Harley Flanagan

About the Author

Harley Flanagan is a pioneering figure in the New York hardcore punk scene, whose raw experiences as a musician, songwriter, and founding member of the iconic band Cro-Mags have shaped a gritty, unfiltered narrative voice. Born in 1964, Flanagan grew up immersed in the vibrant underbelly of Manhattan's Lower East Side, where he honed his skills on bass and drum amid the chaos of street life and underground music. His debut memoir, Hard-Core: Life of My Own, chronicles his tumultuous journey from child prodigy to hardcore legend, offering an unflinching look at addiction, violence, and redemption in the punk world. As an author, Flanagan brings the same intensity that defined his music career, blending visceral storytelling with profound insights into resilience and the human spirit.