jacksjukebox

Type the word ‘punk’ into google. The words that are associated with it: violence; criminal; delinquent; hooligan. Many hardcore and punk bands took pride in this, even using it as a selling point. But a group of well-travelled punk musicians from Washington DC defied this notion, taking the genre down a brand new road of business and ethics.

It was 1986, the vocalist and guitarist of hardcore punk band ‘Minor Threat’, Ian MacKaye, felt like he was destined for a different direction. He was sick of the current trends in the punk scene and wanted a new project “reminiscent of The Stooges, with a slice of Reggae”. Fugazi was born.

At a time when the hardcore scene in America needed a kick in the teeth to save a faltering genre, Fugazi took the baton and ran with it. Taking inspiration from a wide range of influences, including more ‘mainstream’ bands which were looked at with disdain from the majority of the hardcore scene, such as Led Zeppelin and Queen. They combined punk with reggae and funk, whilst using innovative guitar work often defying the notion of ‘lead’ and ‘rhythm’.

Not only were Ian MacKaye and co. innovative in their musical style, they showed a rare business nuance which many artists lacked at the time. Fugazi were one of the main instigators in bands adopting a ‘DIY ethics’ approach to their touring. They felt no need to rip off their fans with over-priced merch, so simply didn’t bother with it. Hence saving on the costs of a full-time merch salesperson. But this was just the tip of the iceberg.

In an attempt of showing their fans that there’s always other ways of doing things, whilst simultaniously relieving the threat of ‘boredom of touring’, the band often sought out non-traditional rock venues to perform. Often in unusual venues such as a YMCA gym in Philly, which led to this historic photo.

Maybe the most admirable ethic the band possessed was their rule of never charging over $5 for a ticket. They (rightly so) viewed the usual prices for gigs as ‘tantamount to price gauging their most loyal fans’. If only modern day artists held the same view.

And they did everything in their power to make sure the fans got their fivers worth. They strongly fought against violence at their gigs. Kicking out anybody who was taking things too far, but not forgetting to refund them their $5 admission fee before being thrown out, of course.

The most impressive thing though? Every single Fugazi tour was profitable in a way most bands strive for. A welcome reminder of how ethics do not have to be forgotten throughout this business world.

I could go on for much longer about ‘Dischord Records’, Ian MacKaye’s record company he set up in 1980 which progressed the scene even more than Fugazi itself. But that’s for another day. Just another example of the rare business brain Mr. MacKaye possesses.

If modern day artists could take just a slither of influence from the way Fugazi went about their business, the industry would be a much better, more inclusive place.

In a world where Taylor Swift charges well over $100 for admission to her average-at-best shows, try to be a bit more Fugazi.

Peace, see you next time.