Revisiting the Bad Brains Christmas Residency at CBGB in 1982 [Video]

Exactly thirty years ago this Christmas, the Bad Brains held a now-legendary three-day residency at CBGB. Minor Threat and the King Ad-Rock’s first band, Young and the Useless, were the openers.

Performances from the three-day stint were captured in the 2006 DVD release of Bad Brains Live at CBGB 1982. The set incorporates tracks from their first three releases alongside unreleased reggae choices like “I and I Rasta” and “King of Glory.”

Lengthy essays and theses could be (and have been) written about the DC band’s significance as pioneers in the hardcore scene, but it’s well-treaded territory at this point. We’ll let the footage speak for itself. The sights, sounds, and styles; you can really feel the sense of sweaty excitement oozing from the screen. Luckily the distributor, MVD Music Video, posted the entire concert on YouTube.

Were you at any of these shows? Share your experience in the comments!