Musicians - Anti-Flag

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	Musicians - Anti-Flag

Anti-Flag is a political punk rock band originally formed by Justin Sane and Pat Thetic in Pittsburgh in 1988. Justin's sister, Lucy Fester as well as various other guitarists and bassists moved in and out of the band, and it never really solidified. After playing only one show, the band fell apart.

Then, in 1993, Justin and Pat formed a new band, now with Andy Flag on bass, which they again named Anti-Flag. New Red Archives released their first album, Die for the Government, in 1996. Andy Flag also left the band that year because of personal disputes between himself and Justin. Chris Head began filling in on bass in 1997 and then moved to guitar after Jamie Cock took over bass in 1998. The current lineup finalized in 1999 when Chris #2 replaced Jamie on bass. During this time they released albums on Go Kart Records and Fat Wreck Chords, as well as their own label, A-F Records. Of these, Underground Network (recorded by legendary punk producer Mass Giorgini), could be considered their "breakthrough" album, successfully connecting the band with its largest audience to that point.

Anti-Flag's lyrics espouse a variety of left-wing political ideals, and take a strong stand against fascism and nationalism, as well as dealing with lighter topics like the punk scene and romance. Politically, Anti-Flag is comparable to LA's leftist Rage Against the Machine. They have consistently contended that the American system of militarism and capitalism is destructive to the world as a whole.

On October 8, 2004, U.S. Representative Jim McDermott gave a speech in the House of Representatives, praising Anti-Flag for working to encourage young people to register and vote.

In 2005 Anti-Flag signed a two-album record contract with major label RCA, though their label A-F Records remains independent. Their new album, For Blood and Empire, was released March 21, 2006. The band said that they want their music to be heard. RCA is owned by Sony BMG, one of the largest corporations in the world. Some fans find this decision hypocritical due to Anti-Flag's previously overt anti-capitalist lyrics. Furthermore, critics have highlighted the contradiction between releasing an album entitled 'Underground Network' and espousing the benefits of independent media, and signing to a major label.

Band Members

Justin Sane - Guitar and Vocals
Chris #2 - Bass and Vocals
Chris Head - Guitar and backup Vocals
Pat Thetic - Drums

Previous Band Members

1988 to 1989: Lucy Fester - lead vocals
1993 to 1996: Andy Flag - bass and vocals
1998 to 1999: Jamie Cock - bass and vocals

Discography

Studio Albums

Die for the Government (1996) New Red Archives
Their System Doesn't Work For You (1998) A-F Records
A New Kind of Army (1999) Go-Kart Records/A-F Records
Underground Network (2001) Fat Wreck Chords
Mobilize (2002) A-F Records
The Terror State (2003) Fat Wreck Chords
For Blood and Empire (2006) RCA Records

Other Releases

North America Sucks (1998) Nefer Records
Live at the Fireside Bowl (2000) Liberation Records
BYO Split Series, Vol. IV (Anti-Flag/Bouncing Souls) (2002) BYO Records

Compliations on which Anti-Flag appears:

Dropping Food On Their Heads is Not Enough: Benefit For RAWA (2002) Geykido Comet Records

DVDs

Death of a Nation (2004)

This DVD contains 23 live videos from the "Death of a Nation Tour" in the USA, interviews with the band, behind the scenes from the "Turncoat" video, and the two unreleased new videos from the band, and much more.

Videos

Turncoat (2003) from The Terror State album
Death of a Nation (2004) from The Terror State album
Post-War Breakout (2004) from The Terror State album

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