Fugazi

Fugazi is an American post-hardcore band formed in 1987 in Washington, D.C. by Ian MacKaye, Guy Picciotto, Brendan Canty, and Joe Lally. Emerging from the D.C. hardcore scene, the group became known for precise, economical compositions, intense live performances, and a strong DIY ethic aligned with MacKaye’s Dischord Records. They operated largely outside traditional commercial channels, avoiding major-label deals and limiting merchandising and touring to what they deemed sustainable. Their approach influenced many later indie, punk, and post-hardcore acts.

The band released a series of influential albums beginning with the self-titled EP Fugazi in 1988, followed by Repeater (1990), Steady Diet of Nothing (1991), and In on the Kill Taker (1993). Subsequent records include Red Medicine (1995), End Hits (1998), and The Argument (2001). Fugazi’s music is marked by sharp guitar work, dynamic shifts, economical arrangements, and often politically or socially charged lyrics, delivered in a direct, uncompromising style.

Legacy and status: Fugazi is widely regarded as a major influence on the post-hardcore and indie rock scenes, noted for reinforcing the idea of artistic autonomy, independent distribution, and community-oriented touring. The band paused regular activity in the early 2000s and has since performed only sporadically, with no new studio albums released after The Argument. Their impact on independent music endures through the bands they inspired and the enduring example of their DIY ethics.