Harm's Way play their first show since guitarist Bo Lueders died

Harm's Way played Casa Cafe in Chicago on Friday, August 28, their first show since guitarist Bo Lueders died in April at 38. The night was built as a warm up for the memorial gig scheduled the following evening rather than a return to touring.

That memorial had already been moved once. It was meant to take place at Bohemian National Cemetery in Chicago and shifted to the Ramova Theatre after the Illinois state government said the cemetery was under investigation over improper handling, according to the state comptroller.

The Friday line up rearranged the band around the gap. Drummer Chris Mills and vocalist James Pligge stayed in place, bassist Casey Soyk moved to guitar alongside Nick Gaunthier, and Drew Brown of Weekend Nachos came in on bass. Former Harm's Way guitarist Jay Jancetic returned for two songs, Infestation and Amongst The Rust.

Guests filled out the rest. Taylor Young of Twitching Tongues sang on several songs including Human Carrying Capacity, Terrorizer and Become A Machine, Andy Saba of Nails took Breeding Grounds, and Anthony DiDio of Fleshwater joined for Scrambled. The set closed with a Crowbar cover, Planets Collide, sung by Colin Young, who co-hosted the HardLore podcast with Lueders.

The two nights shared much of their supporting cast. Home Invasion and Asha played Friday with Weekend Nachos, while Weekend Nachos, The Killer and Twitching Tongues appeared at the memorial. Lueders has been remembered elsewhere in the metal and hardcore world too, including a tribute song on a recent God's Hate EP.

Getting a band back on stage after a death is rarely straightforward, and this was closer to a wake with amplifiers than a comeback. Other hardcore acts in circulation this season include Pain of Truth and Devil Master, and upcoming dates sit on the tour guide.