A band with a name that means “bad religion” and lyrics that mean “good religion,” Bad Religion became one of the most famous rock bands in the 90s and today. They had their style of music, and many fans believed they were the greatest rock band of the 80s and 90s.
Bad Religion was formed in 1979 by Brett Gurewitz, Greg Graffin, and Jay Bentley. Tony Lombardo joined them in 1980 and Jeff Nelson in 1982. The band’s name comes from a term used by fans to insult their favorite bands, a phrase that became the band’s nickname.
Further, D.R.I., Minor Threat, and Black Flag influenced the band's fast, heavy sound.
However, their lyrics mainly focused on social issues and criticizing religion. In their early years, they released two singles, “Life in Prison” and “Welcome Home.” “Life in Prison” became a fan favorite and is still performed live today.
Releasing the Album “The Recipe”
After the release of the album “Suffer,” Bad Religion was nominated for a Grammy Award for “Best Metal Performance,” a first for any band in the history of the genre.
After this success, the band released the album “The Recipe,” which included the songs “The Way Out Is Through” and “The Good Life.” In addition, the song “Happiness in Slavery” was featured in the movie “Heathers.”
Their Album “No Control”
After the album “The Recipe,” Bad Religion released the album “No Control.” It was highly successful, and it was certified gold. The album was made up of the songs “Babes in Toyland,” “No Control,” and “I Don’t Wanna Be Your Jesus.”
During 1982, the band unveiled its debut album, “Suffer,” followed by “Racial Choices” in 1984. These albums and their 1988 release, “How Could Hell Be Any Worse?” became staples of college radio stations.
In 1986, the band released their most commercially successful record, “Stranger than Fiction.” The album sold over 800,000 copies and was certified Gold in the U.S. The single “Down to the Bone” was also a Top 40 hit.
Their Greatest Hits
In 1989, Bad Religion recorded the compilation album “Greatest Hits,” which contained the songs “Bad Religion,” “A New Kind Of Truth,” “Happiness in Slavery,” and “The Way Out is Through.” This album won a Grammy Award.
In 1989, the band signed with major label Atlantic Records, releasing their major label debut, “Suffer Again,” in 1990. In terms of sales, the album sold over a million copies.
Later, in 1991, they released the album “Up All Night,” which contained the songs “Don’t Want to Die,” “God Dethroned,” “The Devil You Know,” and “Just Look At You.”
In 1993, the band released their major label sophomore album, “B.D.A.,” which became a significant success in the United States. Their first hit song, “The Downward Spiral,” became #23 on the Billboard charts.
In 1995, the band released their third major label album, “Astro-Creep 2000”, which included songs about global warming, nuclear war, and other social issues.
After the album’s release, drummer Jay Bentley left the band. In 1996, the band released “The Empire Strikes First,” their last studio album with Atlantic.
In addition, after a 5-year break from music, the band reformed in 2001 and released a series of four independent albums, “Suffer” (2002), “The Process of Belief” (2003), “The Unforgiven” (2005), and “How Could Hell Be Any Worse?” (2008). The band’s fifth major label album, “Bad Religion,” was released in 2009.
More so, it has been an integral force in the emergence of punk rock. Their aggressive, fast-paced style of punk music influenced bands like NOFX, Lagwagon, and Blink 182.
Their message of criticizing and questioning religion has influenced other musical acts, including Pearl Jam, System of a Down, and The All-American Rejects.
The band has received some awards and nominations for their work.
Besides this, it is one of the most influential bands in the rock music scene, and many musicians and fans have loved its rock style.
Abstract
Lastly, if you love rock music, you will surely like Bad Religion. They formed the band in the early eighties and are still active. So, if you want to try something new, you can start listening to this band.