Anyone hear of this FSU gang that terrorizes the music scene?

[icymist]

In todays Seattle Times:


Violent group spoils party for segment of music scene
By Sara Jean Green

Seattle Times staff reporter

They started out as the good guys, a loose-knit group of young men who acted as protectors of those who frequented Boston's often-raucous punk scene in the 1980s. Friends Stand United, as they called themselves, often did battle with neo-Nazi skinheads, who were known for instigating fights and beating kids who didn't agree with their racist agenda.

In Seattle two decades later, a local "chapter" of Friends Stand United (FSU) is gaining a reputation for beatings and intimidating behavior and is being blamed for driving a violent wedge into the city's hardcore music scene, a subculture that's existed here for years.

(snip)

From the FSU perspective, one member said the group is about brotherhood, respect and an understanding of hardcore's roots, which in the Northwest were often in rural, working-class neighborhoods where kids were forced to grow up fast and tough. He said the group tries to protect young people who go to hardcore shows.

(snip)

In the Feb. 25 incident outside Studio Seven, a police sergeant on patrol spotted "Seattle FSU" emblazoned on the back of a man's leather jacket. The sergeant, who knew about the group and earlier complaints, initiated a search of about 25 men after someone dropped a set of brass knuckles, according to the police report. In addition to brass knuckles, the police pat-downs turned up knives, a bulletproof vest, pepper spray and a couple of handguns.

(More)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2002848946_fsu07m.html

[FyurFly]

1. They ran the Nazi's ...

Out of the Boston Hardcore scene years ago if I remember correctly. Now people roll under that name and beat people for no reason. I remember hearing a story about some of them lighting a homeless man on fire in an alley a year or two ago. These guys might not even be affiliated with the original FSU, but just use their name.

[icymist]

2. I believe the article mentions the gang's encounters with Nazis.

I also remember an article a few months back where the gang is going into a concert to 'make sure it don't get too faggy'. From everything I've been reading about them I believe they are bad news despite alleged probable good intentions!

Here's a quote from one of the gangs members:
"We're civil people — we just don't beat people 'til we can't beat them anymore," he said. "If I fight them, I'm going to fight them 'til I think they got what they deserved."

Sounds like vigilantes to me.

[RaleighNCDUer]

5. I remember it was Goebbels (I think) who said that for the allies

'to defeat us, they will have to become us'.

Looks like maybe this works in microcosm as well.

[icymist]

11. Indeed! n/t

[Squeech]

3. I'm a Bostonian

and I never heard that interpretation of FSU. Every time I've ever heard that acronym, it's been interpreted as "fuck shit up."

Especially by punks and hardcore aficionados.

[icymist]

4. For about a year now I've been reading about this group in Seattle...

that claims to be a charter of the group in Boston. For decades Seattle's music scene has been very cool and peaceful. This group sure is 'fucking' everything up. They're nothing but a bunch of thugs trying to dictate the music scene and has nothing to do with keeping things 'safe' for the kids 'own good'!

[Coexist]

6. I'm a Floridian - I was expecting this to be about the Seminoles

FSU and UF are in most conversations here!

BTW- we are Gators in this house.

[Lochloosa]

7. To Bad...

:evilgrin:

[Coexist]

8. Just don't wear that shirt when you're putting up my lights!

hee hee

You made me laugh.

[Lochloosa]

9. I need you address....

so I can point one right at your bedroom. :evilgrin:

[Coexist]

12. Just look for the house painted orange and blue

(just kidding)

[icymist]

10. Sorry about the similarity in name there, Seminole....

I ran a search in the newspaper's site for more article and got mostly Florida State football stories!