Hardcore Reno

Hardcore Reno

Hardcore Reno
Hardcore Reno

Kevin Seconds, founding member of veteran punk-rock band 7 Seconds, says punk needs young people.

“I always did say punk and hardcore is driven by the youth,” Seconds tells EW. “Whether or not I agree with what they’re doing with it ­— a lot of times I don’t — it’s in their hands.”

He adds, “A lot of us who’ve been at it a long time need to swallow our pride and say: ‘Fuck it.’”

Formed in Reno, Nevada, in 1980, 7 Seconds is still at it for the right reasons, Seconds says. “We had a good run and we still love it.”

The band is touring in support of 2014’s Leave A Light On.

The record shows that the melodic brand of hardcore West Coast punk 7 Seconds helped innovate is still sharp. From track “Slogan on a Shirt,” Seconds sings: “We gotta spread this shit around, make it more than just some slogan on a shirt.”

Seconds says he hopes that when the band does call it a day, its legacy will be a “commitment to doing what you love with as much passion and fire as you possibly can.”

He adds, “To never take yourself too seriously; to communicate as best as possible. At the end point, if this is what we accomplish, then I’ll be pretty happy.”

7 Seconds plays with L.A. punk-rock band The Briggs and Seattle pop-punk outfit Success at 8:30 pm Sunday, June 14, at WOW Hall; $12 adv., $14 door. All ages. — William Kennedy