Formed in Southern California in 1976, Black Flag was mainly 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.
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