Direct Control

Direct Control was a short-lived hardcore punk band from Hermosa Beach, California. Formed in 1980, the band consisted of vocalist John Sox, guitarist Fred Cole, bass guitarist Mike Watt, and drummer Chuck Dukowski. All members had previously been in the LA punk band The Reactionaries.

Direct Control was known for its aggressive sound and confrontational lyrics. The band's only album was released in 1981 on Posh Boy Records. Entitled “D.C.”, the album was produced by Spot and featured 13 songs, including the singles "We're Only Gonna Die" and "Butthole Surfer."

Direct Control played a handful of shows in California, but the band quickly fell apart due to creative differences. Watt and Dukowski would go on to form Minutemen, while Cole formed the bands Pompeii 99 and Pierced Arrows. John Sox would later form the band Just Cause.

In 2018, a documentary film about Direct Control was released. The film, entitled "DIRECT CONTROL: The Rise and Fall of L.A.'s First Hardcore Punk Band", was directed by Steve Krikorian and featured interviews with all four members of the band.

Direct Control is considered to be one of the pioneers of the hardcore punk genre. The band's short but influential career helped to inspire a new generation of punk musicians.