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Do What You Want

The Story of Bad Religion
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( 2,039 ratings, 210 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Do What You Want, authored by Bad Religion and Jim Ruland, chronicles the history and cultural impact of the iconic punk band Bad Religion. This biography and memoir unveil the group's journey from its inception in the 1980s Los Angeles punk scene to becoming influential figures in the genre. It's a tale of perseverance, creative evolution, and the enduring spirit of punk rock.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this engaging memoir if you're interested in the evolution of the Los Angeles punk scene or have a passion for punk rock music. The book offers a raw and insightful dive into the band's journey, filled with anecdotes and reflections from a group that has been influential in the punk rock genre for decades.

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From their beginnings as teenagers experimenting in a San Fernando Valley garage dubbed "The Hell Hole" to headlining major music festivals around the world, DO WHAT YOU WANT tells the whole story of Bad Religion's forty-year career in irreverent style.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description
Do What You Want: The Story of Bad Religion reveals the ups and downs of the band's 40-year career. From their beginnings as teenagers jamming in a San Fernando Valley garage dubbed "The Hell Hole" to headlining major music festivals around the world, Do What You Want tells the whole story in irreverent style. While Do What You Want tracks down nearly all of Bad Religion's members past and present, the chief storytellers are the four voices that define Bad Religion: Greg Graffin, a Wisconsin kid who sang in the choir and became an L.A. punk rock icon while he was still a teenager; Brett Gurewitz, a high school dropout who founded the independent punk label Epitaph Records and went on to become a record mogul; Jay Bentley, a surfer and skater who gained recognition as much for his bass skills as for his onstage antics; and Brian Baker, a founding member of Minor Threat who joined the band in 1994 and brings a fresh perspective as an intimate outsider. With a unique blend of melodic hardcore and thought-provoking lyrics, Bad Religion paved the way for the punk rock explosion of the 1990s, opening the door for bands like NOFX, The Offspring, Rancid, Green Day, and Blink-182 to reach wider audiences. They showed the world what punk could be, and they continue to spread their message one song, one show, one tour at a timeβ€”with no signs of stopping.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Do What You Want is well-regarded as a fitting tribute to Bad Religion's legendary career, described as a captivating and comprehensive account of the band's challenges and achievements. Critics highlight its engaging oral history, emphasising the band's resilience and the book's refreshing take on the traditional rock narrative. The collaborative effort between Jim Ruland and the band effectively illustrates their enduring influence and dedication to their craft.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780306922237

Publisher: Hachette Books

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 16 September 2021

Country: United States

Imprint: Da Capo Press Inc

Illustration: 2 16-pg b&w inserts

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 26.0mm

Width: 150.0mm

Height: 226.0mm

Weight: 420g

Pages: 336

About the Author

Bad Religion formed in Los Angeles in 1980, and ranks among the most influential American punk rock bands of all time. They have released seventeen albums that have sold more than five million copies, and they continue to sell out venues all over the world.

Jim Ruland has been writing for punk rock zines like Flipside since the early '90s and has written for every issue of Razorcake, America's only nonprofit independent music fanzine. He is the coauthor of My Damage with Keith Morris, the founding vocalist of Black Flag, Circle Jerks, and OFF!

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