Biography Dez Cadena

Dennis (Dez) Paul Cadena (born June 2, 1961) is an American singer and guitarist. He was the third vocalist and later rhythm guitarist for hardcore punk band Black Flag.

Dez Cadena joined Black Flag in 1980, replacing singer Chavo Pederast. During the first year of touring with the band, his hoarse voice became a recognizable and often imitated style of singing in hardcore punk. Eventually, Cadena decided he wanted to play guitar. Guitarist and leader Greg Ginn felt Black Flag did not need more than one guitar.

Cadena left Black Flag following the release of Damaged. He went on to play in DC3. Before, during and after his stint in Black Flag, Cadena was a member of Redd Kross, Twisted Roots, and Ella and the Blacks, a band which he co-founded. He also made a guest appearance on Hüsker Dü's 1984 double album, Zen Arcade.

During the mid 90s, Dez teamed up with George Hurley and Tom Troccoli to form Vida. Their self-titled album was released by Blue Man from Uranus Records. The band has since dissolved. He's also played with Boner and Dave Markey in Carnage Asada.

Most recently, Cadena toured with The Misfits' 25th Anniversary tour and played guitar on the band's Project 1950 album. He is currently still touring with the band, which features Jerry Only on bass and vocals and ROBO, another past Black Flag member and former Misfits Drummer, on drums. The Misfits are set to work and record a new studio album for which Cadena is expected to have a major hand in both writing and singing the songs. The album is set to be released in 2007, to coincide with the Misfits 30th anniversary since their formation in 1977.

Cadena currently plays lead guitar for punk rock supergroup Osaka Popstar, along with Jerry Only, Marky Ramone, John Cafiero and Ivan Julian. The band has released one album to date, Osaka Popstar and the American Legends of Punk, in 2006.

His father, Ozzie Cadena, was the co-founder of Savoy Records.

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