Crass
The Ex

Big Black

Chuck D. and Neil Young.

Your central point sucks. I was luckily introduced very early to:
Steve Albini- In general, you don't have to compromise anything to be successful.
Ian Mackaye- Made me realize that there is a choice; I don't have to drink/do drugs (harm myself).
I hate to think what kind of person I would I be if it weren't for these people or the many bands and people that strengthen these arguments. I certainly don't think I'd be healthier mentally or physically.
Good job, have another beer.

johnh wrote:Your central point sucks.
...
Good job, have another beer.

You might want to find a rock role model to warn you about sanctimony.

Good topic.

D. Boon- Minutemen

Made me think about the world in a way that challenged the Reagan 80's me-generation. And did so without making my teenager self feel like I needed to fit in by being an idiot mohawked anarchist with an Exploited jacket... or a skinhead with an X on his hand that likes to get in fights and date rape goth girls.

LKJ

James Brown- instrumental in race relations in the 60s, singlehandly (with band) prevented what could have been a veery violent race riot... James Brown good for the races bad for the wives...

Rock music has the changed world....full stop. To quote Tuli Kupferberg referencing the bible: "When the mode of the music changes, the walls of the city shake". There has always been music that embodies or characterizes radical change. Crass is a good example.

I just want to second D Boon and throw in Watt for good measure. What the fuck would my life be without those guys?