Negative Approach

Negative Approach is a hardcore punk band formed in Detroit, Michigan, in 1981 by vocalist John Brannon and guitarist Rob McCulloch. Bassist Graham McCulloch and drummer OP Moore replaced the short-lived original rhythm section and this line-up remains, for many, the definitive Negative Approach line-up. The band was noted for their furious musical approach, combining hardcore punk and oi styles, unique for it's time, and Brannon's angry lyrics and vocals. The band released one EP and one LP (both on the Touch And Go label) during their lifetime. The classic Negative Approach line-up split in 1983 around the release of LP. Brannon attempted to tour with a new line-up but the group split after a short-time on the road.

In 2006, it was announced that the band would be reuniting for an appearance at Touch And Go's 25th Anniversary celebration in Chicago. However, the reunion was controversial since only Brannon and Moore would represent the original line-up, with Brannon explaining that the McCulloch brothers were too out of practice to be able to perform at the show. The McCullochs denied this and maintained that the appearance should not be billed as a Negative Approach reunion. Ron Sakowski (bass) and Harold Richardson (guitar) completed the new line-up. They have continued to perform and tour in the years since the Touch And Go show.