Ep550: Black Flag Vocalist Max Zanelly

Ep550: Black Flag Vocalist Max Zanelly

Author: The Vinyl Guide May 20, 2026 Duration: 36:19

Black Flag vocalist Max Zanelly shares how she went from waitressing to fronting one of punk's most legendary bands and how the new lineup is carving their own space in legacy of the band.

Australian tour tickets and info here.

Topics Include:

  • Max Zanelly checks in from Toronto, post-Canada tour
  • Black Flag heading to Australia: four cities in late May
  • One year ago, Max had just started rehearsing with Black Flag
  • Only prior music experience: saxophone in middle school band
  • A longtime fan, Max attended a Black Flag show in Vancouver
  • Greg Ginn noticed Max singing every word from the front row
  • Numbers exchanged; Greg said he wanted to make music someday
  • A month later: the vocalist left, Greg offered Max the role
  • Max sent vocal demos and flew to Texas to rehearse
  • Already knew the full catalog; My War was the gateway album
  • Side two's slow, sludgy tracks resonated the most deeply
  • Favourite songs to perform live
  • New recordings underway, still at early instrumental stages
  • Max currently writing lyrics for a potential new Black Flag record
  • Big age gap with Greg, but the band dynamic gels well
  • Lineup reveal photos triggered massive online backlash before any shows
  • Live shows quickly won skeptics over, including 80s-era veterans
  • Henry Rollins is Max's personal favourite past Black Flag vocalist
  • First rehearsals: nervous and shy about screaming into a mic
  • Fake-it-till-you-make-it; fully unleashed onstage by the fourth show
  • Voice conditioned gradually; 24-hour rest between shows is enough
  • Bassist David sparked Max's interest in record collecting on tour
  • Grew up religious; told mum she was just selling band merch
  • Mum eventually came around; Max now inspiring women to start bands

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


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: 100

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