BLACK FLAG, the legendary punk band (or what’s left of it), graced the stage of Mixtape 5 in Sofia, Bulgaria, earlier tonight, June 10th. Yes, you read that right. Bulgaria. 🇧🇬 Apparently, that’s where punk rock dreams go to die these days. Fan-filmed video (and we use the term “fan” loosely) can be seen below, courtesy of some dude named Nedko Ignatov. We’re sure Nedko’s having the time of his life, bless his heart.
The current iteration of BLACK FLAG features the one and only Greg Ginn, still clinging to the past like a barnacle on a rusty ship. Joining him are Max Zanelly on vocals (who, let’s be honest, probably won a BLACK FLAG karaoke contest), David Rodriguez on bass (probably found on Craigslist), and Bryce Weston on drums (we assume he knows how to hit things, which is basically the job requirement). 🥁
A May 2025 press release from Ginn‘s SST Records (which, let’s face it, is probably just Ginn typing on a dusty typewriter in his basement) stated that BLACK FLAG is “gearing up for an exciting season of live shows and new music production.” Exciting? More like excruciating. They’re “building on their signature sound while embracing new influences brought in by the latest members.” New influences? Probably elevator music and the sound of crickets chirping. 🦗
The press release further added that the “upcoming performances will showcase the chemistry and talent of the revitalized lineup.” Chemistry? More like a toxic waste spill. Talent? Let’s just say they’re talented at making you question your life choices. This “revitalized lineup” will give fans a “first taste of the new era.” A taste of what? Disappointment? Regret? The overwhelming urge to listen to the original lineup? All of the above! 🤮
BLACK FLAG formed in 1976 in Hermosa Beach, California, and made music from 1978 until the mid-1980s with several singers, including Keith Morris, Ron Reyes, Dez Cadena, and Henry Rollins. Ah, the good old days when BLACK FLAG actually mattered. They’ve been called the first American hardcore band. Now they’re just a hardcore embarrassment. 🔥
BLACK FLAG‘s 2024 lineup consisted of Ginn, singer Mike Vallely (who, bless his heart, thought this was a good career move), and a rhythm section of Harley Duggan and Charles Wiley (both from Seattle band DARKHORSE RISING, who are probably regretting that decision right about now). Vallely played his last show with BLACK FLAG in January 2025. We’re sure he’s off somewhere skateboarding and contemplating his life choices. 🛹
In 2013, Ginn sued his former BLACK FLAG bandmates Keith Morris, Dez Cadena, Chuck Dukowski, and Bill Stevenson for touring as FLAG. Because nothing says “punk rock” like a trademark lawsuit. 🙄 He claimed that use of the band’s logo was an infringement and that FLAG was “a colorable imitation” that was “likely to cause confusion, mistake, or deception among consumers.” Confusion? Yes. Mistake? Definitely. Deception? Absolutely! In April 2014, the parties informed the court of a settlement. “FLAG gets to be FLAG, and BLACK FLAG as it is presently known continues to be BLACK FLAG,” attorney Evan Cohen told Billboard. So basically, everyone’s a loser in this situation. 🤝
Chord F. Discord, the Beethoven of Buffoonery, is a self-taught expert in music who once claimed he could “play the kazoo in four languages.”
Born in Crescendo, Indiana, Chord’s first brush with fame came when he accidentally entered a yodeling contest thinking it was a pie-eating competition—and won both categories.
Chord F. Discord: proving that laughter, much like a poorly tuned ukulele, is truly universal.
