As the 70s came to a close, punk was floundering. The early pioneers had evolved one of a few ways. The Clash had progressed beyond punk’s nihilism. The Sex Pistols self-destructed. The Ramones were struggling under pressure to break through. Greg Ginn and Chuck Dukowski would lead punk’s next mutation, hardcore, with label SST and seminal outfit Black Flag. Formed in 1976, Black Flag, like The Ramones before them, was a band that constantly toured, inspiring angry teens to pick up guitars at every stop. The Minutemen, Husker Du, Minor Threat, Bad Brains and countless others would evolve from Black Flag’s brand of harsh, hypersonic rock. Black Flag’s several lead singers included Keith Morris of the Circle Jerks and the dynamic Henry Rollins, Flag’s best known vocalist. Even though Black Flag has been broken up for over 20 years, their sound is still vital today.

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1980 interview
1984 fanzine interview
Video interview with Henry Rollins
Black Flag on AllMusic.com