Complete List Of Black Flag Band Members

Feature Photo: IllaZilla, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

From the scorching beaches of Hermosa Beach emerged one of hardcore punk’s most enduring and turbulent acts, with Black Flag becoming a foundational force that would span decades of lineup changes and musical evolution. Formed in 1976 by guitarist Greg Ginn, the band operated for ten years before disbanding in 1986, during which time they cycled through 16 distinct lineups involving 17 different musicians. The band released numerous studio albums including Damaged, My War, Family Man, Slip It In, Loose Nut, and In My Head, along with several EPs and live recordings through Ginn’s own SST Records.

Black Flag’s decade-long initial run was marked by constant personnel changes, with only Ginn remaining as the sole constant member throughout their existence. The band’s most stable and productive period occurred from 1983 to 1985 when the lineup of Ginn, Henry Rollins, bassist Kira Roessler, and drummer Bill Stevenson recorded four albums and three EPs in just sixteen months. After their 1986 breakup, the band remained inactive for seventeen years before briefly reuniting in 2003 for three benefit shows supporting cat rescue organizations.

In 2013, Black Flag announced another reunion under Ginn’s leadership, though this sparked controversy when other former members formed a competing group called Flag. The reunited Black Flag has continued touring and recording sporadically, with Max Zanelly becoming their current lead vocalist in 2025, marking the first time a woman has held this position in the band’s history. Throughout their various incarnations, Black Flag has maintained their status as hardcore punk pioneers while navigating legal disputes, creative differences, and the challenges of maintaining a consistent lineup.

Greg Ginn

Greg Ginn stands as Black Flag’s primary architect and sole constant member, serving as lead guitarist, primary songwriter, and the driving force behind the band’s existence from 1976 to the present. Born and raised in Hermosa Beach, California, Ginn attended Mira Costa High School where he met future Black Flag vocalist Keith Morris. While studying economics and business management at UCLA, Ginn developed his musical interests in blues and jazz before picking up guitar at age 19. He operated a mail-order business for amateur radio equipment called Solid State Tuners, which would later evolve into the legendary SST Records label.

Ginn’s guitar work appears on every Black Flag release, from their 1979 debut EP Nervous Breakdown through their 2013 reunion album What The…. His distinctive playing style developed partly out of necessity during the band’s early years when unreliable rhythm section members forced him to create a percussive strumming technique that functioned as both lead and rhythm guitar. During the band’s classic period, he played a heavily modified transparent lucite Ampeg Dan Armstrong guitar that he caulked to prevent blood and sweat from damaging the electronics. Beyond his instrumental contributions, Ginn also played bass guitar under the pseudonym Dale Nixon on the 1984 album My War.

Outside of Black Flag, Ginn has pursued numerous musical projects including the bands Gone, Confront James, and various solo releases. He founded and operated SST Records, which became one of the most influential independent labels of the 1980s, releasing albums by Minutemen, Hüsker Dü, Sonic Youth, Dinosaur Jr., and many other alternative rock pioneers. His business acumen combined with his musical vision helped establish the infrastructure for independent music distribution that continues to influence the industry today.

Keith Morris

Keith Morris served as Black Flag’s original vocalist from the band’s formation in 1976 until his departure in November 1979. Growing up in Hermosa Beach and attending Mira Costa High School alongside the Ginn brothers, Morris initially worked at his father’s bait shop while studying fine art and painting after graduation. His musical journey began when he took a job at Rubicon Records, where he befriended Greg Ginn through mutual connections. Morris transitioned to working for Ginn’s electronics business before the two decided to form a band together, with Morris initially planning to play drums before Ginn convinced him to become the vocalist.

Morris performed on Black Flag’s debut EP Nervous Breakdown, recorded in January 1978, and was instrumental in the band’s early development during their time as Panic and their transition to the Black Flag name. His vocal style was characterized by frantic energy and sardonic anarchism, establishing the template for hardcore punk vocals. However, his tenure with the band became increasingly strained due to personal struggles with drugs and alcohol, combined with his growing frustration with the band’s relentless rehearsal schedule and evolving musical direction.

After leaving Black Flag, Morris immediately formed the Circle Jerks with former Red Cross guitarist Greg Hetson, Lucky Lehrer, and Roger Rogerson. The Circle Jerks achieved significant success in the early 1980s punk scene, with their debut album Group Sex becoming a landmark hardcore punk release. Morris has continued to lead various incarnations of the Circle Jerks throughout the decades while also fronting the band Off! and participating in the Flag project with other former Black Flag members. His influence on hardcore punk vocals remains substantial, and he continues to perform and record music today.

Raymond Pettibon

Raymond Pettibon, born Raymond Ginn, played bass guitar during Black Flag’s earliest rehearsals in the summer of 1976 but departed early in 1977 to focus on his economics degree at UCLA. Despite his brief musical involvement, Pettibon became integral to Black Flag’s visual identity and cultural impact. After completing his education and working briefly as a high school mathematics teacher, he pursued a career as a visual artist under the pseudonym Raymond Pettibon, suggesting the name Black Flag and designing their iconic logo in early 1979.

Pettibon’s artistic contributions to Black Flag extended far beyond the logo, as his single-frame illustrations graced the covers of virtually every major Black Flag release from 1979 to 1985. His provocative and unsettling artwork appeared on Nervous Breakdown, Jealous Again, Six Pack, Everything Went Black, My War, Family Man, Slip It In, Loose Nut, The Process of Weeding Out, and In My Head. His visual style became synonymous with Black Flag’s music and helped build their notoriety while expanding their fan base through striking poster and flyer designs.

The relationship between Pettibon and the band ended acrimoniously in 1985 over the Loose Nut artwork dispute, when Greg Ginn used older artwork without permission and had it altered without consulting his brother. Pettibon never received payment for his extensive contributions to Black Flag and SST Records, leading to a complete break in communication between the brothers that lasted for years. Despite this falling out, Pettibon’s artistic career flourished independently, and he later provided artwork for Keith Morris’s band Off! in 2010, demonstrating his continued connection to the punk music world.

Bryan Migdol

Bryan Migdol served as Black Flag’s drummer during their formative period as Panic from early 1977 through the summer of 1978. Recruited from among Keith Morris’s friends, Migdol was developmental in arranging many songs that would later become Black Flag classics. Despite his foundational role, Migdol and bassist Kansas were notorious for missing rehearsals, which forced Greg Ginn to develop his distinctive percussive guitar style to compensate for the absent rhythm section.

Migdol’s most significant contribution came during the recording of Black Flag’s debut EP Nervous Breakdown, where he played all the drum tracks in January 1978 at Media Art Studios. His drumming also appears on tracks featured on the compilation albums Everything Went Black, The First Four Years, and Wasted…Again. His style during this period helped establish the foundational sound that Black Flag would build upon throughout their career.

Growing frustrated with the band’s emphasis on constant rehearsing over performing, Migdol decided to leave in the summer of 1978. His departure opened the door for Roberto “Robo” Valverde to join the band, marking the beginning of Black Flag’s evolution into their more recognized hardcore sound. After leaving Black Flag, Migdol largely disappeared from the music scene, with little documentation of his subsequent musical activities.

Chuck Dukowski

Chuck Dukowski, born Gary McDaniel, joined Black Flag as bassist in 1977 and remained until his dismissal in 1983, making him the second-longest-serving member after Greg Ginn. Originally the bassist for the band Würm, McDaniel met Ginn when selling him a speaker cabinet in early 1977. After Würm broke up, he joined Panic permanently, drawn by their potential for touring and their accessible musical approach. By December 1979, he had adopted the pseudonym Chuck Dukowski, partly as a practical measure when dealing with police encounters.

Dukowski’s bass work anchored Black Flag’s sound through their most important early releases, appearing on Nervous Breakdown through Everything Went Black, as well as contributing to Slip It In in 1984. His playing style was physically aggressive and produced the powerful, thudding low-end notes that became characteristic of Black Flag’s rhythm section. Beyond his musical contributions, Dukowski developed into the band’s intellectual voice, using interviews and stage time to express anarchist ideas and revolutionary thinking that informed the band’s ethos.

The relationship between Dukowski and Ginn deteriorated in 1983 as Ginn sought a new musical direction and attempted to edge out his longtime collaborator. Henry Rollins ultimately fired Dukowski from the band to resolve the mounting tensions, though Dukowski remained involved as their manager and booking agent. After leaving Black Flag, he continued his involvement in music and eventually joined the Flag project in 2013 alongside other former Black Flag members, continuing to perform the band’s classic material with Keith Morris, Bill Stevenson, and others.

Roberto “Robo” Valverde

Roberto “Robo” Valverde replaced Bryan Migdol as Black Flag’s drummer in the summer of 1978 and remained until December 1981, becoming one of the band’s most recognizable members during their rise to prominence. A Colombian national living in El Segundo on a student visa, Robo worked in a plastics factory while developing his distinctive drumming style. He responded to a record store advertisement reading “Band from the South Bay looking for drummer. Into Ramones, Sex Pistols,” and impressed the band with his stiff, robotic playing style that relied on arm movement rather than wrist technique.

Robo’s transparent perspex drum kit perfectly matched Greg Ginn’s lucite guitar, creating a striking visual element for the band’s performances. His drumming appears on crucial Black Flag releases including the Jealous Again EP, the “Louie Louie” single, Six Pack EP, and their breakthrough album Damaged in 1981. His mechanical precision and powerful playing helped define the Black Flag sound during their transition from early punk to hardcore, providing the rhythmic foundation for some of their most enduring songs.

Robo’s tenure with Black Flag ended abruptly when visa problems prevented his legal return to the United States after a December 1981 UK tour. Bill Stevenson temporarily filled in to complete their East Coast dates, but Robo’s departure marked the end of an era for the band. He returned for the 2003 Black Flag reunion shows, demonstrating his continued connection to the band’s legacy. Outside of Black Flag, Robo has remained active in music, later joining the Misfits and continuing to perform with various punk and hardcore acts.

Ron Reyes

Ron Reyes served as Black Flag’s vocalist from December 1979 to May 1980, bridging the gap between Keith Morris and Dez Cadena. A punk rock fan of Puerto Rican descent who dropped out of Mira Costa High School at 18, Reyes was present at Black Flag’s first performance and became a regular fixture at their shows and rehearsals. Living at “The Church” with other band members, he initially played drums for bands including The Tourists and later Red Cross before Black Flag approached him to replace the departed Keith Morris.

Reyes brought a chaotic energy to Black Flag’s performances, characterized by frantic stage movement and his distinctive howling, out-of-breath vocal delivery. His performances were spirited and anarchic, with Reyes often hurling himself into audiences while barking lyrics. He appeared in the documentary film The Decline of Western Civilization and performed on Black Flag’s first shows outside California, traveling to Vancouver, Seattle, and Portland. His vocal work appears on the Jealous Again EP, recorded after he had already quit the band, as well as on various compilation releases.

Reyes’s departure from Black Flag came during a May 1980 performance at The Fleetwood in Redondo Beach, when he walked off stage mid-show, frustrated by audience violence and feeling disconnected from the crowd’s behavior. Despite quitting, he agreed to return to complete vocal recordings for tracks they had started earlier, working cooperatively with producer Spot to finish the project. After leaving Black Flag, Reyes moved to Vancouver and largely stepped away from music. He returned for Black Flag’s 2013 reunion but was fired on stage during an Australian show and replaced by Mike Vallely, ending his second stint with the band.

Dez Cadena

Dez Cadena joined Black Flag as vocalist in June 1980, replacing Ron Reyes, and remained until April 1983, transitioning from lead vocals to rhythm guitar when Henry Rollins joined the band. Born in New Jersey and moving to Hermosa Beach at age 13, Cadena was introduced to the local punk scene through his father, record producer and jazz promoter Ozzie Cadena, who befriended Keith Morris’s father. At age 17, Cadena witnessed Black Flag’s first performance alongside his friend Ron Reyes and became a regular at their rehearsals and shows.

Cadena’s vocal style contrasted sharply with his predecessors, delivering a blunt, flinty bark characterized by passion and fury that suggested vocal cords strained to their limit. His guitar skills attracted Greg Ginn, who planned to position him as both vocalist and rhythm guitarist. Cadena sang on the “Louie Louie” single and both sang and played guitar on the Six Pack EP. When Henry Rollins joined in 1981, Cadena transitioned to rhythm guitar and backing vocals, appearing on the landmark Damaged album and continuing in this role through early 1983.

After leaving Black Flag in 1983 to form his own band DC3, Cadena remained active in punk and hardcore music throughout the following decades. He joined the Misfits in 2001 and remained with them until 2015, contributing to their reunion era releases and extensive touring. Cadena also participated in the 2003 Black Flag reunion shows and joined the Flag project in 2013, continuing to perform Black Flag material alongside Keith Morris, Chuck Dukowski, and Bill Stevenson. His dual role as both vocalist and guitarist during his Black Flag tenure demonstrated his versatility and helped bridge the band’s transition between different eras.

Henry Rollins

Henry Rollins, born Henry Garfield, served as Black Flag’s lead vocalist from 1981 to 1986, becoming perhaps the band’s most recognizable member and certainly their longest-serving vocalist. Originally from Washington D.C., Rollins was the singer for the hardcore punk band State of Alert when he first encountered Black Flag during their East Coast tours. After staying in touch with Chuck Dukowski and impressing the band by jumping on stage to sing with them during a 1981 New York City show, he was offered the vocalist position and took the pseudonym Henry Rollins upon joining.

Rollins’s tenure with Black Flag represents the band’s most prolific and well-documented period. His powerful, intense vocal delivery appears on all major Black Flag releases from Damaged through Who’s Got the 10½?, including the albums My War, Family Man, Slip It In, Live ’84, Loose Nut, and In My Head. During the band’s most stable lineup period from 1983-1985 with Greg Ginn, Kira Roessler, and Bill Stevenson, Rollins helped create some of hardcore punk’s most enduring and influential recordings. His stage presence was legendary for its intensity and physicality, establishing him as a commanding figure in hardcore punk.

Following Black Flag’s 1986 breakup, Rollins founded Rollins Band and launched a successful solo career encompassing spoken word performances, writing, acting, and television hosting. His spoken word career began during his Black Flag years and has continued for decades, resulting in numerous books, albums, and live performances. Rollins has appeared in films and television shows, hosted his own talk show, and worked as a radio DJ. Since 2006, he has largely focused on spoken word performances and media work while stepping away from music, establishing himself as a multi-faceted entertainer and cultural commentator far beyond his hardcore punk origins.

Emil Johnson

Emil Johnson served as Black Flag’s drummer for a brief period in 1982 when he was only 16 years old. His tenure with the band was notably short-lived, lasting only from March through July 1982, but he made his mark during this time by playing on the A-side of the TV Party EP, specifically the title track “TV Party.” Johnson’s youth and inexperience were evident during his time with the band, and his involvement ended abruptly following a confrontation with the band’s roadie, known as Mugger, during a U.S. tour.

Despite his brief time with Black Flag, Johnson’s drumming on “TV Party” contributed to one of the band’s most memorable and accessible songs, which became a fan favorite and demonstrated Black Flag’s occasional ventures into more satirical territory. The track showcased a different side of the band’s musical personality, moving away from their typically aggressive sound toward something more playful, though still maintaining their hardcore edge.

Johnson’s departure from Black Flag opened the position for Chuck Biscuits, who would also have a relatively brief stint with the band. After leaving Black Flag, Johnson largely disappeared from the documented music scene, with little information available about his subsequent musical activities or career path. His contribution to Black Flag history remains primarily his work on “TV Party,” which continues to be celebrated as one of the band’s more unique and enduring songs.

Chuck Biscuits

Chuck Biscuits joined Black Flag as drummer in July 1982, replacing Emil Johnson, but his tenure lasted only several months due to disagreements over the band’s demanding rehearsal schedule. Originally from Canada, Biscuits had established himself as the drummer for the influential hardcore punk band D.O.A. before joining Black Flag. His reputation as a skilled and powerful drummer preceded him, making him an attractive candidate for Greg Ginn and the band during a period when they were seeking stability in the drummer position.

During his brief time with Black Flag, Biscuits did not appear on any official studio releases, though his playing can be heard on the live album Live at the On Broadway 1982 and various bootleg recordings and demo sessions from 1982. His drumming style brought a different energy to Black Flag’s sound, demonstrating technical proficiency and the aggressive approach that had made him successful with D.O.A. However, his unwillingness to commit to Black Flag’s intensive rehearsal demands ultimately led to his departure from the band.

After leaving Black Flag, Biscuits had brief stints with both the Circle Jerks and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, though neither involvement lasted long. He eventually found his most significant post-Black Flag success working with Glenn Danzig, appearing with both Samhain and Danzig throughout the late 1980s and beyond. Biscuits also worked with Social Distortion and has maintained involvement with various punk and alternative rock acts throughout his career, establishing himself as one of the more respected drummers in the hardcore punk and alternative rock communities.

Bill Stevenson

Bill Stevenson joined Black Flag as drummer in early 1983 and remained until April 1985, participating in the band’s most prolific recording period and serving as a crucial member during their peak years. A South Bay native and Mira Costa High School student, Stevenson had previously worked at Jerry Morris’s bait shop alongside Keith Morris, creating an early connection to the Black Flag community. He initially auditioned for the band in 1978 at age 15, following Bryan Migdol’s departure, but the position went to Robo instead. During this period, Stevenson had joined the Descendents and served as their drummer while occasionally filling in for Black Flag when needed.

Stevenson’s drumming appears on all major Black Flag releases from My War through In My Head, including the albums Family Man, Slip It In, Live ’84, Loose Nut, and The Process of Weeding Out EP. His technical proficiency and powerful playing helped anchor the most productive lineup in Black Flag history, working alongside Greg Ginn, Henry Rollins, and Kira Roessler during the band’s 1983-1985 peak period. This lineup recorded four albums and three EPs in just sixteen months, demonstrating remarkable creative output and establishing much of Black Flag’s lasting musical legacy.

Greg Ginn fired Stevenson from Black Flag in April 1985, leading to his immediate return to the Descendents, with whom he would continue for decades. Following his work with the Descendents, Stevenson founded the band All and later played drums with The Lemonheads, establishing himself as one of punk rock’s most accomplished and versatile drummers. He joined the Flag project in 2013 alongside Keith Morris, Chuck Dukowski, and Dez Cadena, continuing to perform Black Flag material with other former members. Stevenson’s influence on punk drumming extends far beyond his Black Flag tenure, as his work with multiple bands has helped define the sound of Southern California punk rock for over four decades.

Kira Roessler

Kira Roessler joined Black Flag as bassist in December 1983, replacing Chuck Dukowski, and remained until September 1985, serving during the band’s most stable and productive period. The sister of Paul Roessler from the gothic punk band 45 Grave, she brought both musical skill and a different energy to Black Flag’s traditionally male-dominated lineup. Her addition completed what many consider Black Flag’s classic lineup alongside Greg Ginn, Henry Rollins, and Bill Stevenson, a configuration that would produce some of the band’s most enduring and influential work.

Roessler’s bass work appears on several crucial Black Flag releases including Family Man, Slip It In, Loose Nut, and In My Head, as well as the experimental EP The Process of Weeding Out. Her playing style complemented Bill Stevenson’s drumming perfectly, creating a tight and powerful rhythm section that allowed Greg Ginn’s guitar work and Henry Rollins’s vocals to reach new levels of intensity and complexity. During her tenure, the band recorded four albums and three EPs in just sixteen months, demonstrating remarkable productivity and creative cohesion.

Beyond her bass playing, Roessler contributed backing vocals to several Black Flag recordings, adding another dimension to the band’s sound. Her involvement coincided with Black Flag’s exploration of longer, more experimental song structures and heavier musical territories, particularly evident on albums like My War and The Process of Weeding Out. After Greg Ginn fired her from Black Flag in September 1985, Roessler largely stepped away from music, though her contributions during Black Flag’s peak period continue to be celebrated by fans and musicians alike. She remains the only woman to have served as a full-time member of Black Flag during their original run, making her tenure historically significant beyond her musical contributions.

Anthony Martinez

Anthony Martinez replaced Bill Stevenson as Black Flag’s drummer in April 1985 and remained with the band until their breakup in August 1986, making him their final drummer during the original era. His addition to the lineup came during a period of significant transition for Black Flag, as the band had recently lost both Bill Stevenson and would soon lose Kira Roessler, leaving Greg Ginn and Henry Rollins as the primary remaining members from their classic period. Martinez’s drumming provided continuity during this transitional phase, though the band’s dynamic had shifted considerably from their earlier stability.

Martinez’s recorded contributions to Black Flag include the live album Who’s Got the 10½? recorded in 1986, which captured the band’s final performances and demonstrated their continued intensity despite the lineup changes. He also appears on the live EP Annihilate This Week, which consists entirely of material from Who’s Got the 10½? His drumming style during this period maintained the aggressive approach that Black Flag fans expected, though the band’s overall sound had evolved as they incorporated longer, more experimental compositions and explored heavier musical territories.

The period of Martinez’s tenure with Black Flag was marked by continued touring throughout North America, maintaining the band’s reputation for intense live performances even as their popularity and influence were at their peak. His work with the band concluded when Greg Ginn disbanded Black Flag in August 1986, ending the original era of one of hardcore punk’s most influential bands. After Black Flag’s dissolution, Martinez largely disappeared from the documented music scene, with little information available about his subsequent musical activities or career path.

C’el Revuelta

C’el Revuelta joined Black Flag as bassist in September 1985, replacing Kira Roessler, and remained until the band’s breakup in August 1986, making him the final bassist of Black Flag’s original era. His tenure with the band was brief but significant, as he performed during Black Flag’s final tour from January to June 1986, helping to close out one of hardcore punk’s most influential periods. Despite his important role during the band’s concluding months, Revuelta did not appear on any official studio releases during his time with Black Flag.

Revuelta’s bass work was primarily captured in live performances during Black Flag’s final tour, though these performances were not widely documented on official releases. His addition to the lineup came during a period when Black Flag was experiencing significant internal changes, with Greg Ginn and Henry Rollins remaining as the core members while the rhythm section underwent multiple changes. Despite the challenging circumstances, Revuelta helped maintain the band’s aggressive sound and intense live performances that had become their trademark.

C’el Revuelta returned for Black Flag’s 2003 reunion shows, joining Greg Ginn, Dez Cadena, and Robo for three benefit performances supporting cat rescue organizations. His participation in these reunion shows demonstrated his continued connection to the Black Flag legacy and provided fans with an opportunity to see him perform with the band in a documented setting. Tragically, Revuelta died on May 3, 2017, after a prolonged battle with stage 4 brain cancer, ending the life of a musician who had contributed to both the conclusion of Black Flag’s original era and their brief return to the stage in 2003.

Mike Vallely

Mike Vallely joined Black Flag as lead vocalist in 2003 for their reunion shows and again from 2013 to early 2025, making him the longest-tenured vocalist in the band’s history. Originally known as a professional skateboarder, Vallely had maintained friendships with Greg Ginn during Black Flag’s inactive years and had performed with the band during their 2003 benefit shows for cat rescue organizations. When Black Flag reformed in 2013, Vallely initially served as a backup option, stepping in when Ron Reyes was fired mid-performance during a November 2013 show in Australia.

Vallely’s vocal style brought a different energy to Black Flag compared to previous singers, combining hardcore punk aggression with his background as a performer in other musical projects. During his tenure, he helped maintain Black Flag’s touring presence and continued their legacy for a new generation of fans. His involvement with Black Flag coincided with various lineup changes in the rhythm section, as the band cycled through multiple bassists and drummers during the 2010s and early 2020s while maintaining Ginn as the sole constant member.

Beyond his work with Black Flag, Vallely has maintained his career as a professional skateboarder and has performed with several other punk bands throughout his musical career. His dual identity as both a skateboarding icon and hardcore punk vocalist made him an interesting bridge between different subcultures that had historically overlapped. Vallely’s departure from Black Flag in early 2025 marked the end of the longest vocal tenure in the band’s history, though his contributions helped maintain the band’s presence and relevance during a significant period of their later existence.

Max Zanelly

Max Zanelly joined Black Flag as their lead vocalist in 2025, making her the first female lead vocalist in the band’s history and only the second woman to join the band following bassist Kira Roessler in 1983. Her addition to Black Flag represents a significant milestone for the band and for women in hardcore punk music, breaking new ground in a genre and band that had been predominantly male-dominated throughout their nearly five-decade existence. As of her recent joining, Zanelly has not yet appeared on any official Black Flag releases, though her involvement marks a new chapter for the band.

Zanelly’s appointment as Black Flag’s vocalist comes during a period when the band continues to tour and potentially record new material under Greg Ginn’s leadership. Her background and musical experience prior to joining Black Flag, as well as her vocal style and approach to the band’s extensive catalog, represent new territory for both the band and their fanbase. The significance of her role extends beyond her musical contributions to include her historic position as the first woman to serve as Black Flag’s lead vocalist.

The selection of Zanelly as Black Flag’s vocalist demonstrates the band’s willingness to continue evolving and exploring new possibilities even nearly fifty years after their formation. Her tenure with the band will likely be closely watched by fans and critics interested in how she interprets Black Flag’s classic material and potentially contributes to new recordings. As the current vocalist, Zanelly carries the responsibility of representing one of hardcore punk’s most influential bands while potentially helping to define their future direction and legacy.

Dave Klein

Dave Klein served as Black Flag’s bassist during their 2013 reunion period, though his tenure was relatively brief, lasting only through 2013 and into early 2014. Known primarily for his work with Screeching Weasel from 2011 to 2013, Klein brought experience from the punk rock scene to Black Flag during a period when the band was reestablishing itself after years of inactivity. His involvement with Black Flag came during the early stages of their reunion, when the lineup was still stabilizing and Greg Ginn was working to rebuild the band with new members.

Klein’s bass work with Black Flag was primarily limited to live performances during their 2013 tour dates, as he did not appear on any official studio releases during his brief tenure with the band. His playing helped provide the rhythmic foundation for Black Flag’s return to touring, working alongside Greg Ginn and the various drummers and vocalists who cycled through the band during this reunion period. Despite his short time with the band, Klein contributed to maintaining Black Flag’s live presence during their return to active status.

After leaving Black Flag in 2014, Klein returned his focus to other musical projects and continued his involvement in the broader punk rock community. His time with Black Flag, while brief, represented his connection to one of hardcore punk’s most legendary bands and demonstrated his versatility as a bassist capable of adapting to different punk rock contexts. Klein’s departure opened the position for subsequent bassists who would continue Black Flag’s reunion era activities and touring schedule.

Gregory Moore

Gregory Moore served as Black Flag’s drummer from 2003 and again from 2013 to 2014, participating in both the band’s brief reunion shows and their longer reunion period. Originally from Georgia, Moore is sometimes credited as Gregory Amoore or simply “Drummer” in various contexts. His musical relationship with Greg Ginn extends beyond Black Flag, as he has recorded and toured with Ginn on several solo releases as well as Ginn’s other projects including Gone, El Bad, and Get Me High, demonstrating a close working relationship with Black Flag’s leader.

Moore’s contributions to Black Flag include his performance at the 2003 reunion shows and his work on the 2013 album What The…, which marked Black Flag’s return to recording after their lengthy hiatus. His drumming provided continuity between Black Flag’s reunion periods, as he was familiar with both Greg Ginn’s musical approach and the demands of performing Black Flag material. During the 2013-2014 period, Moore worked with various bassists and vocalists as the band’s lineup continued to evolve during their reunion era.

Beyond his work with Black Flag, Moore has maintained an active musical career in Los Angeles, currently performing with the bands Are You A Cop, 2Ton Bridge, and Fer. His extensive collaboration with Greg Ginn across multiple projects has established him as one of Ginn’s most trusted musical partners, demonstrating versatility across different musical contexts while maintaining the aggressive approach necessary for Black Flag material. Moore’s contributions to both Black Flag’s reunion efforts and Ginn’s other projects have helped maintain continuity in Ginn’s musical activities across different decades and lineups.

Brandon Pertzborn

Brandon Pertzborn joined Black Flag as drummer in 2014 following Gregory Moore’s departure and remained until the band’s hiatus later that year. His connection to Black Flag began when Greg Ginn contacted him via email in early 2014 to inquire about his interest in auditioning for the band. After a successful audition where he performed approximately 15 Black Flag songs over several hours, Pertzborn continued to demonstrate his abilities by recording and sending two songs daily to Ginn for a week, showcasing his drumming style and commitment to the position.

Pertzborn’s tenure with Black Flag was relatively brief, coinciding with Mike Vallely’s period as lead vocalist and Tyler Smith’s time as bassist. His drumming helped maintain Black Flag’s aggressive sound during this reunion period, though the band did not release any major studio recordings during his time with the group. As a longtime Black Flag fan, Pertzborn brought both enthusiasm and technical skill to his interpretation of the band’s extensive catalog, understanding the importance of maintaining their characteristic intensity and precision.

Interestingly, Pertzborn’s personal life became connected to Black Flag in an unexpected way when he married Emily Vallely, the daughter of Black Flag’s then-lead vocalist Mike Vallely. This relationship created a unique dynamic within the band, linking two members through family connections beyond their professional musical collaboration. After leaving Black Flag in 2014, Pertzborn has continued his drumming career with other projects, maintaining his involvement in the punk and hardcore music scenes that originally led him to his opportunity with one of the genre’s most influential bands.