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The 1980s, all across the U.S. a faster stripped down version of punk called "Hardcore" was making its presence felt. From Los Angeles to Richmond, Virginia kids were forming bands, putting out [[Wikipedia:Zine|zines]], trading music cassette tapes and booking their own shows. At this time Hardcore was free of corporate sponsorship and major label distribution. Shows took place in any type of venue, from kitchens in homes to V.F.W. halls. These shows were promoted through word of mouth and hand made flyers. Hardcore challenged every accepted standard in society and the music business. Because of this it made little inroads into mainstream culture.
Pensacola was no exception, the roots of underground music in the city can be traced to two venues: the [[Handlebar]] and the [[McGuiganns Speakeasy]]. In the early 1980s this is where early punk and new wave bands first played, even alternative superstars R.E.M. played at McGuiganns. Eventually McGuiganns became [[the Mix]], and this is where the Hardcore scene in Pensacola grew out of. Jim McKean, Jennifer Brown, and Bobby Peterson 1st started booking shows at the Mix after Jim got in touch with James the owner. The 1st Shows were produced under SKAB Production. Early shows included local bands NME Saints (which later became Headless Marines and then Wooden Horse) other bands included Public Disturbance, The Unemployed and Maggot Sandwich. When Vinny from Agnostic Front called to book a gig at the Mix, that moment, and that show marked the pivotal turning point for Pensacola Punk rock.
From late 1984 to the fall of 1985 the Mix hosted weekly all ages shows, with sporadic gigs taking place at the Handlebar. In the fall of 1985 the Mix was demolished after it was purchased by the [[Pensacola Glass Company]]. Two Matinee all ages shows took place at the [[Cinema Tavern]] (known now as the [[Silver Screen]]) located behind [[University Mall]]. These shows were put on by [[Vik Kaos]], guitarist and vocalist of [[Maggot Sandwich]], and [[Darryl Sedgwick]] of the [[Soundbox Record Store]] (where [[Elvis Jones]] of [[East Hill CD]] got his start) after these gigs, all ages shows were not taking place in town any longer.