Don’t even hint that Bad Religion is a legacy group. Even though the definitive punk band formed almost 30 years ago, they are still as vibrant as ever. You can tell that not only by their new albums — right now they’re touring behind the critically acclaimed “Dissent of Man” — but by the other bands that look to team with them. Right now they’re out on the road with Rise Against and couldn’t be happier.
“We took those guys out in 2005 when they were first starting,” said D.C. resident Brian Baker, who famously turned down a touring spot with R.E.M. to join Bad Religion in 1994. “Now they are taking us out with them. I can’t tell you how wonderful it is. We get to play to people who haven’t seen us and don’t own one of our records. ”
| On stage |
| Bad Religion in support of Rise Against with Four Year Strong |
| When: 6:30 p.m. doors Tuesday |
| Where: 9:30 Club, 815 V St. NW |
| Details: Sold out at presstime; tickets may be available from online resellers; 9:30.com; 800-955-5566 |
It’s difficult to believe that there are that many punk fans in that group. Say what you will about the Ramones and other hard-core punk bands, Bad Religion is the definitive band of its genre, keeping their underground credibility the longest without losing their focus or continually falling back on their early hits.
“We go to a lot of trouble to [ensure we’re not] winding up as ’80s hits] but that’s a pigeonhole, not a career,” said Baker
Underscoring that is the band’s set list, which regularly includes at least five songs from the band’s latest album.
“It keep it fresh for us too,” said Baker. “It’s fun to play the newer stuff and not keep repeating the same thing every time.”
As the band tours with Rise Against, they are in their second leg of their U.S. album cycle, making their way through the heartland. That’s an area they don’t often visit on tour, he said.
“One thing with Bad Religion is that we have developed a fan base anywhere there is electricity,” said Baker. “It always takes us a few years to cover all the bases and we’re going to continue to work through this year.”
As far as the date for another album, that’s anyone’s guess right now.
“It’s all very punk [attitude] just like it’s always been. We will record when we have enough songs,” he said. “For us, it just kind of happens.”
