Fugazi, a punk band from Washington, D.C, formed in 1987, has become a foundation for the underground music scene, forever impacting sound, politics, and DIY fashion. Composed of members of various punk bands like Minor Threat and Rites of Spring, Fugazi was a supergroup of three young punk rockers. Lead singer and guitarist Ian MacKaye, drummer Brendan Canty, and bass player Joe Lally, became Fugazi, undoubtedly making a reputation for their hardcore music and high energy.
In its origins, Fugazi was focused on political correctness, which was demonstrated through their benefit concerts and lyrics in songs such as “Suggestion,”, from their 1989 album, 13 Songs. The lyrics, “Why can’t I walk down a street free of suggestion? Is my body the only trait in the eye’s of men…” and “He touches her ’cause he wants to feel it, We blame her for being there,” reference social dynamics that attribute to the objectification of women and preaching equality for those with silenced voices. Fugazi played at the local Weinberg Center in Downtown Frederick, Maryland nearly 40 years ago, in November, 1987. Their show benefited the Heartly House, a Frederick-based non-profit organization aimed at providing safety and shelter to women and children in abusive households.
Beyond their music, Fugazi’s affiliation with the underground punk scene came with deep ties to the “DIY” desire to break free from mainstream culture and fashion trends. The 80’s were known for eclectic, attention grabbing fashion, and in accordance with the DIY scene, Fugazi did not perform in flashy outfits like most rock stars. Fugazi influenced the DIY culture, leaving fans encouraged to create their own styles through sustainability and non-conformity. The band strongly emphasized to fans that it is okay for them to dress how they wanted, regardless of mainstream fashion and their socioeconomic status.
As an ode to their fans and anti-commercialism, Fugazi kept ticket prices below $6, and CD’s below $12. Inclusivity continues to remain a key component of punk scenes, with many bands taking the holistic approach that Fugazi once preached by promoting low cost shows that don’t have corporate profit-driven affiliations.
Lead singer, Ian MacKaye, founded Dischord Records, which self-managed Fugazi. As a part of the punk movement, bands like Fugazi, refused to sign to major corporate labels in order to keep their music affordable and accessible to all fans. Even after Fugazi disbanded in 2002, their influence continued to resonate in underground music scenes. Dischord Records continues to release new music and document the punk scene that continues Fugazi’s legacy, exemplifying the punk movement to future generations of local music.
Sources
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Fugazi
https://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/fugazi/suggestion.html
