Minor Threat

thumb|Minor Threat performing at the Wilson Center in Washington, D.C., in 1981 Minor Threat was an American hardcore punk band, formed in 1980 in Washington, D.C., by vocalist Ian MacKaye and drummer Jeff Nelson. MacKaye and Nelson had played in several other bands together, and recruited bassist Brian Baker and guitarist Lyle Preslar to form Minor Threat. They added a fifth member, Steve Hansgen, in 1982, playing bass, while Baker switched to second guitar. The band was relatively short-lived, disbanding after only three years together, but had a strong influence in the emerging American hardcore punk scene, both stylistically and in helping to further establish the "do it yourself" ethic for music distribution and concert promotion. Minor Threat's song "Straight Edge" was the basis of the straight edge movement, which emphasized a lifestyle without alcohol or other drugs, or promiscuous sex. Quotes about Minor Threat Formed in 1980 by a bunch of furious teenage outcasts from D.C.'s Wilson High School and led by the infernally charismatic Ian McKaye, Minor Threat found artistry in economy, pumping the bottomless teenaged well of rage − against the establishment, against the cops, against apathy and each other − to fuel blistering, ferociously short sharp sonic shocks in the form of songs. The beats were monochromatic and the instruments were raced as fast as they could possibly go − the goal was catharsis through the passionate expenditure of energy. Andy Greenwald, as quoted from the book Nothing Feels Good: Punk Rock, Teenagers, and Emo. (published November 15, 2003). St. Martins Griffin. pp. 9. External links Category:American bands Category:Punk rock bands