It’s finally happening! After months and months of livestreams and social media posts, the godfathers of punk rock, Bad Religion, are going to be touring! They’re playing live shows, people! If this doesn’t thrill you to no end, we don’t know what will.
Being able to see Greg Graffin live, walking side to side on the stage, opening his arms to the crowd as if he’s asking everyone for a giant hug (at least that’s what we see… he might just be motioning to the crowd in a general way, but the hug thought makes us happier). Hearing his exact voice that you are so used to hearing on their recordings, with no voice filters. What better way could we spend an evening?
With mega punk hits like, “American Jesus,” “21st Century (Digital Boy),” “Sorrow,” “You,” “Infected,” and so, so many more since 1980, you wonder how they could get any better and yet, they do! Their last release, 2019’s “Age of Unreason,” was a 14-track masterpiece that included the chart topping song, “My Sanity.”
The guys in Bad Religion put the “punk” in punk rock! Lead guitarist Brian Baker is a founding member of ‘80s punk sensation, Minor Threat. Rhythm guitarist Mike Dimkich used to be in The Cult and Channel 3. Drummer Jamie Miller used to be in the nu-metal band, Snot. Evolutionary biologist, Greg Graffin is the lead vocalist, songwriter, and only constant member of Bad Religion over the last 40 years. If it wasn’t for bassist Jay Bentley’s super short separation from the band in the early ‘80s, he’d hold that constant member title with Graffin. It is unknown so far if guitarist Brett Gurewitz will be joining them on the tour, but as the owner of Epitaph Records, we’re pretty sure he will have plenty to do if he doesn’t join the guys.
BAD RELIGION | PHOTO by GREEN-EYED BLONDE PHOTOGRAPHY
Bad Religion is touring with pop punk band Alkaline Trio, and special guests War on Women. Alkaline Trio is best known for their songs, “Mercy Me,” “Radio,” “Calling All Skeletons,” and also having the newest member of Blink-182 in their band, Matt Skiba. But they are so much more than that! If you’re a NOFX fan, Alkaline Trio also happens to be one of Fat Mike’s favorite bands and even has their logo tattooed on his arm.
The tour kicks off Friday, October 15th at the Riverside Municipal Auditorium in Riverside. If you haven’t been to this venue yet, you are in for a treat. It’s on beautiful grounds in historic Riverside, and the building is gorgeous. The inside of the venue matches the outside and is not giant, so you have a feeling of a somewhat intimate show with these amazing musicians. Unfortunately, this show is sold out, but there are many more dates on this tour because they will be playing for almost two solid months!
Be on the lookout for our show review and photos from our award-winning photographers!
