Wow! Ron Reyes just posted a lengthy statement on Facebook announcing he has decided to leave Black Flag, stating he believes the band “fell very short indeed and the diminishing ticket sales and crowds are a testament to that.” You can read the full statement below.
It is unclear whether Black Flag’s new album What The…, which features Reyes on vocals, is still going to be released on December 13th via SST Records. If it does see the light of day (aside from being posted online), it will be the first album released under the Black Flag name since 1985′s “In My Head.”
Black Flag or “What The…”
November 26, 2013 at 5:21pm
“On November 24th 2013 the last night of the Australian Hits and Pits tour with two songs left in the set Mike V comes on stage stares me down, takes my mic and says “You’re done, party’s over get off it’s over…” He said something else to me but it was a lie so I won’t repeat it here. So with a sense of great relief that it was finally over I left the stage and walked to the hotel room. They finished the set with Mike V on vocals. There is much more that can and perhaps should be said. But for now I will spare you the gory details.
The writing was on the wall since before we played our first show. So many things went wrong from the start. I was into things like having a good drummer, rehearsing and spending time on things like beginnings and endings of songs, being a little less distracted with tour life and a little more on the ball. You know things that would make our efforts worthy of the name Black Flag… Yes it is my opinion that we fell very short indeed and the diminishing ticket sales and crowds are a testament to that. However It was made clear to me that raising these issues was tantamount to a blasphemous stab in the back to Greg. How could I question him, his efforts and hard work?How could I dare be a fan of OFF! And or be friends and a fan of Flag? I was told that I had to chose sides. But I refuse to treat someone like an infallible Pope figure. No guitarist deserves such unquestioning blind devotion.
And so I have been excommunicated in a very strange fashion. I truly feel sorry for anyone who had to witness the infantile behavior and the relentless provocation I was subjected to both on and off the stage. I regret that under such fierce provocation and taunting I sometimes responded in manners bellow my standard. I am grateful for the opportunities Greg gave me. There were some magical moments at first. I was naive enough to believe in the promise of potential. But in the end the good was no match for the overwhelming bad. I am proud of my contributions including the new album and it’s cover. Come on folks it’s only rock n roll.
I would not be surprised if Mike V becomes the new singer for Black Flag. It is my opinion that they have been planing this for some time. I wish them well. Mike is a true disciple of Greg and so they have a good working relationship. And ironically the tension over the last weeks has brought out some of Greg’s best playing. So it could be interesting.
I will miss playing with Dave Klien. He is a great kid and truly an outstanding bass player. Dave was an anchor that kept me from losing my place on a nightly basis. Trust me that was no easy task for either of us. I truly apologize for being in or more accurately “appearing” to be in competition with “Flag”. They know my heart on this matter. From the beginning I was happy for them and fully supported and understood why they would want to rock those songs and have a good time with friends and family. Yes I questioned their use of the name and logo but in no way questioned their motivation or right to do their thing. I envy them for they have succeeded in ways that were never possible with “Black Flag”.
And once again for the record, I agreed to do Black Flag before I knew there was a Flag. I mean no malice towards Greg or Mike although they will most likely see things very differently. I wish them luck and prosperity. I have learned many valuable lessons this year. And these lessons will enrich my personal and musical endeavors. Cheers. Ron Reyes.”
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ok black flags time is done, it was done in 85 and thats it, no turning back, fuck both bands and the band off, there all garbage, black flag is over, no more music, no more performances, no more bullshit, just shut up, get off the stage, and move on with ur lives u old fuckin idiots selling out too make money off ur music that wasnt worth shit too anyone 30 years ago in the mainstream world, and thats what black flag wants now, they all want mainstream fame but wont admit it……unlike the real hardcore bands who say fuck that, we aint coming back ever, black flag just doesnt know when too quit.
Join Flag.
Yea they fell on their faces, Watch Ginn get some unknown singer for crap flag.
Manny Tonche thats a new one ahhaha
That’s sad I like Reyes and I knew it wouldn’t work because ginn is a fucking asshole simple as that I hope everyone leaves and it’s just him while flag is still playing shows
Michele Belli
Saw Black Flag at the Hits & Pits fest in melbourne. They just lacked energy or something. By the end of the night there were like 50 people left in the audience. You could tell there was definite tension between the guys in the band.
RT @DyingScene: Ron Reyes announces departure from Black Flag, says he thinks the band “fell very short”: http://t.co/9nrWCJreLT
That’s not Black Flag, that’s a Black Flag cover band
I guess he will be concentrating on PIGGY!
Honestly I never listened to Black Flag until the song “The Chase” came out so when I did hear it he sounded pretty good to me. Now if they could get Henry Rollins back that would be something.
How about now Greg Ginn departing from BF so this damn thing will be over with for good?
I always liked Ron. The guy’s a class act.
If only Greg could take some pointers…
he dident quit he got thrown out…. im sure if the show reviews where good he wouldnt have jumped sides..
The amount of ignorance in the comments here is staggering. Ron is a great guy and a killer frontman. Hope he sings some songs with Flag.
A sad day in history when they split,living it all over again before I get the chance to see em’Fuck it that’s life I guess.
I bet Mike Vallely gets a cut of the royalties too. Seems like Greg Ginn thinks the sun shines out of his ass
RT @DyingScene: Ron Reyes announces departure from Black Flag, says he thinks the band “fell very short”: http://t.co/9nrWCJreLT
RT @DyingScene: Ron Reyes announces departure from Black Flag, says he thinks the band “fell very short”: http://t.co/9nrWCJreLT
The worst part of the gig was that I had to sit thru that shithole band boysetsfire, and I had to pay $100 at the door. Excruciating! I love hearing Ron sing ‘revenge’, but never want to hear him attempt ‘my war’.
not surprised.
RT @DyingScene: Ron Reyes announces departure from Black Flag, says he thinks the band “fell very short”: http://t.co/9nrWCJreLT