Backhand, God’s favorite band, is on a mission to bring rock and roll to the music hungry youth of Salt Lake City.

Punk rock goes through phases in Salt Lake, one moment it’s hot, then it’s cold. Tons of kids make the scene bloom and grow, and then all of a sudden, there are no shows to be found. When COVID “ended,” the community was alive and thriving, with shows popping off almost every night. The scene was tight, and a lot of crossover was happening between genres. It was a beautiful time, with people coming together to create something special.

Then the scene died again. Someone got stabbed, venues got canceled, disagreements brewed within the community, and, in my humble opinion, people took it all for granted. It went quiet. Shows are still happening, but the scene feels divided again.

But… There are a few communities that give me hope that it will blossom once again. Backhand and their following is one of these groups that gives me hope. People show up and go crazy, that's what we need. Punk rock doesn’t need to be about politics all the time. Sometimes, it’s okay to just have fun with your friends and mosh away the worries of the world. When someone falls, pick them back up. That’s what it’s all about, good vibrations and community.