Negative Approach is an American hardcore punk band, formed in Detroit, Michigan in 1981. The band is considered among the pioneers of hardcore punk, particularly in the Midwest region. Like most hardcore bands, Negative Approach was little known in its day outside of its hometown. It is now idolized in the Detroit rock underground and the punk subculture, considered to be one of the elite bands of the “old school” era, and continues to be influential; the Tied Down festival in Detroit is named after their Tied Down LP.

Negative Approach initially broke up in 1984 with singer John Brannon moving on to the Laughing Hyenas, and later Easy Action, but the band has reformed as of 2006 and continues to tour sporadically.

NA’s brand of hardcore was savage and nihilistic, exuding frustration, pessimism, and rage. This was personified in vocalist Brannon, an intimidating and intense young man with a shaved head, piercing stare, and belligerent attitude. His vocal style and stage presence set the standard for those that followed.

As of 2026, the band consists of Brannon on vocals, Harry Richardson on guitar, Ron Sakowski on bass, and John Lehl on drums. The “classic” lineup is Brannon on vocals, Rob McCulloch on guitar, Graham McCulloch on bass, and Chris “OP” Moore on drums. To this day, the band still has a powerful stage presence and tends to play their songs faster and with a nastier tone than on studio recordings.