My brother introduced me to Bad Religion through its album ‘No Substance’ back in 1998. I grew up on its intellectual lyrics and melodic hook and had a chance to see them live twice (in Bristol and Boston). Bad Religion just stood out among a lot of noises of the punk scene and superficiality of the pop scene. When my brother gave me a book about the lead singer, I’m certainly intrigued to learn more about the behind-the-scenes of the band.
I know Greg Graffin as the founder, lead singer, co-song writer of Bad Religion, an athiest (if the band’s name doesn’t already give it away) and a professor at Ithaca University. The book dug deep into his past, from the plain of Wisconsin to the streets of Los Angeles, his run-ins with the punk scene, formation of Bad Religion and slow rise to fame. He share liberally about his struggle with his domestic life as he slogged through the band experience.
What are some of the things I take away from this book?
- Meaning of punk: Many people see punk as full of violence and hatred. Graffin shared the more intellectual side that combines anti-establishment with provocation so people can think for themselves.
- Dealing with family trauma: Graffin went through parents’ divorce and was living in 2 households. This foundation shaped his view and what he saw as normal.
- Exposure to music from young age: He saw music as the validation of his kinship with various group. The exposure helped him to appreciate the subject and allowed him to pursue this passion as he aged.
- Kids internalized a lot of caretaker behaviour: Lessons for us as parents. Kids will emulate us and our behaviours. We can all do better to be a better role model for them.
- Foregoing drugs and violence: Even though he was involved in the SoCal punk scene with drugs and violence, he was able to steer clear of at least drugs. His upbringing allowed him to care more about the intellectual aspect of punk than the nastier side
- Evolutionary understanding: Being a professor in Evolution, it is fascinating to see him weaved in his evolutionary belief to his experience, such as how the human’s purpose is to adapt and thrive or die (evolutionary)
- Grind of music band and touring: Going on tours really require a lot of passion and stamina (and understanding family). It really takes lots of special people to handle these sorts of schedules
- Lack of communication with bandmates and partners: Graffin had issues communicating with his bandmates and spouse at important junctions. We really need to develop that candor to share things that are important and be on a lookout for signals without getting complacent
Reading this book reminds me of why Bad Religion is so unique. I went through a phase where I committed to learn one unknown word in Bad Religion lyrics a day, simply because the lyrics are chock full of these vocabularies I have no idea about (e.g. perdition, irascible). The book is also chock full of the big words and intellectual musings that characterize the Bad Religion experience. Greg blended his intellectual upbringing with his rebellious streak into a personality that is pretty unique in the music scene. I enjoy learning about his life a lot and hope you get a chance to read the book and give Bad Religion a try!)