but please dont waste your time or ours whining about things you obviously dont understand. Go out and change the world, don't sit around complaining and pointing fingers!!
LOVE & PEACE,
Shawn Stern