Anti-Flag

Band page created in 2005.

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Biography

Anti-Flag is a punk rock band based in the United States, formed in 1988 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and known for its outspoken left-wing political views. Much of this has focused on fervent anti-war activism, criticism of United States imperialism, corporatism, U.S. wealth distribution, and various sociopolitical sentiments. Members include singer/guitarist Justin Sane, singer/bassist Chris Barker, guitarist Chris Head, and drummer Pat Thetic; Chris Barker ("Chris #2") replaced original bassist Andy Flag in 1999 following his departure two years prior. The band is known also for their advocacy of progressive political action groups such as Greenpeace and Amnesty International. Most recently, the band has focused criticism on the United States bailouts, which were executed to give massive portions of capital directly towards salvaging the national banks.

New Red Archives released their first album, Die for the Government, in 1996. Andy Flag also left the band that year because of personal disputes between himself and Justin. Chris Head began filling in on bass in 1997 and then moved to guitar after Jamie Cock took over bass in 1998. The current lineup finalized in 1999 when Chris #2 replaced Jamie on bass. During this time they released albums on Go Kart Records and Fat Wreck Chords, as well as their own label, A-F Records. Of these, Underground Network (recorded by legendary punk producer Mass Giorgini), is widely considered as their "breakthrough" album, successfully connecting the band with its largest audience to that point.

On October 8, 2004, U.S. Representative Jim McDermott gave a speech in the House of Representatives, praising Anti-Flag for working to encourage young people to register and vote.

In 2005 Anti-Flag signed a two-album record contract with major label RCA, though their label A-F Records remains independent. Their first major-label album, For Blood And Empire, was released on March 21, 2006.

On November 25th, 2007 Anti-Flag revealed on their official site that their new album will be titled The Bright Lights of America. It was produced by Tony Visconti and was released on April 1, 2008.

Their latest album recently came out in August of 2009, called The People or the Gun.