Minutemen

Seminal American punk band Minutemen, formed in early 1980 in San Pedro, California and are considered hugely important and influential in the formation of American alternative and indie rock. Although they never had any mainstream success, their third album Double Nickels on the Dime is considered one of the greatest albums of all time and was key in the downfall of the hardcore punk. By ignoring all the preconceived stylistic ideas about what punk was, the Minutemen redefined the genre. They have been cited as a major influence by such alt rock greats as Henry Rollins and Red Hot Chili Peppers -- who dedicated their seminal album Blood Sugar Sex Magik to Minutemen bassist Mike Watt. The Minutemen played together until the death of frontman D. Boon in December 1985.