Pennywise formed in 1988 in the south bay of Los Angeles in the same small coastal community of Hermosa Beach that produced three of the most infamous hardcore punk bands of all time, Black Flag, the Circle Jerks and the Descendents.

The four band members, guitarist Fletcher Dragge, original bass player Jason Thirsk, drummer Byron McMackin and vocalist Jim Lindberg, began playing local backyard keg parties to increasing crowds, and with the help of friend Marc Theodore of Theologian Records, recorded a five song E.P. A Word from the Wise.

A college radio DJ liked what he heard and gave it to Brett Gurewitz, guitarist and songwriter for L.A. punk legends Bad Religion, who was also starting his own label, Epitaph Records. Epitaph was already putting out Bad Religion albums as well as those of hardcore acts NOFX, Insted, and Down By Law. The band gave Brett a ghetto blaster recording of some new songs and he signed them to their first record deal.

The result was their heralded, eponymous 1991 self-titled debut which immediately struck a chord with hardcore fans and action sports enthusiasts alike. In defiance of grunge, the disc helped to define the then-emerging West Coast punk movement. Astoundingly, 1993’s Unknown Road sold a few hundred thousand copies and rather typically at the height of the punk resurgence of 1994 the major labels came calling. But the four-piece elected to stay put and released another Epitaph smash with 1995s About Time.

When the tragic death of Thirsk the next year put the future of the collective in serious doubt, they rallied and regrouped with new bassist Randy Bradbury for Full Circle.

The popularity of Pennywise continued to swell as the 20th Century ended, first with the success of 1999’s Straight Ahead, followed by the riotous 2000 concert disc Live at the Key Club and the groups highly praised 2001 disc Land of the Free? An ensuing tour was highlighted by a sell-out gig at the 14,000-seat Long Beach Arena.

After taking a year off for introspection, the group reemerged stronger than ever in 2003 as evidenced by the glowing accolades From The Ashes received.

In early 2005, as Epitaph reissued remastered, content enhanced versions of the groups first four albums, the band reconvened to craft what would ultimately become The Fuse.

After performing the more shows worldwide than they’ve played in recent years to support The Fuse, including a string of sold out House of Blues shows in L.A. and Orange County, the band again headlined the Vans Warped Tour in 2007, an entity they and a handful of other influential artists help turn into the longest running and one of the most successful American Music Festivals.

In March 2008, Pennywise released Reason to Believe on MySpace Records in the United States and Epitaph in the UK. Fans also had the option of downloading the album for free, thanks to a partnership between MySpace, Textango and the Wise.

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This is one of the greatest punk rock songs of all time so be sure to check it out!!!

Indonesian Idols “The Brews”

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NOFX “The Brews”

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Hope you feel the same as I do after watching the video “War Sucks, Let’s Party”

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Short bio:
To date, Bad Religion has released fourteen studio albums, two EPs, three compilation albums, one live recording, and two DVDs. They formed in 1980 in by Jay Bentley (bass), Greg Graffin (vocals), Brett Gurewitz (guitars) and Jay Ziskrout (drums). They are often credited for leading the revival of punk rock and inspiring punk rock bands during the late 1980s, as well as influencing a large number of other punk and rock musicians throughout their career.

In the 29 years since its inception, Bad Religion has had numerous lineup changes, and Graffin has been the only constant member, although the band currently features three of the original four members.

American Jesus 2009

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Currently they are touring with Rancid and the tour dates can be found here: Rancid July Tour Dates

Frontman Tim McIlrath blogged about the clip.

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Included on the sampler you can find the following tracks:

1. Every Time I Die – The Marvelous Slut
2. Set Your Goals – gaia bleeds (make way for man)
3. Escape The Fate – 10 Miles Wide
4. Bring Me The Horizon – Diamonds Aren’t Forever
5. The Blackout – Children of the Night
6. I Set My Friends On Fire – Things That Rhyme With Orange
7. Rancid – Last One To Die
8. Bad Religion – New Dark Ages
9. New Found Glory – Don’t Let Her Pull You Down
10. Sing It Loud – Come Around
11. You Me At Six – Finders Keepers
12. Farewell – Devoid (That’s What I Think About It)
13. The Higher – It’s Only Natural
14. Settle – Affinity For My Hometown
15. Frank Turner – Photosynthesis
16. Thursday – Friends In The Armed Forces
17. Vanna – Safe To Say
18. Our Last Night – Escape
19. Parkway Drive – Idols and Anchors
20. The Color of Violence – Christina, Christina
21. Leathermouth – Bodysnatchers 4 Ever
22. Story of the Year – The Antidote

Everyone loves freebies!!!