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Guy Picciotto Biography

guy-picciotto
  • Born: September 17, 1965 in Washington DC
  • Years Active: 1980s-2000s
  • Member of: Fugazi
  • Genre: Rock & Alternative

Ian MacKaye is arguably the most recognizable name when it comes to Fugazi (and quite possibly, all of Washington D.C. hardcore), but that's not to say that his Fugazi bandmate, singer/guitarist Guy Picciotto, hasn't contributed significantly to the group as well. Born in D.C. on September 17, 1965, it was a local Cramps show in 1979 that inspired Picciotto to get involved in the punk scene (strangely enough, MacKaye was at the same show and also lists it as a life-changing event), while further Clash and Bad Brains gigs convinced him to form his own band. Soon after, Picciotto befriended school classmate/drummer Brendan Canty, resulting in the formation of such obscure groups as Black Light Panthers and Insurrection. It was also around this time that Picciotto first met MacKaye as he was forming the hardcore groundbreakers Minor Threat. As a result, MacKaye signed Canty and Picciotto's next group, the Rites of Spring, to Minor Threat's label, Dischord. Formed during the spring of 1984, the Rites of Spring was an incredibly short-lived group, who only managed to issue a full-length (1985's Rites of Spring) and a 7" ngle (1986's four-track All Through a Life), but proved to be incredibly influential, especially years later with emocore bands. Canty and bassist Joe Lally formed a new group with their pal MacKaye in 1987, and it didn't take long for the trio to invite Picciotto onboard as well, resulting in the formation of Fugazi. Few rock groups can claim to be as uncompromising as Fugazi has been since their inception, as they became renowned for their penchant for keeping record and ticket prices to their shows affordable, and continually turning down offers to jump to a major label. Like Minor Threat and Rites of Spring before it, Fugazi instantly became one of underground rock's most respected and influential outfits, especially on the strength of such classic releases as 1990's 13 Songs, 1990's Repeater, and 1993's In on the Killtaker. Additionally, Picciotto has found the time to work with other bands -- lending a hand in either producing, engineering, or mixing albums by such bands as Blonde Redhead, Chisel, Make Up, and Quix*o*tic, and has also made super 8 movies (Silly Game, Please Cry, etc.). ~ Greg Prato, Rovi

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