Boston’s music history has become a little less loud, as Alan Scott Barile, co-founder of respected and influential hardcore band SS Decontrol and the father and architect of the city’s explosive ’80s-era hardcore scene, has died after a long illness. He was 63.
The news was confirmed by Barile’s longtime partner, Nancy, on social media on Sunday (April 7). She writes: “I never met anyone who was his own person as much as Al was. No one made me laugh more. There was always a story. We loved each other unbelievably, and my heart is crushed into a million pieces. I am so incredibly grateful for our 43 years together. I can’t even think of how to go on without him, but I know he will ALWAYS be with me.”
With SS Decontrol, eventually shortened to SSD after the band’s first two albums, Barile was a musical and cultural force, teaming with his bandmates Jaime Sciarappa, Chris Foley, and Springa to elevate Boston hardcore and raise the national and global profile of the straight edge movement. SSD nurtured their scene through DIY all-ages shows at non-traditional venues, such as Boston’s Gallery East and Media Workshop, forging new ways for bands to be heard and reach youthful audiences, and formed a network with other like-minded scenes around the northeast and up and down the East Coast.
But it was his efforts here in Boston that solidified his legacy, leading changes in the musical landscape that are still felt today.
“Legend. The father of BHC. SS DECONTROL (SSD) forever,” writes Sean McNally. “Today’s a sad day for American Hardcore.”
The band’s seminal 1981 debut album The Kids Will Have Their Say remains an iconic release in the genre, from its confrontational sound and lyricisms to its cover depicting the youth storming the steps of the Massachusetts State House. A split release between Barile’s X-Claim label alongside new D.C. label Dischord, it went on to influence countless bands over the past several decades, including Pearl Jam, Youth of Today, BLAST, Slapshot, Soundgarden, Agnostic Front, Have Heart, and Nirvana, among many others.
“The intersection of Boston, sports, and straight edge begins with Al and SS Decontrol,” declares Ten Yard Fight. “We are forever indebted to your influence. Rest in Peace.
Even forty years after the band’s split, it’s not uncommon these days to find touring musicians in any genre wearing SSD t-shirts on stage for their Boston gig as a tribute to Barile.
“Flags should be at half mast to acknowledge the passing of an absolute legend today,” writes Bridge Nine Records. “Bridge Nine would not exist if not for the efforts of this man, a dozen or so years before we released our first record. Al built the foundation that we stand upon, and from his influence and inspiration, we continue championing the community that he started building over forty years ago. Thank you for letting us be one of your collaborators. Our deepest respect and condolences to Al and his wife and partner of 43 years, Nancy.”
Barile would go on to work for General Electric for 35 years, but never lost his voice in the music scenes he helped create. He’d return to the stage with his band Gage in the ’90s, and earlier this year SSD was elected into the New England Music Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2025.
He was diagnosed with cancer in 2023, and a few days before his death took to social media to tell friends and family that his end was near. The tributes began surfacing almost immediately.
“Without Al Barile and @ssdecontrolofficial none of us in the hardcore punk scene would be doing what we’re doing today and we are forever grateful for that,” writes Converge. “Rest in peace and thank you for providing the spark for so many. We’ll do our best to keep it going.”
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