H²o

On 3 August 2026 H2O brings New York hardcore to the Lido in Berlin. The band led by singer Toby Morse formed in 1994 after he—then still a roadie for Sick Of It All—spontaneously jumped on the mic during an encore. Back in New York he formed H2O with guitarist and childhood friend Rusty Pistachio; bass and drums were found quickly. Since then H2O has stood for a direct, melodic take on hardcore: fast tempos, angular riffs, clear hooks, chorused refrains and lyrics about loyalty, friendship, family and life in the scene.

On stage H2O favors closeness over posing. The focus is on energy and participation: sing-along parts, call-and-response and songs that hit straight away. From early tracks off their self-titled debut and Thicker Than Water to Nothing to Prove or Use Your Voice, the setlist usually spans all phases of the band's sound, balancing hard-driving sections and catchy passages. An evening for anyone who sees hardcore as an attitude, music and message — direct, accessible and communal.