Gregory Walter Graffin III, a notable individual, entered this world on November 6, 1964, in Madison, Wisconsin, a city located in the heart of the American Midwest. His parents, Walter and Marcella Graffin, had previously called Evanston, Illinois, their home for several years prior to his birth. However, their family's life took a dramatic turn when Greg was just seven years old, as his parents decided to part ways, resulting in a divorce. Following this significant life event, Greg, along with his mother and younger brother Grant, made the move to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where they would reside for the next four years, a period that would undoubtedly shape his early life and future endeavors.
In the year 1976, the family of Greg, a notable figure, underwent a significant relocation to the San Fernando Valley, a region in the western part of Los Angeles County, California. This move marked a turning point in Greg's life, as he was enrolled in Hale Junior High School, an educational institution that provided a solid foundation for his future academic pursuits.
As he progressed through his secondary education, Greg transferred to El Camino Real High School, a renowned public high school located in the city of Woodland Hills, California. It was during his formative years at El Camino Real High School that Greg had the privilege of meeting his future bandmates, a group of talented individuals who would later come together to form a successful musical group.
Among his bandmates were Brett Gurewitz, a skilled musician and songwriter, Jay Ziskrout, a talented drummer, and Jay Bentley, a versatile bassist. The bond formed between these individuals would prove to be a crucial factor in their future musical endeavors, as they collaborated to create a unique sound that would captivate audiences worldwide.
Greg's life took a significant turn at the tender age of 15, when he stumbled upon the rebellious and unconventional world of punk music, which would eventually lead him to form a band with his friends in 1979.
This marked the beginning of a remarkable journey, as the newly formed band, Bad Religion, would go on to release an EP in 1981, a move that would pave the way for their debut album "How Could Hell Be Any Worse" in 1982.
The album's success was followed by the release of its highly anticipated follow-up, "Into the Unknown", in 1983, a testament to the band's growing popularity and their ability to craft music that resonated with their audience.
Throughout their initial five-year run, the band's music continued to evolve, reflecting the band members' shared passion for punk rock and their desire to create music that was both authentic and meaningful.
As they navigated the ups and downs of the music industry, Bad Religion's early years were marked by a sense of excitement and experimentation, as they honed their craft and developed a distinct sound that would set them apart from their peers.
Their early releases, including the EP and the debut album, showcased the band's raw energy and their ability to craft catchy, memorable songs that would resonate with fans of punk rock.
As the band's popularity grew, so did their influence, as they began to attract a devoted following and inspire a new generation of punk rock fans.
Greg's journey with Bad Religion was just beginning, and the early years of the band would lay the foundation for a long and successful career that would span decades to come.
Greg and his bandmates, despite experiencing a moderate degree of success, struggled to maintain a stable presence, ultimately leading to the band's disbandment in the year 1984.
Following a brief period of inactivity, the group reunited in 1987, with a revamped lineup, marking a significant turning point in their musical journey.
The band persisted in their creative endeavors, issuing a succession of albums that further solidified their distinctive sound and style. The year 1989 saw the release of "No Control", a testament to their unwavering dedication to their craft.
In 1990, they returned with "Against the Grain", a bold and unapologetic statement that showcased their growth and maturity as artists. The following year, they continued to push the boundaries of their music with the release of "Generator", a critically acclaimed album that cemented their reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.
As the years went by, the band continued to refine their sound, releasing "Recipe for Hate" in 1993, an album that saw them experimenting with new sounds and styles while remaining true to their core aesthetic.
In 1994, they made a significant change by signing with Atlantic Records, a move that would prove to be a pivotal moment in their career. It was during this period that they released their most successful album to date, "Stranger Than Fiction", an album that would go on to spawn some of their most iconic and enduring songs.
The album included two of their biggest hits, "21st Century (Digital Boy)" and "Infected", songs that would become synonymous with the band's name and legacy.
Brett Gurewitz's abrupt departure from Bad Religion in 1994, amidst a period of remarkable success with Epitaph Records, had a profound impact on the band's trajectory. As a result, Brian Baker, a highly respected musician with a rich history in the punk rock scene, having previously been a member of Minor Threat and Dag Nasty, took up the mantle, injecting fresh energy and perspectives into the band's creative process.
With Baker on board, Bad Religion continued to produce music, their sound evolving and maturing as they navigated this new chapter in their history.
In the year 1999, a pivotal moment of reconciliation took place between Greg Graffin and Brett Gurewitz, as they collaborated on the creation of a new song, titled "Believe It", which would later be featured on the band's 2000 album release, "The New America".
The subsequent year, 2001, proved to be a remarkable period for Bad Religion, marked by a significant development in their musical trajectory. This year saw the full-time return of the talented Brett Gurewitz to the band's lineup, a move that would undoubtedly have a lasting impact on their sound and creative direction.
Furthermore, 2001 was also the year in which Bad Religion decided to re-sign with their long-time record label, Epitaph Records, solidifying their commitment to the label and its mission. Additionally, the band made the wise decision to hire the accomplished drummer Brooks Wackerman, who would go on to make a valuable contribution to the band's music, cementing his place as an integral part of the Bad Religion family.
Throughout this period, Bad Religion continued to evolve and grow, refining their unique sound and style, while remaining true to their roots and the values that had guided them throughout their illustrious career.
As of August 2010, the iconic punk rock band, Bad Religion, continued to traverse the globe, engaging in extensive concert tours and producing innovative music, thereby extending their remarkable career trajectory, which had already spanned an impressive duration of over three decades.
