Skip to content
News

Henry Rollins Isn’t Involved With Either of the Two Black Flag Reunions Planned for 2013

black flag, reunion, flag

In the midst of a news cycle already marked by several long-awaited returns (see: Eve, the Strokes), we now have word that two separate Black Flag reunions are in the works.

Earlier today (January 25), the NME revealed that the hardcore legends are planning to reunite for a single U.K. gig at this year’s Hevy Fest (August 2 to 5). That lineup consists of founding guitarist Greg Ginn, drummer Julio Roberto “Robo” Valverde Valencia, and vocalist Ron Reyes, who sang for Black Flag from 1979 to 1980 and appeared on the 12-inch Jealous Again EP. Reyes replaced original vocalist Keith Morris and was succeeded by Dez Cadena, who eventually switched to guitar. That allowed Henry Rollins to step in and handle the mic from 1981 to 1986, when the group split up. According to the festival’s website, this will be the band’s first U.K. performance in nearly 30 years.

But a couple of other European fests will get their own Black Flag reunion. Pitchfork pointed out today that a second upcoming lineup is reuniting, one featuring Morris (current vocalist for OFF!), original bassist Chuck Dukowski, drummer Bill Stevenson (a member from 1983 to 1985), and guitarist Stephen Egerton of the Descendents and All (two bands Stevenson also drummed for). This version dropped the “Black” and is doing business as, simply, FLAG, will tour the U.S. this year and perform “sets that pull from all eras of Black Flag’s history.” FLAG has shows booked at two European festivals — Germany’s Monster Bash (April 26 and 27) and Belgium’s Groezrock Festival (April 28) — and the Punk Rock Bowling Festival (May 24 to 27) in Las Vegas. More tour dates are on the way.

The FLAG foursome previously played together in December 2011, racing through a rendition of 1978’s Nervous Breakdown EP at a showcase celebrating the 30th anniversary of concert promoter Goldenvoice (who made their own little announcement today as well). Prior to that, the last official Black Flag reunion happened in 2003. The roster for those three gigs: Dez Cadena on vocals, Greg Ginn on guitar, Robo on drums, and C’el Revuelta on bass. Professional skateboarder Mike Vallely also contributed vocals.

Listen to the entire Jealous Again EP below, and scroll down further to watch the 2011 Nervous Breakdown performance.