Black Flag‘s Greg Ginn Recalls Spotting New Vocalist Screaming Lyrics at a Show
Thorndale, TX – Black Flag guitarist Greg Ginn revealed the surprising origin story of the band’s new vocalist, Zanelly, in a recent interview wiht The New York Times-his frist in 13 years. Ginn said he noticed Zanelly singing along with every word at a Black Flag performance months before he began assembling the band’s current lineup.
The revamped Black Flag features a significantly younger roster alongside Ginn, including 22-year-old drummer Bryce weston and bassist Rodriguez. Ginn initiated the search for new musicians after singer Mike Vallely departed earlier this year, seeking players located near his home in Thorndale, Texas.Weston, who was teaching drums at a local School of Rock at the time, recalled the excitement of informing his students he’d joined the iconic punk band: “It was cool being able to go back and tell my students. ‘I’m now the drummer for this band I was teaching you the songs of, like, a year ago.'” Rodriguez was working at a restaurant when Ginn extended the invitation.
Zanelly, who was a waitress at the time of her recruitment, described her reaction as a matter of seizing a rare prospect.”I was just like, ‘OK, [expletive] it.’ Like, when is an opportunity like this going to come in my life ever again?” she said. She admitted to having no prior experience screaming into a microphone, practicing by belting out Black Flag songs on her drive home from work until she lost her voice.
Addressing concerns about the age gap within the band, ginn referenced Robert Plant’s age when Led Zeppelin formed, noting, “Robert Plant was 19 when Led Zeppelin started.” He added that maturity is individual, regardless of age.
Black Flag is currently touring, with upcoming dates in Florida and Texas, followed by West Coast shows in January and appearances at the Coachella festival on April 12th and April 19th. Tickets are available at StubHub.
