Keith Morris was their original lead singer. He left the band suddenly in 1979 to form the well-known band, Circle Jerks. Ron Reyes was the second singer for the band, but decided to leave the band not too long after. Dez Cadena would be their next singer, but switched to second guitar when they found fourth and final singer Henry Rollins in Washington D.C. in 1981.
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 movement of underground do-it-yourself record labels that flourished among the 1980s' punk rock bands.
Over the course of the 1980s, Black Flag's sound, as well as their notoriety, evolved in ways that alienated much of their early punk audience. They were part of the first wave of American West Coast punk rock, are considered a key influence on Punk culture band, and are especially important in the creation of hardcore punk. Their later sound, however, was often reminiscent of proto-heavy metal bands such as Black Sabbath.
The band broke up in August 1986, when Greg Ginn decided to quit.
Through seemingly-constant touring throughout the USA and Canada, and occasionally Europe, Black Flag established an extremely dedicated fan base. Many other musicians would follow Black Flag's lead and book their own tours, utilizing a word-of-mouth, grass-roots network.
On January 25, 2013, it was announced that guitarist Greg Ginn and vocalist Ron Reyes would reform Black Flag, joined by Gregory Moore on drums, and 'Dale Nixon' on bass (Dale Nixon is a pseudonym sometimes used by Ginn, most prominently as the bassist on My War). The band will tour as well as release a new album, their first since 1985's In My Head. In March of that year, it was announced that Screeching Weasel bassist Dave Klein joined the band. On May 2, 2013, the band released a new song entitled "Down in the Dirt" through their website.
Around the same time, it was announced that the lineup that played at GV 30, Morris, Dukowski, Stevenson and Egerton, would tour performing Black Flag songs, under the name FLAG. It was later announced that the lineup would be joined by Dez Cadena.
It's All Up to You
Black Flag Lyrics
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The song "It's All Up to You" by Black Flag is a powerful and unique exploration of personal freedom and individuality. The lyrics describe a person who has found themselves in trouble and is struggling with conflicting emotions and thoughts - their head is "going schizo" and they may "embrace or kick you." However, despite this inner turmoil, the person is resolute in their determination to live their life on their own terms: "I've got my dreams, I won't work for the man whether it's wearing a suit, ...his game plan." They reject the "self-righteous attitudes" of society and refuse to conform to the expectations of others.
The chorus of the song is perhaps the most impactful element, as it repeats the phrase "no matter what they say no matter what they do it's all up to you." This line encapsulates the entire message of the song: ultimately, each person is responsible for their own life and must make their own choices. Despite the pressures and influences around them, the individual is the one who decides who they will be and how they will live.
Line by Line Meaning
Got myself in trouble really burst their bubble my head is going schizo i might embrace or kick you
I got into a difficult situation and it feels like my mind is breaking. I may either accept you or reject you.
the nights are bright to dim me self-righteous attitudes won't amend me
Sometimes, the world feels too overwhelming and it's hard to think clearly. Trying to act superior won't help me change.
I've tasted life, it sends me only freedom can defend me
I've experienced both good and bad things, but only freedom can protect me from the bad.
(no matter what they say no matter what they do it's all up to you) I got myself a cripple... when i stepped outside
Regardless of what others say or do, the choices I make are mine alone. I encountered difficulty when I left my comfort zone.
didn't kick the circle cause it's just a lot of jive I've got my dreams, I won't work for the man whether it's wearing a suit, ...his game plan
I didn't succumb to the pressure of conforming to society's expectations. I have my own ambitions and I won't let anyone else dictate my path, whether it's a boss in a suit or anyone else.
(no matter what they say no matter what they do it's all up to you) (no matter what they say no matter what they do it's all up to you)
No matter how others try to influence or control me, ultimately, the responsibility for my actions and decisions rests with me alone.
I walk downtown where everybody goes leave me alone, I won't step on your toes I've got my plans, and they don't include walking down the street in anybody else's shoes
I go to the busiest part of town, but I still want to be left alone. I have my own goals, and I won't let someone else's expectations force me to follow their path.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: GREGORY REGIS GINN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind