Jon Roa recalls Ryan Hoffman vs. Billy Rubin

Justice League at Fenders, Photo courtesy of: Jon Roa

Jon Roa could probably write a book of old California hardcore stories, and we are trying our best to make sure that doesn't happen, because we want them all to be posted here. More to come...

-DCXX

Justice League was coming to that point where they were finished spreading their hardcore message. It was time. The band came in at an unique period in HC as the old guard was dying, breaking up, going to jail, etc. and for a lot of people, Minor Threat’s last stand meant a certain closure. Indicative of the period was that the bands with which we wanted to play (and did), bands like Stalag 13, C.F.A., BGK, DRI, Scream, Necros, 7 Seconds…. well, besides the last band, never really made the splash into the next generation. Sure they were liked but they could never tour like the next entering sect.

So, Ryan approached me with the idea of singing at the last show at Fenders with 7 Seconds headlining. He explained that he wanted me singing to have it all come full circle. The set list would be our songs mixed in with covers of songs on records that were out of print and could not be heard unless a tape was available (we played Boiling Point by SSD and not one person sang along). It would bridge the gap between the old and new.

Good. Great. We show up to the show and Ryan is told that Half Off do not want to open for us. Ryan politely goes up to Billy and asks why. Billy immediately starts shouting that we have not played in LA in a year and a half. No one knows who we are. They are more popular, etc. Ryan is trying to have a polite conversation but Billy keeps interrupting him until finally Ryan talks loudly over him saying (paraphrasing here), "Billy, you used to come around and ask us what bands to listen to (true). You act like you are our friend but then you pull this bullshit. This is some rock star move. You have never even toured or put in the work we have (true). Show some respect."

Justice League at Fenders, Photo courtesy of: Jon Roa

Billy, who is not a short person, moves closer and starts pointing at Ryan and starts talking even louder. Ryan then loses it and says, “I ought to kick your ass right now.” Billy says, “It’s over, Ryan. You’re done.” Ryan then screams, “Billy, right now!” and pushes Billy’s left shoulder. Billy turns around to walk away and Ryan shoves the back of his right shoulder. Billy keeps on walking.

We go on first and I apologize to the crowd that has been waiting because “some crybaby in the next band does not have their priorities straight.” We play. It goes well. A picture of Ryan and I eventually is used on the Justice League Discography. We come off stage and Billy confronts me, saying in an innocent manner “Roa, what was that all about?” I say, “Fuck You, Billy” and we get into what amounted to a staring contest. Billy walks away, waving his hand dismissively.

Ahhhm, the missteps of youth. I do not know what this all means today. I say it is all just wind through a tunnel. What I do know is that Ryan Hoffman is never afraid to say exactly what is on his mind, and I love him for that and many other reasons.