Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

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Comedian Shapel Lacey (instagram.com/shapellacey/) discusses the power of music, inspiration and how a 1981 Black Flag video sparked a lifelong punk obsession that shaped his identity, art, and resilience.


Shapel Lacey tour dates (shapellacey.com/) | comedy special (youtube.com/watch?v=NFlg-SL5iOY&t) | Mad Peaceful band (youtube.com/watch?v=TJ0UbXEogn8)


Topics Include:


• Talks local record stores, Amoeba, old Sunset location

• Discovers deep-cut Swedish hardcore at Eastside Records, Arizona

• Reflects on pre-streaming era, hunting records in person

• Notices rosary on Crash's grave, debates his beliefs

• Traces punk discovery to junior high guitar class

• Friend introduces him to ska punk, then Black Flag

• Watches 1981 Target video of Rollins-era Black Flag

• Rise Above vocals trigger emotional, tearful revelation

• Explains Black Flag filled a void from turbulent childhood

• Contrasts Korn/Deftones' anger with punk's empowering message

• Credits Rollins with teaching self-understanding and personal growth

• Recalls performing onstage with Rollins at Ohio festival

• Anger management counselor used Rollins to redirect his aggression

• Growing up Black, punk, skateboarding in Arizona desert

• Faced criticism from all sides for musical taste

• Explored funk, hip-hop, grunge without genre boundaries

• Connects N.W.A. and Black Flag's shared themes of injustice

• Discusses punk and hip-hop confronting police brutality parallels

• Champions open-mindedness across seemingly opposite music scenes

• Describes local DIY scene at Mesa's Nile basement

• Panhandled for five dollars to attend all-ages shows

• Cheerleading came after punk, called "most punk rock" act

• Discusses tattoos, straight-edge culture, Minor Threat connection

• Shares personal encounters meeting Henry Rollins and Ian MacKaye

• Praises Rollins and MacKaye's discipline, historical knowledge, friendship

• Draws parallels between punk and comedy's DIY authenticity

• Talks band Mad Peaceful, growing sold-out comedy success

• Discusses Australia tour interest, interview wrap up


High resolution version of this podcast is available at: Patreon.com/VinylGuide (patreon.com/VinylGuide)


• Apple: tinyurl.com/tvg-ios

• Spotify: tinyurl.com/tvg-spot

• Amazon Music: tinyurl.com/tvg-amazon

• Support the show at Patreon.com/VinylGuide (patreon.com/vinylguide)