State of Alert

State of Alert

Company type	Band
Industry	Music
Founded	1980
Defunct	1981
Headquarters	Washington, D.C. , United States
Key people	Henry Rollins (Henry Garfield), Michael Hampton, Wendel Blow, Simon Jacobsen, Ivor Hanson
Products	Hardcore punk music, EPs: No Policy, First Demo 12/29/80
Website	www.dischord.com/band/state-of-alert

State of Alert (S.O.A.) was a hardcore punk group originating from Washington, D.C. in October 1980, remaining active until July 1981. Led by Henry Rollins, known then as Henry Garfield, S.O.A. played a pivotal role in shaping the D.C. hardcore movement.

History

Following the departure of vocalist Lyle Preslar from the Extorts, S.O.A. was established with Rollins stepping in as the lead singer. The band's lineup consisted of Rollins on vocals, Michael Hampton handling guitar duties, Wendel Blow on bass, and Simon Jacobsen behind the drums.

From December 1980 through January 1981, the group recorded their 10-track 7-inch EP No Policy at Inner Ear Studios, with production by Skip Groff and engineering by Don Zientara. This EP was released in March 1981 through Dischord Records as the label’s second offering, and was funded by Rollins because Dischord was already committed to supporting Minor Threat.

In April 1981, drummer Simon Jacobsen was succeeded by Ivor Hanson. Hanson’s family residence at the Naval Observatory provided the band with a unique rehearsal space under the watchful eye of the Secret Service.

S.O.A. played nine shows mainly along the East Coast, including performances at prominent venues such as the 9:30 Club and participation in Washington, D.C.’s Unheard Music Festival.

Rollins characterized their brief appearances as intense bursts featuring songs that typically lasted less than a minute.

After disbanding, three tracks by S.O.A.—"I Hate the Kids," a cover of UK Subs' "Disease," and a rendition of Boyce and Hart's "Stepping Stone Party"—were featured on Dischord’s influential compilation Flex Your Head released in 1982.

The No Policy EP was subsequently reissued on Dischord compilations such as Four Old 7-inchs on a 12-inch (1984) and Dischord 1981: The Year in Seven Inches (1995). In 2014, early demo recordings were made available through Dischord as First Demo 12/29/80.

Legacy and other projects

S.O.A. is primarily remembered as Henry Rollins’ initial band prior to his involvement with Black Flag and founding Rollins Band. The group also represents a significant example of early "DC hardcore", impacting bands such as Detroit’s Negative Approach and New York’s Agnostic Front.

Following S.O.A., Hampton and Hanson established the Faith in 1981 alongside Alec MacKaye, and later collaborated with Ian MacKaye to form Embrace in 1985. In 1986, Hampton joined One Last Wish with Guy Picciotto and Brendan Canty and also performed with the Snakes. Transitioning towards indie rock, Hampton reunited with Hanson to create Manifesto in 1988 and subsequently worked with members of Ivy in the project Paco.

Wendel Blow advanced his musical career through involvement with Iron Cross and Lethal Intent.

Band members

Past members

• Henry Garfield − lead vocals (1980–1981)
• Michael Hampton − guitar (1980–1981)
• Wendel Blow − bass guitar (1980–1981)
• Simon Jacobsen − drums (1980–1981)
• Ivor Hanson − drums (1981)

EPs

• No Policy 7-inch record (1981, Dischord)
• First Demo 12/29/80 7-inch release (2014, Dischord)

Compilation appearances

• Tracks "I Hate the Kids", "Disease", and "Stepping Stone Party" featured on Flex Your Head (1982, Dischord)
• Entire No Policy EP included in Four Old 7-inchs on a 12-inch (1984, Dischord)
• Complete No Policy EP also present on Dischord 1981: The Year in Seven Inches (1995, Dischord)
• "Public Defender" track included in the 20 Years Of Dischord (1980 - 2000) box collection (2002, Dischord)

External links

• State of Alert at Dischord Records