Minor Threat

Minor Threat

44631 fans

Minor Threat were a pioneering American hardcore punk band formed in Washington, D.C., in 1980. Known for their aggressive sound, raw energy, and straight-edge ethos, the band played a key role in shaping the hardcore punk scene of the 1980s and beyond. Their lineup included Ian MacKaye on vocals, Lyle Preslar on guitar, Brian Baker on bass (later switching to guitar), and Jeff Nelson on drums, with Steve Hansgen joining as bassist in 1982. The band released a brief but highly influential discography, primarily through Dischord Records, the independent label co-founded by Ian MacKaye and Jeff Nelson. Their seminal EPs, including Minor Threat (1981), In My Eyes (1981), and their sole 12", Out of Step (1983), are considered classics of the genre. Their music was marked by fast tempos, sharp melodies, and fiercely confrontational lyrics that tackled themes of alienation, individuality, and self-control. Minor Threat were also instrumental in popularizing the straight-edge movement, which advocated for abstinence from alcohol, drugs, and other self-destructive behaviors. Though the band did not intend to create a rigid lifestyle code, songs like "Straight Edge" inspired a subculture within punk that continues to this day. Despite their impact, Minor Threat was short-lived, disbanding in 1983 after just three years together. However, their influence endures, both as a defining voice in hardcore punk and as a model for DIY ethics in independent music. Ian MacKaye went on to form Fugazi, another highly influential band, while other members pursued their own musical projects. The band have still put out releases sporadically over the years, and in November 2024 issued their first 7" in digital form.

Top tracks

08
Minor Threat
Minor Threat
First Two Seven Inches
01:29
Writer: Ian MacKaye / Composers: Jeff Nelson - Brian Baker - Lyle Preslar - Ian MacKaye
01
Filler
Minor Threat
First Two Seven Inches
01:32
Writer: Ian MacKaye / Composers: Jeff Nelson - Brian Baker - Lyle Preslar - Ian MacKaye
10
12XU
Minor Threat
First Two Seven Inches
01:04
Writer: Graham Lewis - Bruce Gilbert / Composers: Graham Lewis - Bruce Gilbert
11
In My Eyes
Minor Threat
First Two Seven Inches
02:49
Writer: Ian MacKaye / Composers: Jeff Nelson - Brian Baker - Lyle Preslar - Ian MacKaye
14
Steppin' Stone
Minor Threat
First Two Seven Inches
02:12
Writer: Tommy Boyce - Bobby Hart / Composers: Tommy Boyce - Bobby Hart
02
I Don't Wanna Hear It
Minor Threat
First Two Seven Inches
01:14
Writer: Ian MacKaye / Composers: Jeff Nelson - Brian Baker - Lyle Preslar - Ian MacKaye
04
Straight Edge
Minor Threat
First Two Seven Inches
00:45
Writer: Ian MacKaye / Composers: Jeff Nelson - Brian Baker - Lyle Preslar - Ian MacKaye
08
Out Of Step
Minor Threat
Out of Step
01:20
Writer: Ian MacKaye / Composers: Jeff Nelson - Brian Baker - Steve Hansgen - Lyle Preslar - Ian MacKaye
01
Betray
Minor Threat
Out of Step
03:04
Writer: Ian MacKaye / Composers: Jeff Nelson - Brian Baker - Steve Hansgen - Lyle Preslar - Ian MacKaye
01
Stumped
Minor Threat
Salad Days
01:53
Writer: Ian MacKaye / Composers: Jeff Nelson - Brian Baker - Steve Hansgen - Lyle Preslar - Ian MacKaye
06
Screaming At A Wall
Minor Threat
First Two Seven Inches
01:32
Writer: Ian MacKaye / Composers: Jeff Nelson - Brian Baker - Lyle Preslar - Ian MacKaye
03
Seeing Red
Minor Threat
First Two Seven Inches
01:03
Writer: Ian MacKaye / Composers: Jeff Nelson - Brian Baker - Lyle Preslar - Ian MacKaye
05
Small Man, Big Mouth
Minor Threat
First Two Seven Inches
00:55
Writer: Ian MacKaye / Composers: Jeff Nelson - Brian Baker - Lyle Preslar - Ian MacKaye
03
Salad Days
Minor Threat
Salad Days
02:46
Writer: Ian MacKaye / Composers: Jeff Nelson - Brian Baker - Steve Hansgen - Lyle Preslar - Ian MacKaye
09
Cashing In
Minor Threat
Out of Step
03:43
Writer: Ian MacKaye / Composers: Jeff Nelson - Brian Baker - Steve Hansgen - Lyle Preslar - Ian MacKaye
03
Think Again
Minor Threat
Out of Step
02:18
Writer: Ian MacKaye / Composers: Jeff Nelson - Brian Baker - Steve Hansgen - Lyle Preslar - Ian MacKaye
04
Look Back & Laugh
Minor Threat
Out of Step
03:16
Writer: Ian MacKaye / Composers: Jeff Nelson - Brian Baker - Steve Hansgen - Lyle Preslar - Ian MacKaye
07
Guilty Of Being White (Demo)
Minor Threat
First Demo Tape
01:18
Writer: Ian MacKaye / Composers: Jeff Nelson - Brian Baker - Steve Hansgen - Lyle Preslar - Ian MacKaye
13
Guilty Of Being White
Minor Threat
First Two Seven Inches
01:17
Writer: Ian MacKaye / Composers: Jeff Nelson - Brian Baker - Lyle Preslar - Ian MacKaye
02
It Follows
Minor Threat
Out of Step
01:50
Writer: Ian MacKaye / Composers: Jeff Nelson - Brian Baker - Steve Hansgen - Lyle Preslar - Ian MacKaye
07
Little Friend
Minor Threat
Out of Step
02:18
Writer: Ian MacKaye / Composers: Jeff Nelson - Brian Baker - Steve Hansgen - Lyle Preslar - Ian MacKaye
09
Stand Up
Minor Threat
First Two Seven Inches
00:52
Writer: Ian MacKaye / Composers: Jeff Nelson - Brian Baker - Lyle Preslar - Ian MacKaye
06
No Reason
Minor Threat
Out of Step
01:57
Writer: Ian MacKaye / Composers: Jeff Nelson - Brian Baker - Steve Hansgen - Lyle Preslar - Ian MacKaye
07
Bottled Violence
Minor Threat
First Two Seven Inches
00:54
Writer: Ian MacKaye / Composers: Jeff Nelson - Brian Baker - Lyle Preslar - Ian MacKaye
02
Good Guys (Don't Wear White)
Minor Threat
Salad Days
02:22
Writer: Ed Cobb / Composers: Ed Cobb
01
Minor Threat (Demo)
Minor Threat
First Demo Tape
01:36
Writer: Ian MacKaye / Composers: Jeff Nelson - Brian Baker - Steve Hansgen - Lyle Preslar - Ian MacKaye
02
Stand Up (Demo)
Minor Threat
First Demo Tape
00:49
Writer: Ian MacKaye / Composers: Jeff Nelson - Brian Baker - Steve Hansgen - Lyle Preslar - Ian MacKaye
09
Asshole Dub
Minor Threat
20 Years of Dischord (Rare and Unreleased)
03:33
Writer: Ian MacKaye / Composers: Jeff Nelson - Brian Baker - Lyle Preslar - Ian MacKaye
01
In My Eyes (Out of Step Outtake)
Minor Threat
Out of Step Outtakes
03:04
Writer: Ian MacKaye / Composers: Ian MacKaye - Jeff Nelson - Lyle Preslar - Steve Hansgen - Brian Baker
05
Small Man, Big Mouth (Demo)
Minor Threat
First Demo Tape
00:59
Writer: Ian MacKaye / Composers: Jeff Nelson - Brian Baker - Steve Hansgen - Lyle Preslar - Ian MacKaye
04
Bottled Violence (Demo)
Minor Threat
First Demo Tape
00:56
Writer: Ian MacKaye / Composers: Jeff Nelson - Brian Baker - Steve Hansgen - Lyle Preslar - Ian MacKaye
08
I Don't Want To Hear It (Demo)
Minor Threat
First Demo Tape
01:27
Writer: Ian MacKaye / Composers: Jeff Nelson - Brian Baker - Steve Hansgen - Lyle Preslar - Ian MacKaye
03
Addams Family (Out of Step Outtake)
Minor Threat
Out of Step Outtakes
01:46
Writer: Ian MacKaye / Composers: Ian MacKaye - Brian Baker - Lyle Preslar - Steve Hansgen - Jeff Nelson
06
Straight Edge (Demo)
Minor Threat
First Demo Tape
00:48
Writer: Ian MacKaye / Composers: Jeff Nelson - Brian Baker - Steve Hansgen - Lyle Preslar - Ian MacKaye
05
Sob Story
Minor Threat
Out of Step
01:50
Writer: Ian MacKaye / Composers: Jeff Nelson - Brian Baker - Steve Hansgen - Lyle Preslar - Ian MacKaye
06
Understand
Minor Threat
20 Years of Dischord (Rare and Unreleased)
01:54
Writer: Ian MacKaye / Composers: Jeff Nelson - Brian Baker - Lyle Preslar - Ian MacKaye
03
Seeing Red (Demo)
Minor Threat
First Demo Tape
01:02
Writer: Ian MacKaye / Composers: Jeff Nelson - Brian Baker - Steve Hansgen - Lyle Preslar - Ian MacKaye
02
Filler (Out of Step Outtake)
Minor Threat
Out of Step Outtakes
01:40
Writer: Ian MacKaye / Composers: Ian MacKaye - Jeff Nelson - Steve Hansgen - Lyle Preslar - Brian Baker

Playlists

Hardcore Essentials
Hardcore Essentials

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  • Discography
Albums
First Two Seven Inches
Dischord Records
01-06-1984
First Two Seven Inches
01
Filler
Minor Threat
First Two Seven Inches
01:32
Writer: Ian MacKaye / Composers: Jeff Nelson - Brian Baker - Lyle Preslar - Ian MacKaye
02
I Don't Wanna Hear It
Minor Threat
First Two Seven Inches
01:14
Writer: Ian MacKaye / Composers: Jeff Nelson - Brian Baker - Lyle Preslar - Ian MacKaye
03
Seeing Red
Minor Threat
First Two Seven Inches
01:03
Writer: Ian MacKaye / Composers: Jeff Nelson - Brian Baker - Lyle Preslar - Ian MacKaye
04
Straight Edge
Minor Threat
First Two Seven Inches
00:45
Writer: Ian MacKaye / Composers: Jeff Nelson - Brian Baker - Lyle Preslar - Ian MacKaye
05
Small Man, Big Mouth
Minor Threat
First Two Seven Inches
00:55
Writer: Ian MacKaye / Composers: Jeff Nelson - Brian Baker - Lyle Preslar - Ian MacKaye
06
Screaming At A Wall
Minor Threat
First Two Seven Inches
01:32
Writer: Ian MacKaye / Composers: Jeff Nelson - Brian Baker - Lyle Preslar - Ian MacKaye
07
Bottled Violence
Minor Threat
First Two Seven Inches
00:54
Writer: Ian MacKaye / Composers: Jeff Nelson - Brian Baker - Lyle Preslar - Ian MacKaye
Access the complete album info (14 songs)
Out of Step
Dischord Records
01-01-1983
Out of Step
01
Betray
Minor Threat
Out of Step
03:04
Writer: Ian MacKaye / Composers: Jeff Nelson - Brian Baker - Steve Hansgen - Lyle Preslar - Ian MacKaye
02
It Follows
Minor Threat
Out of Step
01:50
Writer: Ian MacKaye / Composers: Jeff Nelson - Brian Baker - Steve Hansgen - Lyle Preslar - Ian MacKaye
03
Think Again
Minor Threat
Out of Step
02:18
Writer: Ian MacKaye / Composers: Jeff Nelson - Brian Baker - Steve Hansgen - Lyle Preslar - Ian MacKaye
04
Look Back & Laugh
Minor Threat
Out of Step
03:16
Writer: Ian MacKaye / Composers: Jeff Nelson - Brian Baker - Steve Hansgen - Lyle Preslar - Ian MacKaye
05
Sob Story
Minor Threat
Out of Step
01:50
Writer: Ian MacKaye / Composers: Jeff Nelson - Brian Baker - Steve Hansgen - Lyle Preslar - Ian MacKaye
06
No Reason
Minor Threat
Out of Step
01:57
Writer: Ian MacKaye / Composers: Jeff Nelson - Brian Baker - Steve Hansgen - Lyle Preslar - Ian MacKaye
07
Little Friend
Minor Threat
Out of Step
02:18
Writer: Ian MacKaye / Composers: Jeff Nelson - Brian Baker - Steve Hansgen - Lyle Preslar - Ian MacKaye
Access the complete album info (9 songs)
EPs
First Demo Tape
Dischord Records
01-06-2003
First Demo Tape
01
Minor Threat (Demo)
Minor Threat
First Demo Tape
01:36
Writer: Ian MacKaye / Composers: Jeff Nelson - Brian Baker - Steve Hansgen - Lyle Preslar - Ian MacKaye
02
Stand Up (Demo)
Minor Threat
First Demo Tape
00:49
Writer: Ian MacKaye / Composers: Jeff Nelson - Brian Baker - Steve Hansgen - Lyle Preslar - Ian MacKaye
03
Seeing Red (Demo)
Minor Threat
First Demo Tape
01:02
Writer: Ian MacKaye / Composers: Jeff Nelson - Brian Baker - Steve Hansgen - Lyle Preslar - Ian MacKaye
04
Bottled Violence (Demo)
Minor Threat
First Demo Tape
00:56
Writer: Ian MacKaye / Composers: Jeff Nelson - Brian Baker - Steve Hansgen - Lyle Preslar - Ian MacKaye
05
Small Man, Big Mouth (Demo)
Minor Threat
First Demo Tape
00:59
Writer: Ian MacKaye / Composers: Jeff Nelson - Brian Baker - Steve Hansgen - Lyle Preslar - Ian MacKaye
06
Straight Edge (Demo)
Minor Threat
First Demo Tape
00:48
Writer: Ian MacKaye / Composers: Jeff Nelson - Brian Baker - Steve Hansgen - Lyle Preslar - Ian MacKaye
07
Guilty Of Being White (Demo)
Minor Threat
First Demo Tape
01:18
Writer: Ian MacKaye / Composers: Jeff Nelson - Brian Baker - Steve Hansgen - Lyle Preslar - Ian MacKaye
Access the complete album info (8 songs)
Salad Days
Dischord Records
01-04-1985
Salad Days
01
Stumped
Minor Threat
Salad Days
01:53
Writer: Ian MacKaye / Composers: Jeff Nelson - Brian Baker - Steve Hansgen - Lyle Preslar - Ian MacKaye
02
Good Guys (Don't Wear White)
Minor Threat
Salad Days
02:22
Writer: Ed Cobb / Composers: Ed Cobb
03
Salad Days
Minor Threat
Salad Days
02:46
Writer: Ian MacKaye / Composers: Jeff Nelson - Brian Baker - Steve Hansgen - Lyle Preslar - Ian MacKaye
Singles
Out of Step Outtakes
Dischord Records
01-12-2023
Out of Step Outtakes
01
In My Eyes (Out of Step Outtake)
Minor Threat
Out of Step Outtakes
03:04
Writer: Ian MacKaye / Composers: Ian MacKaye - Jeff Nelson - Lyle Preslar - Steve Hansgen - Brian Baker
02
Filler (Out of Step Outtake)
Minor Threat
Out of Step Outtakes
01:40
Writer: Ian MacKaye / Composers: Ian MacKaye - Jeff Nelson - Steve Hansgen - Lyle Preslar - Brian Baker
03
Addams Family (Out of Step Outtake)
Minor Threat
Out of Step Outtakes
01:46
Writer: Ian MacKaye / Composers: Ian MacKaye - Brian Baker - Lyle Preslar - Steve Hansgen - Jeff Nelson
Featured in
20 Years of Dischord (Rare and Unreleased)
Dischord Records
01-10-2002
20 Years of Dischord (Rare and Unreleased)
01
Get Up & Go (Version)
Teen Idles
20 Years of Dischord (Rare and Unreleased)
01:27
Writer: Nathan Strejcek / Composers: Jeff Nelson - Ian MacKaye - Geordie Grindle - Nathan Strejcek
02
Deadhead (Version)
Teen Idles
20 Years of Dischord (Rare and Unreleased)
01:41
Writer: Nathan Strejcek / Composers: Jeff Nelson - Ian MacKaye - Geordie Grindle - Nathan Strejcek
03
Steppin’ Stone
Untouchables
20 Years of Dischord (Rare and Unreleased)
02:12
Writer: Tommy Boyce - Bobby Hart / Composers: Tommy Boyce - Bobby Hart
04
Draw Blank (Version)
S.O.A.
20 Years of Dischord (Rare and Unreleased)
00:39
Writer: HENRY GARFIELD / Composers: Simon Jacobsen - Wendel Blow - Michael Hampton - HENRY GARFIELD
05
Straight Edge [Live]
Minor Threat
20 Years of Dischord (Rare and Unreleased)
01:09
Writer: Ian MacKaye / Composers: Jeff Nelson - Brian Baker - Lyle Preslar - Ian MacKaye
06
Understand
Minor Threat
20 Years of Dischord (Rare and Unreleased)
01:54
Writer: Ian MacKaye / Composers: Jeff Nelson - Brian Baker - Lyle Preslar - Ian MacKaye
07
Snubbing
Government Issue
20 Years of Dischord (Rare and Unreleased)
00:59
Writer: John Stabb / Composers: Mark Alberstadt - Brian Gay - John Barry - John Stabb
Access the complete album info (23 songs)