Ian MacKaye
Vocalist, guitarist, and co-founder of Dischord Records. Born April 16, 1962 in Glover Park, son of a Washington Post religion writer who rode in JFK's motorcade the day the president was assassinated. Discovered punk in November 1978 via borrowed British records, attended his first show three months later when The Cramps played Georgetown. Formed the Teen Idles with Jeff Nelson, then Minor Threat in December 1980. Wrote "Straight Edge" as a personal choice about sobriety, never intending to start a movement. After Minor Threat dissolved in 1983 over U2-related creative tensions, he fronted Embrace during Revolution Summer, dabbled in industrial with Pailhead, then co-founded Fugazi in 1987. Turned down Ahmet Ertegun's $10 million offer in 1993. Produced albums for Bikini Kill and Rollins Band. Became vegan, viewing it as a logical extension of straight edge principles. Remains punk's most uncompromising voice, refusing major labels, high ticket prices, and corporate media for over four decades.