Black Flag

USA, 1976–1986

Californian band formed in Hermosa Beach in 1976 by guitarist Greg Ginn. Damaged (1981), constant touring and Ginn's SST label established much of the practice and infrastructure of American hardcore punk.

MusicRoots documents 1 artist who influenced Black Flag and 9 artists Black Flag influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.

Who influenced Black Flag?

• The Stooges — Black Flag's hardcore grew out of the Stooges' aggression.

Which artists did Black Flag influence?

• Pennywise — Hermosa Beach hardcore, from the town Black Flag came out of. Dragge names Greg Ginn as an inspiration on the guitar.
• Pantera — Where the vocal comes from. Anselmo's delivery is modelled on hardcore singers rather than on metal ones, which is what makes Vulgar Display of Power sound like it does.
• Beastie Boys — The Beastie Boys began as a hardcore band — Mike D mimicked the cranked power chords of Black Flag and other LA/DC hardcore.
• Minor Threat — Black Flag's California hardcore was the other band MacKaye looked up to — the DIY hardcore template Minor Threat built on.
• Nirvana — Black Flag's hardcore is part of Nirvana's punk foundation.
• Dinosaur Jr. — Mascis came up through hardcore in Deep Wound — Black Flag's SST world was Dinosaur Jr.'s documented cradle and first label home.
• Kyuss — Black Flag's punk intensity — especially their heavier, sludgier late period — feeds Kyuss's aggression.
• Helmet — Black Flag's heavy, angular hardcore is a core influence on Helmet's precise, pounding riffing.
• My Chemical Romance — The hardcore half of what Gerard Way says the band loves, against Queen's majesty.