In Memoriam: Bo Lueders of Harm’s Way
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Photo by Mikey McInnis
Growing up going to metal and hardcore shows in Chicago, it almost felt like a requirement to get into Harm’s Way. This wasn’t hard to do; the band are masters of their craft and what I refer to as a “perfect heavy band,” not pigeonholed into any one specific subgenre, but well-versed in all of them. They aren’t just a metal band, or a hardcore band, or a punk band, or an industrial band; they’re all of those and more. Their distinct sound has been established by a rotating cast of members since 2006, but at its core are monster vocalist James “Hammers” Pligge, powerhouse drummer Chris Mills, and thunderous guitarist Bo Lueders, who tragically passed away last Thursday morning.
I did not know Bo personally, but there’s a weird weight to eulogizing someone who is so close to your circle. He was a friend, coworker, and collaborator with many of my friends, coworkers, and collaborators. Not only is Harm’s Way tied for the band I’ve seen the most times in my life, but I would often see Bo attending and moshing at many metal and hardcore shows around Chicago, including Life Of Agony, Obituary, and a handful of times at Riot Fest. He was one of our local celebrities, always repping for Chicago and Chicago bands, which strengthened my connection to him and his music. Bo was Chicago, Bo was hardcore, and most importantly, Bo was Chicago Hardcore.
Despite having mutual connections and similar musical interests, I always felt intimidated to strike up a conversation whenever I’d pass by him. I never wanted to feel like I was bothering him; I just continued to admire his presence from a short distance away. With his podcast, HardLore: Stories From Tour, co-hosted by Colin Young from Twitching Tongues, God’s Hate, and several other metal and hardcore bands, myself and hundreds of thousands of other fans got to learn a ton about Bo and his personal HardLore, and looked up to both him and Colin as trusted voices in our scene. When you hear or see someone on your devices on a weekly basis, it’s easy to feel like you’re close to them in some way, and I think I didn’t want him to feel like I was immediately cool with him just because we knew similar people or because I listened to his band and his podcast. But he always seemed charismatic, bright, and approachable, on and off stage, and on and off screen.
If you are even remotely tapped into alternative or heavy music discourse, you likely saw at least a portion of the immense outpouring of fandom, love, and support for Bo Lueders and Harm’s Way from regular fans and professional musicians alike. Icons like Claudio Sanchez of Coheed And Cambria, Jamey Jasta of Hatebreed, and Freddy “Madball” Cricien, all former guests of HardLore episodes, shared their condolences. Cricien’s was particularly stinging, as part two of his HardLore interview was published just hours before the news broke of Bo’s passing. And of course, Colin Young’s message to his friend, co-host, and brother in hardcore, is as beautiful, sorrowful, poignant, and heartfelt as a tribute can get.
The collected works of HardLore and Bo Lueders’ discography in Harm’s Way, Few And The Proud, Double Crossed, Convicted, Wolfnote, and XweaponX are all worth diving into for the uninitiated. My personal favorite HardLore episode is with Dan Seely of King Nine, and Harm’s Way’s latest album Common Suffering is a note-perfect reflection of everything the band is capable of. I am a proud fan of everything Bo was able to accomplish in his time, and he left a mark on Chicago that will never be forgotten. Rest in peace.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please use the following resources:
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
Crisis Text Line: Text “HOME” to 741-741
National Alliance On Mental Health Helpline: 1-800-950-6264
