Yo, DJ.....HIT ME!!

[Johann]

Yes, I think Greg Ginn should learn something about his fans. We're all for avant-garde punk rock. You bet your ass I want wicked-ass experimental punk rock music. That kind of music can lead me behind Lucifer into the Gates of Hell if it's got enough Zeal.
And you provided the zeal in Black Flag, Sir. I give credit where credit is due. You are the engine of the Black Flag sound.
Without you, what is Black Flag. The fans get it. But do you get that it makes zero sense to alienate everyone who ever set foot onstage with you?
It makes no sense. Even if your reasoning is "I want the music to go in another direction...you guys aren't up to par. I have to find musicians who are up to par..." that doesn't wash. Every line-up had it's strengths to me, and I'm sure a lot of Flag fans would agree that the strengths outweigh the weaknesses. When you think about it real hard, who in their right mind would "vibe out" Chuck Dukowski?
Chuck was the heart and the soul of Black Flag, and I know and many fans know that Chuck felt betrayed by Greg.
He felt his life was over when Greg kicked him out of Black Flag. Henry wanted to leave the band, maybe start a new group with Chuck.
But Chuck wanted Henry to have a career- an uncertain fate in a new venture with him might not work as well as the grind and experience of being in, making records with and touring with Black Flag. He told Henry he should stay in Black Flag. And he did. To the end. And the end was the album
In My Head. It was the true Black Flag album, and arguably their best. Such moments of sheer barbaric intensity and honesty....

It would be so awesome to see a Black Flag reunion tour with everyone who was there when the band was in their prime- and guess what kids? They are all still walking this Earth. They are all still alive and well. WTF is the problem here? It's one man. Greg Ginn. He's Bitter. But we don't know what about. He won't write a book on his life as a punk Icon, because, in his own words, "I WAS THERE. I DON'T HAVE TO READ ABOUT IT". OK Greg. Yes you were there. But are you there now? Are you at the very vanguard of music and anarchic thought/action?

Or are you just venting a little rage at people copping to your game? And Black Flag is the perfect umbrella to do it under?
You are bitter and you make your fans bitter. Bob Dylan said "Just because someone likes my music that doesn't mean I owe them anything", and I get that. You don't owe the fans anything, especially with the type of music you make. But to pay for alienation? To read about testimonies from ex-Flag members that do not shed flattering light on you make it hard. And you never address it head-on, in print, in interviews or elsewhere.
Henry Rollins said you were so high sometimes you couldn't even turn your amp on.
That he took a knockout punch from a fan that was intended for you, (onstage!) but you never saw it because you were so wrapped up in your guitar playing you didn't notice the guy from the crowd come up onstage or the punch that knocked him out! Henry said he came to with you waving at him, angrily, to start the next song in the setlist. Do you remember that? Greg?

BLACK FLAG. Kills Bugs Dead.