Black Flag

Black Flag

Black Flag is an American hardcore punk band from Hermosa Beach, California, formed in 1976 and active to the present day. The group is centred on guitarist, primary songwriter and sole continuous member Greg Ginn. It is associated with hardcore punk, punk, punk rock and rock, and records on SST Records.

Formation and early line-ups

The band’s original singer is Keith Morris, who leaves in 1979 and later forms Circle Jerks. Ron Reyes follows as vocalist, then Dez Cadena takes over before moving to second guitar. Henry Rollins joins as the fourth and final singer in 1981, after the band finds him in Washington, D.C. Other members associated with the group include Brian Migdol, Chuck Dukowski, ROBO, Chuck Biscuits, Bill Stevenson, Kira Roessler, C’el Revuelta, Dave Klein, Gregory Moore, Brandon Pertzborn, Mike Vallely, Dave Rodriguez, Bryce Weston, Max Zanelly and Spot.

Style and influence

Black Flag becomes a key name in the first wave of American West Coast punk and is especially important in the development of hardcore punk. The band is also known for pushing a self-managed do-it-yourself approach, including the promotion of underground independent labels and grass-roots touring networks. Its reputation grows through extensive touring in the United States, Canada and, at times, Europe, building a highly dedicated following.

Later changes and reunions

During the 1980s, the group’s sound changes and becomes more divisive for some of its early punk audience. Later material is often compared with proto-heavy metal, including Black Sabbath. The band breaks up in 1986 when Greg Ginn decides to quit. In 2013, Ginn and Ron Reyes reform Black Flag with Gregory Moore on drums and Dave Klein later joining on bass; they release the album What The.... In 2019, the band plays again with Ginn and Mike Vallely in the line-up, and by 2025 Ginn announces a new version of the group featuring vocalist Max Zanelly, bassist David Rodriguez and drummer Bryce Weston.