Ian MacKaye

Ian MacKaye (pronounced Mc-Eye) (b. April 16, 1962) is an American musician, probably best known as the founder and owner of Dischord Records, a Washington, D.C.-based punk rock label, and as the singer for two important punk rock groups: Minor Threat and Fugazi.

Straight Edge

The song "Straight Edge" was written by Ian for his band, Minor Threat and was released in 1981 on Minor Threat's self titled EP. The song, according to The Manchester Newspaper in 1997, was written as an obituary for a friend of MacKaye's who died from an overdose of heroin. Ian expressed his pain, anger, and his determination of being clean and pure of any type of drug. It was a song that described a life free of smoking, drinking, drug use, and promiscuity. It began to influence youth culture as Minor Threat gained popularity through numerous live shows and through sales of the song on their EP. Over time, people adopted the philosophy of the song and many bands began to label themselves straight edge, founding the straight edge movement. MacKaye has since stated in multiple interviews that the straight edge movement does not reflect his opinions.

Related Topics:
The Manchester Newspaper - Obituary - Heroin - Drug - Smoking - Drinking - Promiscuity - Straight edge movement

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