Formed in Evanston, Illinois in 1981, Big Black was one of the most influential bands in punk rock history. Their abrasive, challenging sound was a mix of hardcore punk, industrial, and experimental noise rock. Big Black stood out thanks to their use of drum machines and their controversial lyrics that dealt in subjects such as racism, murder, and other sordid subjects. Founded by guitarist, vocalist, and producer Steve Albini – born in Pasadena, California on July 22, 1962 – he initially recorded the first Big Black EP, Lungs (1982), as a solo project. The group grew into a trio with the addition of Naked Raygun members guitarist Santiago Durango and bassist Jeff Pezzati. They released their second EP, Bulldozer, in 1983, which was followed by the Racer X EP in 1985. Pezzati left Big Black to focus his energy on Naked Raygun while Durango left Naked Raygun to join Big Black full time. Pezzati was then replaced by bassist Dave Riley. Big Black released their debut album, Atomizer, in 1986, which was a critical success and became an underground / indie punk classic. That same year, they released The Hammer Party, a compilation that combined their Lungs and Bulldozer EPs. Albini and Big Black had issues with their label, Homestead Records, and chose to move over to the Touch and Go label for the release of their Headache EP in 1987. Although they were becoming one of the most promising bands of the indie punk movement, tensions within the group – including Riley’s problems with alcohol – and Durango’s intentions to enter law school led to their decision to break up. Before they split, they recorded and released their second and final album, Songs About Fucking (1987). Another critical success, the album has made many Top 50 / 100 / 200 Albums of the ‘80s lists since its release. Steve Albini went on to form Rapeman and Shellac and produce and / or engineer albums by artists such as Nirvana, The Pixies, Jimmy Page & Robert Plant, P.J. Harvey, and many others. Steve Albini died of a heart attack in his recording studio on May 7, 2024. He was 61 years old.
