Ignition were a short‑lived but influential Washington, D.C. punk band active from 1986 to 1989, built around the lineup of Alec MacKaye (vocals), Chris Bald (guitar), Chris Thomson (bass), and Dante Ferrando (drums). They emerged from the tight-knit Dischord Records scene, with members previously involved in key D.C. hardcore groups like Faith, Gray Matter, and Soulside, and quickly became known for chaotic, unpredictable live shows—including one infamous set that ended before they finished a single song after Bald smashed his gear in frustration. They toured heavily, including a long European run that made them one of the first Dischord bands to play overseas, and released two albums and several 7"s, later compiled into the 1994 collection Complete Services.
