Denver’s largest skatepark, known as D-Park, was the epicenter of chaos over the 4th of July weekend, as skateboarders, BMX bikes, motorcycles, and a mix of live music took over the venue.
Amid the flurry of activity, visitors were treated to a DJ, mumble/screamo rappers, and mosh pits in a pavilion at the park’s center, while a three-piece band utilized one of the skating bowls as an impromptu stage.
A crowd of around a hundred people flooded the park, attempting to enjoy the performances while navigating the challenges posed by skaters and bikers.
The takeover event, promoted through social media, sparked both excitement and criticism. Though similar gatherings have occurred in places like the Northfield Mall, this particular event drew a mixed response from the local skating community.
Noah Benton, local skater and musician, voiced his concerns about the increasing frequency of these events. “There have been fights that have broken out, beers that were thrown, rules that were broken, or skaters that were upset about the shows,” he explained.
On social media, users expressed their disdain for the takeover, with one comment stating, “Every underground show at D-Park is the worst thing I’ve ever seen; let the skaters exist and take your Tik-Tok moshing elsewhere.” Another user lamented the aftermath of such events, urging attendees to, “clean the park up instead of leaving drugs and trash for skaters to fall on.”
This discord began to escalate a few weeks before, following another underground show that left the audience unhappy, with complaints about the mess left behind and how much space the performances occupied.
“No one’s complaining about the music necessarily. It’s the show taking up the space in the skate park,” Benton remarked.
Benton is the vocalist for a fresh local metal band called Bog Body, which was formed by members who met while skating. They attended the July 5 takeover not only to support the cause but also to gauge interest in holding a show of their own at D-Park.
They recognized the cultural clash but also appreciated the potential for synergy between skaters and musicians. “The first show that I ever went to was in a [skating] bowl. I think that skate park shows have always had a place in the scene and are good for the scene,” Benton said. “But it is definitely important that the skaters still get their space. It is their house at the end of the day.”
Guerilla shows have become an increasingly popular platform for new bands like Bog Body, allowing them to perform without the need for expensive venues or lengthy setups.
“You don’t need to spend any money on the venue. You don’t need to spend time setting up; you can just go out and do it,” said Joshiah Snodgrass, the band’s drummer.
He emphasized the advantages of guerilla shows: “It cuts out a lot of time, cuts out a middleman. We need to be able to do guerrilla shows that don’t require months in advance of booking. No time for that or the money for that.”
Despite the potential for tension, the vibe among skaters during the takeover seemed better than the online commentary suggested. The gazebo was bustling, and one bowl had transformed into a stage for the band Insipidus, with ample space still available for skating activities.
Jasper Howell, a skater nearby, seemed unfazed by the events. “As long as they leave the bowls that people are trying to skate open, then I think it’s completely fine,” he expressed. “You got the whole other side of the park you can skate.”
However, not all skaters were as accommodating. While some enjoyed the live performances, they expressed discomfort with the proximity of rappers to active skating areas.
Benton highlighted a crucial divide within the community: “I feel like as much as there is crossover between the skate park scene and the metal scene, they’re not the same. And I understand how the skaters feel misrepresented by this [stuff].”
The Metal Mayhem takeovers at D-Park, organized by the group Pirate Radio Denver, serve as more than just music shows. They aim to make a statement and create a mix of community engagement infused with chaos.
Their website emphasizes that their intention is to bring underground music directly to the people who resonate with it, holding strong to their punk roots.
“Fueled by crust punk, hardcore, grind, metal, and everything filthy in between, Metal Mayhem exists to bring underground audio mayhem directly to the people who live it. This is about community, chaos, and keeping it real where wheels grind rails and the youth still gives a damn,” the organization claims.
In particular, the band Insipidus, whose music falls close to death metal, was contacted by Pirate Radio to play a free show on July 5.
They expressed their desire to continue performing in outdoor spaces, but also aimed to maintain a positive relationship with both the skate community and local authorities.
“Sometimes they come if somebody complains when we play in the streets. They’ll tell us, ‘You have to leave before we fine you,’ but otherwise they’re very cool about it and just let us play if nobody’s complaining,” guitarist Yoav Daube noted.
The city of Denver has regulations concerning noise levels, with escalating penalties for violations ranging from $50 to as much as $999 if complaints accumulate. Other infractions, like disorderly conduct, may also come into play.
During the July 5 event, despite the loud music and fireworks, law enforcement made a minimal appearance, only intervening after a skater suffered a severe fall.
A seasoned figure in the Denver metal scene revealed that many attendees of these takeovers often exit once the police arrive, ensuring they don’t disrupt the skaters. When tensions run high, authorities typically ask everyone to leave the park.
In a smooth conclusion to the evening, Insipidus finished their set shortly after 10 p.m. without any incidents.
Looking forward, Bog Body ultimately chose to host their debut performance at the amphitheater in Commons Park later that month, believing it to be a much more suitable location.
“We think that would be a way better spot. You’ll definitely still be able to hear it from the skate park, so anybody that feels interested will be able to just walk on over,” Snodgrass commented.
They hope this arrangement minimizes disruption to the skaters while fostering interest from the surrounding community.
While there are various venues available throughout Denver, such as Seventh Circle and Slurpee House, the new bands in the scene aim to balance their musical ambitions while respecting the skate culture that thrives in the area.
Travis Hatley, drummer for Insipidus, reflected on the bond within their community, stating, “I love my Denver community, and I hope that the music scene here keeps growing and everybody gets theirs, so there’s enough for everyone to eat here. It’s a great city.”
image source from：denverite
