In this episode, we explore No Policy, the 1981 EP by SOA, and Damaged, the legendary debut LP from Black Flag. Formed in Washington, D.C. by Henry Garfield (later Henry Rollins), Michael Hampton, Wendel Blow, and Simon Jacobsen, SOA delivered ten tracks in just over eight minutes, capturing the urgency and fury of the early D.C. hardcore scene. Released as Dischord Records’ second-ever release, No Policy marks Rollins’ first recorded appearance—raw, unrelenting, and full of promise.

We then follow Rollins’ transformation from a Georgetown ice cream shop worker to frontman of Black Flag. After jumping on stage at a New York City show in 1981, he was recruited to join the West Coast hardcore pioneers. The result, Damaged, is a cornerstone of American punk and a brutal, poetic chronicle of alienation, rage, and inner turmoil.

Our guest is Jackson Sinnenberg, who helps us unpack the rapid evolution of Rollins’ voice, stage presence, and creative philosophy. Together, we explore the shared DNA of No Policy and Damaged, and how one D.C. kid’s journey helped fuse two punk scenes into a national hardcore movement.

Go Further:

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  Dischord Records – SOA – No Policy

  
  


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  Wikipedia – Black Flag (band)

  
  


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  Henry Rollins – Wikipedia

  
  


• "Dance of Days" - Akoshic Books

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Philip Basnight – Broke Royals

Alex Vidales – Pilot Waves

Jackson Sinnenberg – WAMU || Capitol Bop

Podcast Artwork by Rebecca Basnight