| Black Flag (band) |
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Black Flag was a band. 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 and book their own tours, utilizing a word-of-mouth network. Over the course of the 1980s, Black Flag's sound, as well as their notoriety, evolved in ways that alienated much of their early punk audience. As well as being central to the creation of hardcore, they were part of the first wave of American West Coast Punk Rock and are considered a key influence on the Punk subculture. Along with being among the earliest punk rock groups to incorporate elements of Heavy Metal (particularly in their later records), there were often overt freestyles, Jazz (mainly Free Jazz ), Breakbeat and Contemporary Classical elements in their sound, especially in Ginn's guitar playing, and the band interspersed records and performances with instrumentals throughout their career. They also played longer, slower, and more complex songs at a time when many bands in their milieu stuck to a raw, fast, Three-chord format. As a result, Black Flag's extensive discography is more varied than many of their punk-rock contemporaries. HISTORY Early Years Formed in 1976 and initially called Panic, Ginn insisted that the band rehearse several hours a day.Grad, David. "Fade to Black." ''Spin''. July 1997 This work ethic proved too challenging for some early members; Ginn and singer Keith Morris had an especially hard time finding a reliable bass guitarist, and often rehearsed without a bassist, a factor that contributed to the development of Ginn's distinctive, often low-pitched guitar sound. Ginn's brother Raymond Pettibon and SST house Record Producer -to-be Spot filled in sometimes at rehearsals. Chuck Dukowski , bassist with Wurm , took a liking to Ginn's group, and eventually joined, forming a committed quartet with Ginn, Morris and Drummer Brian Migdol . The band played their first performance in December 1977 in Redondo Beach, California . To avoid confusion with another band called Panic, they took on the name Black Flag in late 1978. They played their first show as 'Black Flag' on January 27, 1979, in Redondo Beach. This was the first time Dez Cadena saw the band. Ginn's brother Raymond Pettibon, stated "If a white flag means surrender, a black flag represents anarchy." Their new name was reminiscent of the ed the simple, striking logo all over Los Angeles, gaining attention from potential supporters, and thoroughly irritating police. Pettibon also created much of their cover artwork. There were few opportunities for Punk Rock bands to perform in Southern California, ( Los Angeles club The Masque was the center of the L.A. punk scene, but was also rather provincial, and didn't often admit bands from outside L.A. proper). Black Flag organized their own gigs, performing at picnics, house parties, schools, any place that was available. They called club owners themselves to arrange appearances, and plastered hundreds of flyers—usually Pettibon's severe, haunting Comic Strip style panels—on any available surface to publicize performances. Dukowski reported that the "minimum (number of flyers) that went out was 500 for a show."1 Though Ginn was the band's leader, special note should be made of Dukowski's contributions to Black Flag. Ginn was tireless and profoundly disciplined, but he was also rather quiet. Dukowski's intelligent, fast-talking, high-energy persona attracted significant attention, and he was often Black Flag's spokesman to the press. Dukowski acted as the group's tour manager even after he no longer performed with them, and he was probably as important as Ginn in establishing the group's DIY aesthetic and demanding work ethic. Dukowski's bass guitar was a vital part of the early Black Flag sound; "TV Party", for instance, was one of many songs "driven more by Chuck Dukowski's percolating bass line than Ginn's stun-gun guitar."2 Morris appeared as vocalist on Black Flag's earliest recordings, and his energized, manic stage presence helped the band earn a reputation in the Los Angeles area. Migdol was replaced by the enigmatic Columbian drummer Roberto Valverde (a.k.a. ROBO ), whose numerous clicking metallic bracelets became part of his drum sound. The group played with a speed and ferocity that was all but unprecedented in rock music; critic Ira Robbins declared that "Black Flag was, for all intents and purposes, America's first hardcore band."3 Morris quit in 1979 , citing, among other reasons, creative differences with Ginn, and his own "freaking out on Cocaine and speed."4 Morris would subsequently form the Circle Jerks . After Morris's departure, Black Flag recruited fan Civic Auditorium, a feat they were never able to manage again); and second, perhaps seeing the peak of attention from Police in the Los Angeles area, due to the violence associated with Black Flag and punk rock in general. The band members have often insisted, however, that the police instigated far more problems than they solved. By the Summer of 1981 , however, Cadena's voice was worn. He had no formal training or previous experience as a singer, and had severely strained his voice during Black Flag's seemingly nonstop touring, and he wanted to play guitar rather than sing. Rollins Joins Twenty year old fan Henry Rollins (birth name Henry Garfield) — then living in Washington D.C. and singing for hardcore band S.O.A. — had corresponded with the band, and met them when they performed on the U.S. east coast. At an impromptu show in a bar, he asked to sing "Clocked In." Since vocalist Dez Cadena was switching to guitar, the band invited Rollins to a rehearsal. Impressed by his stage demeanor, they asked him to become their permanent vocalist. He accepted, despite some doubts, due in part to Ian MacKaye 's encouragement. Rollins acted as Roadie for the remainder of the tour while learning Black Flag's songs during sound checks and encores, while Cadena crafted guitar parts that meshed with Ginn's. He also impressed Black Flag with his broad musical interests during an era when punk rock music and fans were increasingly factionalized; he introduced Black Flag to Washington DC's Go Go , a distinctive take on Funk Music . Rollins was Black Flag's longest-lasting singer, and has remained active in music to the present. When he joined Black Flag, he brought a different attitude and perspective than previous singers. Some earlier songs, such as " Fight The Power " or "Six Pack" (a song written about ex-singer Keith Morris) blended a nearly goofy sense of satirical criticism (of apathy and Alcoholism , respectively) with driving punk rock. He was a dynamic live performer and powerful singer, who usually appeared on-stage wearing only Shorts . Ginn once stated that after Rollins joined, "We couldn't do songs with a sense of humor anymore; he got into the serious way-out poet thing."5 Mid-Career
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