Ian MacKaye was the original vocalist of the hardcore punk band Minor Threat.
MacKaye co-founded Minor Threat in Washington, D.C., in 1980 with guitarist Lyle Preslar, bassist Brian Baker, and drummer Jeff Nelson. His forceful delivery and direct lyrics became central to the band’s compact, influential recordings.
Minor Threat’s music helped define early American hardcore through releases including the Minor Threat EP, In My Eyes, and Out of Step. The song “Straight Edge” also gave its name to a youth subculture that rejected alcohol and other drugs, although MacKaye has often emphasized personal choice rather than a formal movement.
MacKaye is sometimes confused with Henry Rollins because both became prominent Washington-area hardcore vocalists. Rollins, however, was the singer of Black Flag, while MacKaye remained Minor Threat’s vocalist until the group ended in 1983.