Black Flag was a hardcore punk band formed in 1976 in southern California, largely as the brainchild of Greg Ginn, the guitarist, primary songwriter and sole continuous member through multiple personnel changes.
Black Flag forged a unique sound early on that mixed the raw simplicity of the Ramones with atonal and microtonal guitar solos and frequent tempo shifts. Over this could be heard lyrics - mostly written by Ginn - about isolation, neurosis and paranoia, themes which did not disappear when Henry Rollins took on the role of lead singer in 1981. Most of the band's material was released on Ginn's independent label, SST Records.
Black Flag were (and remain) well respected among their underground culture, with their influence primarily in their tireless promotion of a self-controlled DIY ethic and aesthetic. They're often regarded as pioneers in the movement of underground do-it-yourself record labels that flourished among the 1980s' punk rock bands. Through seemingly-constant touring throughout the United States and Canada, and occasionally Europe, Black Flag established an extremely dedicated fan base. Many other musicians would follow Black Flag's lead...
| Background | group or band |
| Alias | Panic |
| Origin | Redondo Beach, California, USA |
| Genre | Punk rock (early years) Hardcore punk (mid-years) Heavy metal (later years) |
| Years active | 1976—1986 |
| Associated acts | The October Faction, Gone, Tom Troccoli's Dog, SWA, Dos (band) |
| Past members | Henry Rollins Greg Ginn Chuck Dukowski Keith Morris Chavo Pederast ROBO Dez Cadena Bill Stevenson Kira Roessler Chuck Biscuits Emil Johnson C'el Revuelta Anthony Martinez Brian Migdol David Horvitz Raymond Pettibon |
