25 ta Life
New York hardcore band with frequent lineup changes.
25 ta Life is an American New York hardcore band that originally formed in mid-1991 in Astoria, Queens, New York City. The band was started by Frank Smarra (bass) and Harry Minas (drums), soon joined by Fred Mesk (guitar), and later by vocalist Rick Healey, who added lyrics to all songs. They are known for their involvement in the New York hardcore scene and for multiple lineup changes over decades.
Quick Facts
- Origin
- New York City, U.S.
- Genre
- Beatdown hardcore
- Years Active
- 1991–present
- Label
- Back ta Basics, Striving for Togetherness, We Bite, Triple Crown, Good Life, The Age of Venus, Superhero
- Current Members
- Jay Way / Fred Mesk / Rob Rosario / Harry Minas / Warren Lee
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
25 ta Life was started by Frank Smarra and Harry Minas in Astoria, Queens, in mid-1991. They were joined by Fred Mesk on guitar, and in early 1992, Rick Healey, a former Agnostic Front roadie, became the vocalist and lyricist. The name was suggested by Freddy Cricien of Madball, who also gave them guest appearances. Their first full show was on May 10, 1992, at Studio 1 in New Jersey, supporting Obituary. After several lineup changes, including the departure of Frank in January 1994 and Harry in late 1996, the band toured Europe in early 1996 and Japan in April 1997. They recorded their first full-length album 'Friendship, Loyalty, Commitment' in 1999 and broke up in late 2000.
Reader's Guide
25 ta Life holds significance in the New York hardcore scene as a band that persisted through numerous lineup changes and maintained a presence from the early 1990s into the 2020s. Their early work was shaped by contributions from members of Madball and Agnostic Front, and they toured extensively in the US, Europe, and Japan. The band's legacy includes their 1999 album 'Friendship, Loyalty, Commitment' and the 2017 reformation with Stikman on vocals, which led to the 'Hunting Season EP' in 2018. In 2024, a new lineup was announced, indicating continued activity. Their influence is reflected in their cited influences, which include Bulldoze, Biohazard, and Madball, and their role in the hardcore community, including opening for Agnostic Front's reunion show in 1996.
Did You Know?
- Their first full show was on May 10, 1992, supporting Obituary at Studio 1 in New Jersey.
- They recorded the song 'Loyal ta the Grave' in less than an hour in July 1997.
- In 2024, a new lineup was announced including former drummer Harry Minas and vocalist Jay Way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is 25 ta Life?
25 ta Life is a New York hardcore band that has been a fixture of the NYC underground scene since the early '90s. They are closely tied to the broader beatdown and hardcore community in Queens and Manhattan.
Where and when did 25 ta Life get started?
The band was put together in the middle of 1991 in Astoria, Queens, by bassist Frank Smarra and drummer Harry Minas. Guitarist Fred Mesk and vocalist Rick Healey, who wrote the lyrics for every track, rounded out the early lineup shortly after.
What other bands are 25 ta Life associated with?
They share deep scene connections with Agnostic Front, Madball, Crown of Thornz, and Biohazard, placing them squarely within the New York hardcore orbit that has defined the city's underground for decades.
Why did 25 ta Life take a break and when did they come back?
The group was active from 1991 through 2000, then went silent for roughly two years before reuniting in 2002. Since that return they have kept playing, though frequent lineup changes have been a constant part of their history.
Why is 25 ta Life important to the hardcore scene?
A nearly three-decade run makes them one of the more enduring voices in New York hardcore. Their ties to both the older Agnostic Front and Madball generation and newer acts like Crown of Thornz give them a bridge across multiple eras of the scene.
More in Beatdown hardcore musical groups 1-24
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