Al Barile, Born as Alan Scott Barile on 4th October 1961, was a guitar player and co-founding member of the straight-edge hardcore punk band from Boston, SSD, formerly known as SS Decontrol. He breathed his last at the age of 63. According to an Instagram post from his wife, author Nancy Barile, Al passed away peacefully with her by his side. Al fought a rough and lengthy battle with colon cancer, which he was diagnosed with in 2022.
Al always wished to play music as a kid, but initially, he was not sure whether he had what it takes to be one, as compared to his classmates who were guitar players in cover bands. It was only after watching the Ramones in the late 70s that Al began to attend punk shows rigorously at the clubs in and around Boston. During this period, he did not even know how to play the guitar, but his passion made him start assembling a lineup for a new band in high school.
Al Barile and SSD
In the summer of 1981, the official formation of SSD happened in Boston, featuring Al Barile on guitar alongside singer David “Springa” Spring, bassist Jamie Sciarappa, and drummer Chris Foley, who apparently happened to be the only one with experience in playing an instrument at that time. Soon after, the band released its debut album, The Kids Will Have Their Say, in 1982. SSD is highly famous for being one of the most important and influential hardcore punk bands in the whole of England. The group still remains one of the loudest and the most vocal bands in the whole music scene of Boston during the 80s. Al Barile was the band leader and also the primary songwriter, driving the band up to the straight-edge stance that they are famous for.
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