68. Black Flag

A lot of people have criticized the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for its perceived bias towards Punk Rock. There may be something to that, but at present, the wave of West Coast Punk Rockers has no inductee. X would be our best guess, but if Black Flag were to be that representative, it would not be a surprise.

X may have been more critically acclaimed, but Black Flag may have been a more symbolic representation of the Punk scene in Los Angeles. Their Hardcore Punk sound flirted with Metal and with a verbal assault as edgy as their guitars, few bands ever sounded as fierce. Their ace in the hole may be the charismatic Henry Rollins, who has developed a larger-than-life personality and as such could propel Black Flag into an induction over other Punk bands that may be equally (or more) deserving.

Should Black Flag be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put them in! - 77.9%

Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 12.5%

Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 5.8%

No opinion. - 1%

No way! - 2.9%

The Bullet Points

Previous Rank: 2011: #92
2012: #85
2013: #79
2014: #74
2015: #75
2016: #78
Eligible Since: Thursday, 01 January 2004
Country of Origin: U.S.A. (Los Angeles, CA)
Why they will get in: Their respect factor is still growing.
Why they won't get in: They may be behind other Punk acts.
Nominated in: Never
Essential Albums: Damaged (1981)
My War (1984)
Slip It In (1984)
Our Five Favorite Songs as Chosen by Each Member of the NIHOF Committee: Rise Above (From Damaged, 1981)
Six Pack (From Damaged, 1981)
T.V. Party (From Damaged, 1981)
Beat My Head Against the Wall (From My War, 1984)
Black Coffee (From Slip It In, 1984)