Guy Picciotto

Guy Picciotto (pronounced [ˈɡi piˈtʃotto]) is an American punk rock musician from Washington, DC. He is most widely known for his roles as the guitarist and vocalist for the groups Rites of Spring and Fugazi.

Rites of Spring and “Revolution Summer”
Guy Picciotto has been a highly influential composer/ performer of underground music over the past several musical epochs. His early bands such as the Hostages, Popes, Vanguards, and Insurrection, played at parties, basements, bonfires, and social gatherings. Picciotto was also a member of the highly exclusive and secretive Washington, D.C. social club D.O.D. or “Dance of Death” whose members were identified by their dangerous and nihilistic dancing style (rolling on the floor while others slam-danced). Picciotto came to renown in 1985, with the group Rites of Spring. Rites of Spring were known for their cathartic live shows, demolished equipment, and distinctive musical presentation. This was an odd combination of sonic aggression, melodic sensibility, and Byronic aesthetic. This formula, called by various names, spawned copycat groups around the globe. Rites of Spring were one of a handful of D.C. bands that were part of what was called “Revolution Summer,” along with the groups Beefeater, Soulside, Mission Impossible, and Embrace.