11/27/2009

in

An unauthorized account of America's punk pioneers gleaned from old interviews to capitalize on a band that defined an era.

Robyn Chelsea-Seifert

A new book on the history of Black Flag is about to make its way to cyber shelves across the globe. "Spray Paint the Walls: The Story of Black Flag," by UK writer Stevie Chick, published by Omnibus Press, culls stories and old interviews wrapped up in a glossy photo package thanks to Glen E. Freidman, one of the photographers for the band.  
  
Neither Greg Ginn, Henry Rollins nor any band members have authorized the publication or obliged the author with recent interviews, except bass player Chuck Dukowski. Chick has embraced the ubiquitous appeal Black Flag continues to have on audiences, and has found reasonable soundbites from close associates of the band.  
  
Joe Carducci, one time co-owner of SST Records chimes, "The story, laid out from the band's earliest practices in 1976 to its end ten years later, makes a far more dramatic book than the usual shelf-fillers."  
  
If a definitive Black Flag read from the inside looking out is the experiential high one is hoping to achieve, then the money is still on Henry Rollins' "Get in the Van; On the Road with Black Flag," which chronicles the 81  86 years. The book is a cohesive, albeit one-sided view from the singer, who lasted the longest and will always remain the face of America's truly great hardcore punk band.  
  
Although three singers preceded Henry in a five year span, he was the last morsel audiences would either savor or spit out before the band's demise in 1986. Black Flag has the best documented story in punk history which serves as a testament to the great music, primal effect and deep admiration people have for the band.  
  
Another book is being crafted, titled "Barred for Life." The project is currently touring the United States and Canada seeking individuals who bear punk rock's most distinctive logo  the four bars. Designed by artist Raymond Pettibon, the band would spray paint the bars on walls out in L.A. in anticipation of gigs gaining both support and irritation depending on which side of the law you were on.  
  
"Spray Paint the Walls: The Story of Black Flag" will be available at amazon.com. "Get in the Van; On the Road with Black Flag," and all Henry Rollins titles are available through his publishing company at henryrollins.shop.musictoday.com.