Ep547: Greg Ginn - Black Flag, SST Records

Ep547: Greg Ginn - Black Flag, SST Records

Author: The Vinyl Guide April 27, 2026 Duration: 1:07:13

In a rare interview, Greg Ginn opens up about the latest Black Flag lineup, the SST catalogue, the possibility of long-overdue reissues and the legacy of one of punk's most beloved bands.

Tickets for Black Flag's 2026 Australian Tour

Topics Include:

  • Greg Ginn is based in Texas but currently in Long Beach after a tour.
  • Black Flag is heading to Hong Kong and then Australia next.
  • This will be Black Flag's third tour of Australia.
  • Rumors of new recordings remain unconfirmed — Ginn stays tight-lipped.
  • The current lineup has been together for about a year.
  • Band plays nearly two hours a night across two full sets.
  • Proximity of bandmates in Texas keeps the band constantly tight.
  • Ginn discovered punk through the Stooges, MC5, and New York bands.
  • Television, Ramones, Blondie, and The Damned were early major influences.
  • Ginn identifies more with open, varied 70s punk than 80s hardcore.
  • He never planned to be in a band — guitar was a personal outlet.
  • Finding like-minded people in the mid-70s was genuinely rare and meaningful.
  • Ginn started a business at 12 selling ham radio equipment he built.
  • He published his own amateur radio magazine as a teenager.
  • Black Flag's first EP was recorded as a demo, not a label release.
  • Nobody wanted to sign them, so starting SST was a reluctant default.
  • Ginn has applied the same DIY experimentation to an organic fertilizer brand.
  • He gets bored easily and improvisation is central to keeping music alive.
  • Ginn stays connected to a song's emotional meaning, not just its notes.
  • Seven band members once lived in a single room during Black Flag's peak.
  • Lineup changes were mostly practical — commitment and lifestyle demands were extreme.
  • Ginn isn't interested in nostalgia-driven reunions; best music matters most now.
  • Fans frequently thank him personally for helping them through difficult life periods.
  • He avoids fiction, movies, and video games — prefers reality and constant learning.
  • SST vaults are mostly bare — nearly everything recorded was officially released.
  • Ginn is open to remastering but skeptical of padding albums with leftover cuts.
  • He notes Dead Kennedys recently remixed Fresh Fruit — and wants to hear it.
  • Ginn doesn't own a working turntable; portability matters more to him than format.
  • SST catalog reissues — including Stains, Dicks, Overkill — are a genuine possibility.
  • Ginn believes Black Flag's songs remain timeless, attracting both parents and their kids.

High resolution version of this podcast is available at: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide

Picts by Edward Colver


There's a particular kind of conversation that happens when two people who are deeply passionate about music get together, surrounded by shelves of records. The Vinyl Guide-Artist Interviews for Record Collectors and Music Nerds captures that feeling perfectly. Hosted by Nate, a dedicated collector and enthusiast, this podcast feels less like a formal interview and more like you're overhearing a great chat in the back of a record store. The discussions naturally weave through artists' creative processes, the stories behind iconic albums, and the tangible magic of the format itself. You'll hear from musicians, producers, and other insiders who live and breathe vinyl, offering perspectives that go far beyond the liner notes. But it's not just about the artists; it's for the collectors, too. Episodes often delve into the practical, nerdy details that make this hobby so compelling-like distinguishing between a common pressing and a rare, valuable find, or learning how to properly care for your collection so it lasts for decades. It’s that blend of artistic insight and collector-focused knowledge that gives this podcast its unique character. Whether you're a seasoned cratedigger or just appreciate the warmth of an analog recording, these conversations offer a rich, human connection to the music you love, all centered around the grooves of a vinyl record.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The Vinyl Guide - Artist Interviews for Record Collectors and Music Nerds
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