Big Black

Big Black was an American punk rock band from Evanston, Illinois, active from 1981 to 1987. Founded by singer and guitarist Steve Albini, the band's initial lineup also included guitarist Santiago Durango and bassist Jeff Pezzati, both of Naked Raygun. In 1985, Pezzati was replaced by Dave Riley.

Their aggressive and abrasive music was characterized by distinctively clanky guitars and the use of a drum machine rather than a drum kit. The band's lyrics dealt frankly with politically and culturally loaded topics including murder, rape, child sexual abuse, arson, racism, and misogyny. However, these controversial lyrics were meant to serve as a commentary or a display of distaste for the subject matter.

Big Black shunned the mainstream music industry and insisted on complete control over all aspects of their career. They booked their own tours, paid for their own recordings, refused to sign contracts, and eschewed many of the traditional corporate trappings of rock bands. Their staunch criticism of the commercial nature of rock set them apart in the industry.