Black Flag

Black Flag - Rise Above Live Performance from Target Video

• In January 1982, Black Flag was on the cusp of a significant phase in their career, following the release of their influential album "Damaged" in 1981... Read Full Description >

  In January 1982, Black Flag was on the cusp of a significant phase in their career, following the release of their influential album "Damaged" in 1981. This record, which became a landmark in the hardcore punk genre, solidified their reputation and showcased their raw energy and confrontational style. The live performance recorded for the "TV Party" VHS highlights their dynamic presence during this pivotal time, as they were gaining traction in the underground scene. By 1983, the band was preparing to release "My War," further evolving their sound and broadening their audience. Notably, Black Flag was also known for their intense and chaotic live shows, capturing the spirit of punk culture. This particular recording serves as a testament to their early 80s prominence, featuring tracks that would resonate with fans and influence countless bands in the years to follow.

Black Flag - Rise Above Live Performance at Lit Club, Hartford

Lit Club
Hartford, CT, United States

• In May 1982, during the time of the live recording at the Lit Club in Hartford, Connecticut, Black Flag had recently released their iconic album "Dama... Read Full Description >

  In May 1982, during the time of the live recording at the Lit Club in Hartford, Connecticut, Black Flag had recently released their iconic album "Damaged," which came out in 1981. "Damaged" was pivotal in solidifying the band's reputation as pioneers of American hardcore punk, featuring raw energy and themes that resonated deeply with the youth of the time. By 1982, Black Flag was actively touring to promote this album, which included the track "Rise Above," performed in the recorded concert. The show at the Lit Club exemplified their relentless touring schedule and commitment to live performances, which were often chaotic and electric. Notably, the band was undergoing significant internal changes, including shifts in their lineup, with future members like Dez Cadena and Chuck Dukowski contributing to their distinctive sound. This live performance captures Black Flag at a crucial moment in their evolution as a band, driving the punk movement forward with their unapologetic style and pr

Black Flag - Six Pack Live Performance at Lit Club, Hartford, CT

Lit Club
Hartford, CT, United States

• In May 1982, when Black Flag performed live at the Lit Club in Hartford, Connecticut, they were in a pivotal phase of their career, having recently re... Read Full Description >

  In May 1982, when Black Flag performed live at the Lit Club in Hartford, Connecticut, they were in a pivotal phase of their career, having recently released their album "Damaged" in 1981. This album played a significant role in solidifying Black Flag's position in the hardcore punk scene, featuring tracks that would become classics, such as "Rise Above" and "TV Party." The band's aggressive sound and confrontational lyrics resonated deeply with audiences, marking a transition from their earlier, more experimental work. By the time of the Hartford performance, they were touring extensively to promote "Damaged," despite facing controversies and a tumultuous relationship with their label, SST Records. The live recording captures the raw energy and intensity that characterized Black Flag's performances, as they navigated the complexities of their rising fame and the evolving punk landscape.

Black Flag - Live Performance of 'Damaged 1' at Lit Club, Hartford

Lit Club
Hartford, CT, United States

• In 1982, when Black Flag performed live at the Lit Club in Hartford, Connecticut, the band was in a crucial phase of its career. This performance took... Read Full Description >

  In 1982, when Black Flag performed live at the Lit Club in Hartford, Connecticut, the band was in a crucial phase of its career. This performance took place shortly after the release of their groundbreaking debut album, "Damaged," which came out in 1981 and is widely regarded as a seminal work in the hardcore punk genre. The album's intense sound and confrontational lyrics helped define the band's identity and solidified their position within the punk rock scene. During this period, Black Flag was gaining notoriety for their chaotic live shows and their challenging of punk conventions, often addressing themes of alienation and resistance. The recording from the Lit Club demonstrates their raw energy and commitment to the music, despite technical limitations in sound quality typical of live recordings from that era. This performance captures the band's peak in creative output and stage presence, as they were relentlessly touring and pushing the boundaries of punk music.

Black Flag - Live Performance of 'Damaged I' in Philadelphia

Philadelphia, PA, United States

• In June 1982, Black Flag was amidst a pivotal phase in their career, having just released their influential album "Damaged" earlier that year in April... Read Full Description >

  In June 1982, Black Flag was amidst a pivotal phase in their career, having just released their influential album "Damaged" earlier that year in April. This album marked a significant moment for the band as it encapsulated their aggressive sound and lyrical themes, emerging as a cornerstone of the hardcore punk genre. The live recording from Philadelphia captures the raw energy of the band during a crucial time when they were solidifying their reputation for intense performances and uncompromising music. Notably, "Damaged" was their first album released on SST Records, the label co-founded by guitarist Greg Ginn, marking a key development in their artistic independence. The lineup featured in this recording includes iconic members such as Henry Rollins, whose dynamic presence would become synonymous with Black Flag. This period was one of peak creativity and tumult, setting the stage for their continued influence on punk rock.

Black Flag - Full Concert Live at Elks Center, Philadelphia

Elks Center
Philadelphia, PA, US

• In June 1982, Black Flag was in a pivotal phase of their career, having established themselves as one of the leading bands in the burgeoning hardcore ... Read Full Description >

  In June 1982, Black Flag was in a pivotal phase of their career, having established themselves as one of the leading bands in the burgeoning hardcore punk scene. Prior to this live recording at the Elks Center in Philadelphia, their influential album "Damaged" was released in 1981. "Damaged" not only showcased the band’s raw energy and complex emotions but also served as a landmark for punk rock with its themes of personal struggle and societal disillusionment. The live performance captured in this recording reflects the band's intense stage presence and the fervent response from their audience during this era. At this time, Black Flag was pushing boundaries, both musically and socially, which would leave a lasting legacy on the punk genre. Additionally, by 1982, they had already faced significant challenges, including legal issues around the "Damaged" album—underscoring their role as both artists and cultural provocateurs.

BLACK FLAG Live Performance in Berlin - Featuring Iconic Songs

Berlin, Germany

• In November 1982, during their European tour, Black Flag was nearing the height of their influence within the hardcore punk movement. At this point in... Read Full Description >

  In November 1982, during their European tour, Black Flag was nearing the height of their influence within the hardcore punk movement. At this point in their career, they had recently released the album "My War" in 1984, which marked a significant shift in their sound, incorporating slower tempos and more complex compositions compared to their earlier work. The live performance in Berlin showcases the raw energy and intensity that Black Flag was known for, embodying the fierce spirit of punk at that time. Interestingly, this performance occurred just before the band would further expand their experimental approach to music on subsequent releases. The Berlin show also reflects the band's increasing international presence, solidifying their status as pioneers in the punk scene beyond American borders.