Hardcore lost one of its greatest bands in 2006 with the demise of Akron’s Don Austin, a quintet that rocked the local scene for over seven years. Singer Larry Gargus, who also fronted some the of the best damn hardcore bands in Northeast Ohio over the last two decades (Splinter, The Unholy Three), recently announced that Don Austin would reunite for two shows in May. Buzzbin Magazine briefly caught up with Gargus to discuss the upcoming shows. What has been going on with the members of Don Austin since your split in 2006? Sean (Spindler, drums) had moved to LA, which prompted the break up (totally amicable).  Since then Mike (Stangelo, bass) continued with Hell’s Information.  Chris (Bott, guitar) and Clint (Bott, guitar) have kept a pretty low profile.  I was in a couple projects that didn’t quite get off the ground; I did do an LP with members of Fistula, the band was named Blackwell and it should be released any day now despite that band breaking up. What sparked the chance to reunite for a few reunion shows? Since Blackwell didn’t work out, Chris, Clint and myself decided to start another band (our third together) and asked Corey Bing (Fistula) to play drums.  It is in the same vein as DA – fast HC, two weeks later Sean called and said that he was coming to town and asked if we’d be interested in playing a couple shows. What can fans expect from the two reunion shows? 18 songs in 25 minutes or less.  We’re just going up there and try to have a good time.  The last show would be pretty hard to top.  The line-up for both shows are pretty stacked so it should be fun. Is anything else in the cards for Don Austin following the performances? No.  We have nothing planned and to be honest I don’t think I’d be interested in doing another reunion.  I can’t speak for the others though.  I loved the band and have great memories, but I figure it’s best to leave well enough alone.  The problem with reunions is that you don’t want to live in the past, but at the same time you never want to forget all the great times – I have mixed emotions about the whole thing. What would you like say to Buzzbin Magazine readers unfamiliar with your work? We’ve always believed that hardcore is simply an adjective for punk and never cared about the stompy garbage that is passed off as such.  Metalcore is a fucking sham.  If you like early DRI, Black Flag, Negative Approach, Die Kreuzen or the 1st Cro Mags LP then you might dig us.  If you didn’t get a chance to see us the first time and are interested, now is the time.   Don Austin will play at Now That’s Class (Cleveland) Friday, May 20 and Saturday, May 21 in their hometown, Akron, at Annabell’s Lounge.