National Edge Day

Edge Day is an unofficial holiday founded by people who associate themselves with the straight edge movement. The occasion is celebrated annually on October 17, with 1999 the first year that the day was honored (the inaugural event was held in Boston, Massachusetts, United States (US) under the name of "Edge Fest").^[1] Edge Day is most prominent in Boston, however annual shows are now held in Atlanta, California, London UK and other places.

Founding

The first annual National Edge Day was celebrated on October 17, 1999, at the final Ten Yard Fight show at the nightclub, Karma, in Boston, Massachusetts, US. The show also featured the bands Bane, In My Eyes, Reach the Sky and Floorpunch.^[1] This show marked the end of the 1990s "youth crew" revival, but arguably starting a new chapter in straight edge by creating an observable holiday in the community.

Since the inaugural event, a local Boston show has been organized annually to celebrate Edge Day. Central to the holiday is the organization of local live shows (performed mainly by hardcore) bands who also identify as straight edge. If the 17th day of October does not fall on a weekend, the Edge Day show usually falls on the Saturday before or after the 17th.

The event entered its tenth year in 2009.

2011

A National Edge Day celebration was held in Atlanta, US, in 2011. Performing bands included Mindset, Foundation and Break Away.
The first UK Edge Day since the Last Chance last show in 2004 was held in London in 2011.

2012

The first recognized West Coast Edge Day celebration was held in Santa Ana, CA in 2012.^[2]

The second annual UK Edge Day show was held in London, England at the Brixton Jamm Bar on November 10, 2012. Headlined by Abolition, Pain Runs Deep (PL), Iron Curtain, Breaking Point, Inherit, Violent Reaction, Survival and Obstruct also played. Due to their guitar player Attila Abraham suffering a heart attack and stroke in quick succession earlier in 2012, this was Iron Curtain's last show.

References