Back in Washington D.C. in 1977, four black guys formed a jazz/funk outfit called Mind Power. All the while we was jazz, we wanted to innovate, HR says. We wanted to be part of something new and different and real. We was continually seeking. And then I saw the Sex Pistols album, and I said, BOOM! This is it! The credit for introducing safety pins and punk rock goes to Sid McCray, an early vocalist for the band.
     
      Influenced by the Pistols, Eater and the Clash, as well as Led Zeppelin, Mind Power changed their name after six months to the Bad Brains and dove head first into punk rock. It was the Clash s version of Police and Thieves that introduced the band to reggae. The foursome bought a house in suburban Maryland. They went to jobs and school during the day, and rehearsed furiously at night to build stamina and speed.
     
      After 6 months, the band ditched their daytime commitments (among them: washing cars, laundering clothes, and working in a bomb factory). HR forfeited 3 years of pre-med to go professional. They distributed flyers outside DC new wave clubs fo... (More Bad Brains Biography)