Alan Scott Barile, founder and guitarist of the hardcore band SS Decontrol (SSD), passed away on Sunday (6) in Boston after a long illness. Barile, along with his bandmates Jaime Sciarappa, Chris Foley, and Springa, created the influential “straight-edge” movement, rejecting drugs and alcohol and helping to shape the Boston hardcore scene in the early ’80s.
SSD’s albums The Kids Will Have Their Say (1981) and Get It Away (1982) earned them international recognition. Though the band disbanded in 1985, they impacted bands such as Agnostic Front and Fu Manchu and even played a key role in developing Seattle’s grunge scene with bands like Nirvana, Soundgarden, and Pearl Jam. Barile worked as a mechanical engineer and returned to the stage with his band, Gage, in the ’90s.
SSD was ultimately elected into the New England Music Hall of Fame class of 2025. Barile, who remained active in political causes, was also devoted to his 43-year relationship with Nancy, whom he met through SSD.
Our thoughts go with Barile’s family and friends during this difficult time.
Feature Image Photo Credit: Glen E. Friedman
