Bad Religion: The Most Important Punk Band In 30 Years?

[Cosmic Harmony]

In the underground punk scene, probably. In the hardcore punk scene, definitely. But unlike bands like Black Flag, Minor Threat, and the Circle Jerks who all were very abrasive and very hardcore forms of punk, Bad Religion had/has a sense of melody and a (much) more reserved tact that makes them more accessible and therein have wider fan base, which means their music reached more people. That's how they're cited as one main influences in some of the biggest punk bands of the 90's and today (check the OP), including the two highest selling punk bands of all time Green Day and The Offspring.

 

[ComfortablyNumb]

In the underground punk scene, probably. In the hardcore punk scene, definitely. But unlike bands like Black Flag, Minor Threat, and the Circle Jerks who all were very abrasive and very hardcore forms of punk, Bad Religion had/has a sense of melody and a (much) more reserved tact that makes them more accessible and therein have wider fan base, which means their music reached more people. That's how they're cited as one main influences in some of the biggest punk bands of the 90's and today (check the OP), including the two highest selling punk bands of all time Green Day and The Offspring.

Just because they reached more people and they are more popular does not indicate they are more influential. The bands I listed had a huge effect on the scene more than Bad Religion did.

Descendents are listed as a huge influence as wel among many moden day bands. Offspring included. They brought melody before Bad Religion did.

That is why I would never put them up there with the Clash Sex Pistols and Ramones.

 

[Fisha]

I do love Bad Religion. One of the first punk bands I heard, they embody punk perfectly. I would say though that NOFX is more important largely because of fat mikes contributions to punk music. Fat Wreck Chords has had such a huge influence on so many bands and no one is a bigger supporter of punk music then Fat Mike. Still love Bad Religion though

 

[LG]

I've heard about Bad Religion, but I don't really listen to much punk old or new anymore.

I do think Cosmic did a first class job on this thread, that is why I stopped by.

 

[Cosmic Harmony]

I've heard about Bad Religion, but I don't really listen to much punk old or new anymore.

I do think Cosmic did a first class job on this thread, that is why I stopped by.

Thanks LG. Who would have thunk that after this thread laid dormant for half a year that it'd actually have activity now.

 

[Dual]

In my opinion, they aren't that important, I think the bands people mention most in relation to the genre are obviously the most important, if someone were to say to me 'Name the ten most important punk bands', I can't say Bad Religion would come to mind. They do make good music though, always liked their stuff.

But yeah, thats my 2p.

 

[LG]

^^Cosmic did make the distinction of them keeping the spirit alive after the initial legendary bands in the punk rock scene. I don't have any of their albums and as I said I no longer really listen to much punk with the exception of the Clash and TRB.

 

[Cosmic Harmony]

I don't have any of their albums and as I said I no longer really listen to much punk with the exception of the Clash and TRB.

What do you think of this number LG?

 

[LG]

^^I would never guess they were a punk band at all listening to that song Cosmic. It was good and kind of surprised me, I was expecting something a little more raucous.

 

[Cosmic Harmony]

I had a feeling you'd like that song. I believe I recall you saying before that you liked The Clash because they were "thinking man's punk" and I think because of that you could get into some of Bad Religion's music. They aren't raucous or snotty or angsty like most punk bands. Their lyrics are very intelligent and quite thought provoking. I mean, their lyrics are really the biggest reason why I like them so much. Don't get me wrong they're no slouches in the music department either but lyrics are (to me) the most important thing in punk music and Greg Graffin does a superb job writing them.

Here's the original version of that song above (i.e. the non-acoustic version):


By the way, as I look at your posts right now LG, you have 11,111.