Hardcore OG Dez Cadena is set to revisit a crucial chapter of his career with a special, one-time-only performance in Philadelphia this spring. On May 16, 2026, Cadena will take the stage at Philamoca for a matinee show billed as “Dez Does Black Flag,” marking the first time he has performed a full Black Flag set front and center since leaving the band in 1981.
The set promises to span Cadena’s entire Black Flag era, including early material from his time as the band’s vocalist, later songs he contributed to as a guitarist—such as “My War” and “Nothing Left Inside”—and even tracks he originally wrote that were later recorded by Henry Rollins, including “Rise Above” and “Spray Paint.” The performance will also feature rarities, including songs in their original forms that were never officially recorded and later evolved into different compositions.
Cadena will be backed by an all-star lineup featuring members of Philadelphia bands Violent Society, Battalion Zoska, and Godammit.
Cadena first joined Black Flag as vocalist in 1980, recording several foundational singles before transitioning to guitar when Rollins entered the band. He remained a key contributor through the group’s mid-era, helping shape landmark material like My War and Slip It In before departing in the early ’80s.
While Cadena has revisited Black Flag material in recent years as part of FLAG alongside Keith Morris, Chuck Dukowski, Bill Stevenson, and Stephen Egerton, this performance marks a rare opportunity to see him take on a full set of the band’s catalog in a headlining role.
Outside of Black Flag, Cadena’s résumé includes stints in DC3, Vida, and a notable run with the Misfits, further cementing his status as a pivotal figure in hardcore and punk history.
The May 16 show at Philamoca begins at 1 p.m. and also features support from NOUN (featuring members of Screaming Females, The Taxpayers, and Pinkwash), The Droogettes, and The Brood (members of Witch Hunt and Mischief Brew).
***
Tagged: black flag
