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.
Loose Nut
Black Flag Lyrics
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The lyrics to Black Flag's "Loose Nut" describe the mental struggles of a person who feels disconnected from the world around them. The repetitive phrase "loose nut in my head" represents the feeling of being unbalanced, as though something is rattling and distracting from clear thinking. The singer of the song longs for human connection, but it seems that the only way they can truly feel anything is through sexual experiences. The line "a bolt of lightning between my legs" suggests a sudden, overwhelming physical sensation that momentarily distracts from the chaos of the mind.
The song is constructed around the idea of being led or controlled, with the recurring line "I only see straight when I'm being led" highlighting a desire to be told what to do or where to go. This sense of uncertainty and detachment is further reinforced by the final verse, where the singer invites someone to help them alleviate their loneliness but then immediately sets out to seek out their own pleasures. The phrase "vertical smile" is considered by some to be a crude reference to female anatomy, adding a layer of discomfort and confusion to an already complicated emotional state.
Overall, "Loose Nut" is a raw and unflinching exploration of inner turmoil and sexual frustration. It shows the darker side of human desire, as well as the isolating effects of feeling out of step with the rest of society.
Line by Line Meaning
Loose nut in my head
I'm feeling mentally unstable
Loose nut rattling my skull
My unstable mental state is causing agitation and confusion
Crying for a human touch
I'm feeling lonely and in need of affection
Or anything that'll reach my soul
I'm open to any kind of emotional connection
A bolt of lightning between my legs
I'm feeling sexually aroused
I can't think straight my mind's a mess
My unstable mental state is interfering with my ability to focus
I only see straight when I'm being led
I need someone else to take control and guide me
Loose nut, I want head
I'm seeking sexual gratification
The loneliness I dread
I fear being alone and disconnected from others
Loose nut you can help
I'm hoping someone else can alleviate my loneliness and mental instability
Be with me so I don't hurt myself
I'm concerned that my unstable mental state could lead me to harm myself
No bolt fits
I'm feeling sexually unsatisfied
My head is giving me fits
My mental instability is causing physical discomfort
Looking for diversion
I'm seeking distraction from my mental and emotional struggles
Just anything that'll let me stick it in
I'm looking for sexual release, regardless of the circumstances
Don't mind my crazy smile
I'm aware that my mental state may be causing me to act strangely
Hand me the phone so I can dial
I need to contact someone for help
I'll be back in a little while
I need to take a break and regroup
But first I gotta get some vertical smile
I need to find sexual release before I can focus on anything else
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: GREGORY REGIS GINN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind