Supplied photo.
The latest iteration of Black Flag hits Australia in May and it’s going to have people talking for many reasons.
Firstly, it’s the first time the band has been fronted by a female singer, Max Zanelly.
Secondly, it’s an all new line-up with 71-year-old founding guitarist Greg Ginn being joined by Zanelly, David Rodriguez (bass), and Bryce Weston (drums), who are all aged in their early 20s.
That means none of Ginn’s band members were alive when the first Black Flag line-up of Ginn, Keith Morris, bassist Chuck Dukowski and drummer Robo broke up in 1978, and their combined ages don’t add up to that of the band leader.
The online backlash has been deafening but Ginn has shrugged it all off, saying that the only opinions that matter are those of people who turn up to shows. Serious critical responses have been more considered but mixed, nevertheless.
In a New York Times interview, Ginn said he asked Zanelly to join after seeing her singing along in the front row of a previous line-up Black Flag show.
Zannelly, now 23, told the Times she’d never been in a band before. She has since given up her day job of waitressing. Brooklyn Vegan says drummer Weston submitted a video to audition for his spot.
Black Flag formed in Hermosa Beach, California, in 1976 and are considered founding fathers of hardcore. The band went through many line-ups including the “classic” ones fronted by Keith Morris and Henry Rollins.
Black Flag
Australian Tour 2026
MAY
28 – The Corner, Melbourne
29 – Crowbar, Sydney
30 – Crowbar, Brisbane
31 – Vinnies Dive Bar, Gold Coast, QLD
Tickets
