Fugazi

Fugazi is one of the most famous and influential bands from the post-hardcore punk movement of the 1980s. The group was formed in Washington, DC, in 1986, by vocalist and guitarist Ian MacKaye (formerly of Minor Threat), along with vocalist/guitarist Guy Picciotto, bassist Joe Lally, and drummer Brendan Canty. The group is famous for their fiercely independent DIY mindset, and for their rejection of exploitative record industry practices. The group’s debut self-titled EP was released in 1988, followed by an extensive tour of Europe. This was followed by a second EP titled Margin Walker (1989), and both EPs would then be bundled together as a single release titled 13 Songs (1989). The group quickly started recording their first official full-length studio album, Repeater (1990). Again the release was followed by extensive touring throughout the United States and Europe, performing over 250 shows between 1990 and 1991 and steadily increasing their following. Fugazi released their second album Steady Diet of Nothing in 1991, and the hype that had been built by the extensive touring turned the album into a tremendous success for the independent band. Their third album In on the Kill Taker (1993) became their first to chart on the Billboard album charts, and it also received critical acclaim by publications such as Rolling Stone. After turning down a $10 million record deal as well as the opportunity to perform at Lollapalooza, Fugazi chose to self-produce their fourth album Red Medicine (1994), which showed increased experimentation by the band. This would be followed by End Hits (1998) and The Argument (2001), after which the group went on indefinite hiatus.