The Vaccines, dubstep mixers, Wu Lyf, several huge metal bands, endless punk and hardcore bands all see the Washington DC based hardcore, straight edge band as a key formative influence on them.
There is something about the group’s stripped down powerful punk and clear headed idealism, great songs and searing honesty that strikes a nerve decades after they were recording. Maybe it was the band’s stance, that anti commercial, no sell out stance that makes them a beacon surrounded by clumsy sell outs.
Maybe it was their thoughtfulness and their powerful music that has never dated. Maybe it’s their purity of purpose in a business almost as tainted as politics or print media that cuts through.
Minor Threat sound even more exciting after all these years. Their small catalogue of songs make points that still make sense in succinct and powerful ways. Front person Ian Mackaye took a stance and never wavered. He has been painted as humourless by people who just don’t get it- when he is a regular guy, good fun in real life but without the fear.
He mistakenly invented straight edge. Had an untainted vision and fronted a brilliant band, the ‘Beatles of hardcore’ as they are sometimes called.
Looking at the old youtube clips of their gigs you see pure unbridled joy and an amazing avalanche of energy.
It’s no wonder young bands constantly refer to Minor Threat. The music is pure and their conviction is inspirational and their energy is undimmed.
Few bands have had their impact.