Science Fair Project Encyclopedia Black Flag (band) Black Flag
was a punk rock group formed in 1976 in southern California,
largely as the brainchild of Greg Ginn, 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. While
Black Flag were--and remain--very respected among their
underground culture, their music has not been the stylistic
model one might expect, in spite of their formidable reputation.
Rather, their influence was seen primarily in their tireless
promotion of a self-controlled DIY aesthetic. They're often
regarded as pioneers in the undergro