The Band
SSD (Society System Decontrol) is considered by most to be the first Straight Edge branded band. Hailing from Boston, Massachusetts, the band formed in the Summer of 1981. Their debut album The Kids Will Have Their Say (1982) set the tone not only for music, but fashion, photography, and even the font for all Straight Edge bands who came after. Led by guitarist Al Barile, whose label X-Claim put out this iconic debut, the band became legendary for their intense, explosive, action-fueled live performances. Lead singer David “Springa” Spring, bassist Jaime Sciarappa and drummer Chris Foley rounded out the lineup, and guitarist Francois Levesque joined the band in 1982. SSD’s extended group of friends, known as “The Boston Crew,” became about as famous as the band itself. The band disbanded in 1985, never to reform.
Listen
Videos
The Book
How Much Art Can You Take? — the story of SSD in photos and words.
For signed copies, email NancyBarile2@gmail.com.
Merchandise & Memorabilia
Records, shirts, and official merchandise are available from Trust Records.
For stickers, guitar picks, postcards, Al Barile signed postcards, keychains, and other memorabilia, email NancyBarile2@gmail.com.
Contact
If you’d like to interview a member of the band or need other information, contact Nancy at NancyBarile2@gmail.com.
In Memory of Al Barile
Get your colonoscopy! To donate to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Al’s name:
GAGE
SSD wasn’t the end of the story. In the 1990s, Al Barile returned to the stage with a new band: GAGE.