Black Flag
Press Reviews

About the Artist

Black Flag is a seminal punk rock band that emerged from the Southern California scene in the late 1970s. Known for their aggressive, raw sound and pioneering the hardcore punk movement, their live shows were infamous for their intense energy and confrontational atmosphere, often leading to chaotic, sweat-drenched performances that felt more like a battle of wills between band and audience. Frontman Henry Rollins, who joined the band in 1981, brought a fierce, visceral presence that complemented their fast, abrasive sound. The band's lyrics, touching on themes of personal struggle, alienation, and societal critique, resonated deeply with disaffected youth but maintained a level of poetic intensity that helped elevate hardcore from mere rebellion to an art form. Despite their sometimes abrasive reputation, fans often recount the band's DIY ethos and commitment to authenticity, which shaped the underground punk ethos for decades. Black Flag's influence is still palpable in punk and alternative music communities, inspiring countless bands with their uncompromising approach to music and social commentary.