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Bad Brains
Bad Brains performing in Baltimore in 2007
Bad Brains performing in Baltimore in 2007
Background information
Origin Washington, D.C., USA
Genre(s) Hardcore punk
Reggae
Crossover thrash
Heavy metal
Years active 1977–1984
1986–1995
1999–present
Label(s) ROIR, Caroline, SST, Epic, Maverick, Megaforce
Website BadBrains.com
Members
H.R.
Dr. Know
Darryl Jenifer
Earl Hudson
Former members
Sid McCray
Israel Joseph I
Mackie Jayson
Chuck Mosely

Bad Brains are an American hardcore punk band formed in Washington, D.C. in 1977. Washington DC ( formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, the District, or simply D The United States of America —commonly referred to as the A music genre is a categorical and typological construct that identifies musical sounds as belonging to a particular category and type of music that can be distinguished from other Hardcore punk (now usually referred to as simply hardcore) is a subgenre of Punk rock that originated in North America in the late 1970s Reggae is a Music genre first developed in Jamaica in the late 1960s Thrash metal (sometimes referred to simply as thrash) is an extreme subgenre of heavy metal that is characterized by its fast tempo and aggression In the Music industry, a record label can be a Brand and a Trademark associated with the Marketing of music recordings and Music ROIR (pronounced "roar" or Reach Out International Records, is a New York City -based Record label founded in 1979 by Neil Cooper Caroline Records started out as a subsidiary of Richard Branson 's Virgin Records label during the early to mid 1970s SST Records is an American Independent record label formed in 1978 in Long Beach California by musician Greg Ginn. Epic Records is an American Record label. It is owned and operated by Sony Music Entertainment. Maverick Recording Company, is an American Record label and the record company division of entertainment company Maverick. Megaforce Records has been the Record label for bands in the heavy metal genres and also rock genres including Metallica, Anthrax, Testament HR ("Human Rights" (born February 11, 1956 in London England) is the stage name of Paul D Dr Know (born September 15, 1958 in Washington DC) is the Stage name of Gary Miller Guitarist for Bad Brains, Darryl Jenifer (born October 22, 1960 in Washington DC is the bassist for Hardcore punk band Bad Brains. Earl Hudson (born December 17, 1957 in Alabama) is the Drummer for Hardcore punk band Bad Brains. Chuck Mosely is an American singer and songwriter and a pioneer of the music genre commonly referred to as Rapcore. Hardcore punk (now usually referred to as simply hardcore) is a subgenre of Punk rock that originated in North America in the late 1970s Washington DC ( formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, the District, or simply D They are widely regarded as being among the pioneers of hardcore punk,[1][2][3] though the band's members objected to the term "hardcore" to describe their music. [4]

Originally formed as a jazz fusion ensemble under the name Mind Power, Bad Brains developed a very fast and intense punk rock sound, which was both musically complex, and was often played faster and more emphatically than the music of many of their peers. Fusion or more specifically jazz fusion or jazz rock, is a Musical genre that merges Jazz with elements of other styles of music particularly They were also an adept reggae band, in a sort of Jekyll-and-Hyde arrangement, while later recordings featured elements of heavy metal and funk. Reggae is a Music genre first developed in Jamaica in the late 1960s Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde is a Novella written by the Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson and first published in 1886 Funk is an American musical style that originated in the mid- to late-1960s when African American musicians blended Soul music, Soul Bad Brains are also notable as religious followers of the Rastafari movement. The Rastafari movement (also known as Rastafari, Rastafarianism or simply Rasta) is a monotheistic, Abrahamic, New Testament

Bad Brains broke up and reformed several times over the years, sometimes with different singers and/or drummers. The band's classic and current lineup is singer H.R., guitarist Dr. Know, bassist Darryl Jenifer, and drummer Earl Hudson. HR ("Human Rights" (born February 11, 1956 in London England) is the stage name of Paul D Dr Know (born September 15, 1958 in Washington DC) is the Stage name of Gary Miller Guitarist for Bad Brains, Darryl Jenifer (born October 22, 1960 in Washington DC is the bassist for Hardcore punk band Bad Brains. Earl Hudson (born December 17, 1957 in Alabama) is the Drummer for Hardcore punk band Bad Brains.

Bad Brains were ranked #99 on VH1's 100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock. VH1 (known as VH-1 Video Hits One from 1985 to 1994 and VH1 Music First until 2003) is an American Cable television

Though the official name of the band is Bad Brains, they are often referred to as The Bad Brains, sometimes even by the band members themselves. The Beastie Boys were huge Bad Brains fans, and they intentionally selected a name with the initials B. B. because of this.

Contents

History

From Fusion to Hardcore (1977-1985)

The band was first founded as a jazz-fusion ensemble called Mind Power (1975), with singer Sid McCray, in the mould of bands such as Chick Corea's Return to Forever and John McLaughlin's Mahavishnu Orchestra. Armando Anthony "Chick" Corea (born June 12, 1941) is a multiple Grammy Award winning American Jazz Pianist Return to Forever was the name of a Jazz fusion band founded and led by keyboardist Chick Corea. John McLaughlin (born January 4 1942 also Mahavishnu John McLaughlin is a Jazz fusion Guitarist and Composer from Doncaster, The Mahavishnu Orchestra was a Jazz-rock fusion group led by John McLaughlin, that debuted in 1971 and dissolved in 1976 and reunited briefly from 1984 to 1987 McCray was later replaced by H.R., older brother of drummer Earl Hudson. HR ("Human Rights" (born February 11, 1956 in London England) is the stage name of Paul D Earl Hudson (born December 17, 1957 in Alabama) is the Drummer for Hardcore punk band Bad Brains.

In 1977, McCray introduced the rest of the band, who were already interested in bands such as Black Sabbath, to punk rock, including the Dickies, the Dead Boys, and the Sex Pistols. Black Sabbath are an The Dickies are a Punk rock group formed in Los Angeles California in 1977 The Dead Boys were an American Punk rock band from Cleveland Ohio. The Sex Pistols are an English Punk rock band that formed in London in 1975

Mind Power became obsessed with punk rock and changed their name to "Bad Brains", after the Ramones song "Bad Brain" but with the word "bad" in the sense of "powerful". The Ramones were an American rock band often regarded as the first Punk rock group Despite their burgeoning punk sound, the early Bad Brains also delved deep into reggae music. [5]

Bad Brains personnel
(1977–1990)
(1990–1991)
(1991–1994)
(1994–Present)
 Music samples:

"Pay to Cum"

Sample of "Pay to Cum" by the Bad Brains from Pay to Cum single (1980)
Problems listening to the file? See media help. HR ("Human Rights" (born February 11, 1956 in London England) is the stage name of Paul D Dr Know (born September 15, 1958 in Washington DC) is the Stage name of Gary Miller Guitarist for Bad Brains, Darryl Jenifer (born October 22, 1960 in Washington DC is the bassist for Hardcore punk band Bad Brains. Earl Hudson (born December 17, 1957 in Alabama) is the Drummer for Hardcore punk band Bad Brains. Chuck Mosely is an American singer and songwriter and a pioneer of the music genre commonly referred to as Rapcore. Dr Know (born September 15, 1958 in Washington DC) is the Stage name of Gary Miller Guitarist for Bad Brains, Darryl Jenifer (born October 22, 1960 in Washington DC is the bassist for Hardcore punk band Bad Brains. Earl Hudson (born December 17, 1957 in Alabama) is the Drummer for Hardcore punk band Bad Brains. Dr Know (born September 15, 1958 in Washington DC) is the Stage name of Gary Miller Guitarist for Bad Brains, Darryl Jenifer (born October 22, 1960 in Washington DC is the bassist for Hardcore punk band Bad Brains. HR ("Human Rights" (born February 11, 1956 in London England) is the stage name of Paul D Dr Know (born September 15, 1958 in Washington DC) is the Stage name of Gary Miller Guitarist for Bad Brains, Darryl Jenifer (born October 22, 1960 in Washington DC is the bassist for Hardcore punk band Bad Brains. Earl Hudson (born December 17, 1957 in Alabama) is the Drummer for Hardcore punk band Bad Brains. "Pay to Cum" is the first single recorded by DC hardcore band Bad Brains.

"I Against I"

Sample of "I Against I" by the Bad Brains from I Against I (1986)
Problems listening to the file? See media help. I Against I is the third official full-length studio album by Bad Brains, released in 1986 (see 1986 in music) as SST Records number 65

The band developed an early reputation in Washington D.C., due in part to the relative novelty of an entirely African-American band playing punk rock, but also due to their high-energy performances and undeniable talent. Washington DC ( formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, the District, or simply D African Americans or Black Americans are citizens or residents of the United States who have origins in any of the black populations of Africa [5]

The band's considerable musical technique, due in part to their jazz and progressive rock roots, set them apart from other Washington punk groups, who were typically earnest but often amateurish performers. Jazz is an American Musical art form which originated in the beginning of the 20th century in African American communities in the Southern United States Progressive rock (often shortened to " progressive " " prog " or " prog rock " is a form of Rock music that evolved Bad Brains' emphasis on extreme speed, especially in their early records and performances, are often regarded as establishing hardcore punk.

Their music still contained hints of their progressive rock past, with quick time changes and H. R. 's fluctuating vocal dynamics. H. R. was a muscular and unpredictable stage performer with a very wide vocal range, who often leapt into the audience or onto amplifiers. Generally an amplifier or simply amp, is any device that changes usually increases the amplitude of a signal.

In 1979, Bad Brains found themselves the subject of an unofficial ban among many Washington D. C. area clubs and performance venues (later addressed in their song, "Banned in D. C. "). The band subsequently relocated to New York City. The City of New York [5]

Their self-titled debut album was released on New York's ROIR Records on "cassette only" in January 1982, followed in 1983 by Rock for Light, produced by Ric Ocasek of The Cars. Bad Brains is the first full-length studio album recorded by Bad Brains. New York ( is a state in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern regions of the United States and is the nation's third most populous ROIR (pronounced "roar" or Reach Out International Records, is a New York City -based Record label founded in 1979 by Neil Cooper Year 1982 ( MCMLXXXII) was a Common year starting on Friday (link displays the 1982 Gregorian calendar) Rock for Light is the second official full-length album by Hardcore punk pioneers Bad Brains. Ric Ocasek (born Richard Otcasek on March 23, 1949, in Baltimore, Maryland) is an American musician The Cars were an American rock band that emerged from the early New Wave music scene in the late 1970s These two albums, containing hardcore thrash punk and mellow reggae, were landmarks, influencing an entire generation of musicians, including the Beastie Boys, Red Hot Chili Peppers, 311, Black Flag, Living Colour, Zack de la Rocha, Iron Boots and countless others. Red Hot Chili Peppers are 311 (pronounced "three eleven" is a band from Omaha Nebraska. Black Flag was a Hardcore punk band formed in 1977 in southern California, largely as the brainchild of Greg Ginn: the guitarist Living Colour is an American Funk metal band from New York City, formed in 1983 Zacarías Manuel de la Rocha (born January 12, 1970 in Long Beach, California) is an American rapper, Singer

The band fought constantly with volatile singer H.R., who was very expressive. HR ("Human Rights" (born February 11, 1956 in London England) is the stage name of Paul D H. R. seemed to reflect Bad Brains' music: one minute calm and espousing peace and love, and the next minute an aggressive, sometimes violent man. In 1984, Bad Brains broke up; it was the first of many splits. H. R. began a solo career devoted to all genres of music, calling music "Transcendental" and saying "acceptance of all music is what I feel will be the unification of all nations under one" releasing many albums from 1984, 86', 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, and 2000.

Change of Style (1986-1992)

In 1986, Bad Brains reunited. SST Records released I Against I, seen by some as their finest recording. SST Records is an American Independent record label formed in 1978 in Long Beach California by musician Greg Ginn. I Against I is the third official full-length studio album by Bad Brains, released in 1986 (see 1986 in music) as SST Records number 65 As the title track demonstrated, Bad Brains could still play extremely fast, but there was also a new variety; there was much more melody, slower grooves, and straight-ahead heavy metal (but, surprisingly, no reggae). Dr. Know sounded a bit like a punked-out Eddie Van Halen, there was an outright love song in "She's Calling You," and H. Edward Lodewijk "Eddie" Van Halen (born January 26 1955 is a Dutch Guitarist, Keyboardist, Songwriter and producer R. famously provided vocals for "Sacred Love" over the phone from the Lorton Reformatory while doing a bid for a drug charge. The Lorton Reformatory was a prison built for the District of Columbia, United States. Also critically praised was H. R. 's performance: "he digs deep into his bag of voices and pulls them all out, one by one: the frightening nasal falsetto that was his signature in the band's hardcore days, an almost bel canto baritone, and a declamatory speed-rap chatter that spews lyrics with the mechanical precision of a machine gun". The term falsetto (Italian diminutive of falso, false refers to the Vocal register occupying the frequency range just above the Modal voice register and Bel canto ( Bel-Canto) ( Italian, "beautiful singing" an Italian musical term refers to the art and science of vocal technique which originated in This article is related to a series of articles under the main article Voice type. [10] The title track's video was shown on MTV's then-new 120 Minutes program, for which the band appeared in promotional footage. MTV ( Music Television) is an American Cable television network based in New York City. Despite the success of I Against I, Bad Brains broke up again after spending most of 1987 on the road.

The group signed with Caroline Records in the late 1980s to release Quickness in 1989. Caroline Records started out as a subsidiary of Richard Branson 's Virgin Records label during the early to mid 1970s The 1980s was the decade spanning from January 1 1980 to December 31 1989. Quickness is the fourth full-length studio album by Hardcore punk pioneers Bad Brains. The album continued where I Against I had left off, yet with a heavier sound and featuring the return of reggae with "The Prophet's Eye".

Bad Brains were plagued by internal tensions nearly from their beginning. Aside from the problems with H. R. , who sometimes refused to perform at scheduled concerts, he and his younger brother, drummer Earl Hudson, also wanted to devote the band strictly to reggae, while Dr. Know and Darryl Jenifer were increasingly interested in heavy metal music. After the Quickness tour, H. R. was replaced by former Faith No More vocalist Chuck Mosely. Faith No More was an American Alternative metal band that formed in San Francisco, California from 1982 to 1998 Soon afterwards, Bad Brains broke up again.

In 1990, Bad Brains backed longtime friend/fan/protege Henry Rollins on a cover version of The MC5's "Kick out the Jams". This is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 1990 Henry Rollins (born February 13 1961 as Henry Lawrence Garfield) is an American singer-songwriter Spoken word Artist, Stand-up comedian, author The MC5 ( Motor City Five) was an American Hard rock band formed in Lincoln Park Michigan in 1964 and active until The recording appears on the soundtrack to the film Pump Up the Volume. Pump Up the Volume ( 1990) is a Comedy-drama written and directed by Allan Moyle and starring Christian Slater and Samantha Mathis

Lineup Change and Reunions (1993-2000)

As bands influenced by Bad Brains (such as Living Colour and Fishbone) enjoyed commercial success, Dr. Know was approached by Epic Records in 1993, offering the band a major-label record deal. Living Colour is an American Funk metal band from New York City, formed in 1983 Fishbone is an Alternative rock band that plays a fusion of Ska, Punk rock, Reggae, Funk, heavy metal and more Dr Know (born September 15, 1958 in Washington DC) is the Stage name of Gary Miller Guitarist for Bad Brains, Epic Records is an American Record label. It is owned and operated by Sony Music Entertainment. However, H. R. and Earl weren't interested, as they were concentrating strictly on reggae. Dr. Know and Darryl Jenifer replaced them with former Cro-Mags drummer Mackie Jayson (who had played as a session musician on Quickness), and vocalist Israel Joseph I. The Cro-Mags were a Hardcore punk band from New York City. The band which had a strong Cult following, released many records their first two considered Rise was released in 1993 to some confusion as original vocalist H. Rise is the fifth full-length studio album by Hardcore punk pioneers Bad Brains. R. had been billed as "Joseph I" on the Rock for Light album back in 1983. Mixing jazz, punk, reggae, pop, funk, and rock, Rise was by far the most diverse album the group had released. Popular music is Music belonging to any of a number of musical styles that are accessible to the general public and are disseminated by one or more Rock music is a genre of Popular music often though not necessarily employing Electric guitar, Bass guitar, and Drums. In addition to a mix of reggae and hardcore, the album also featured thrash and even heavy metal overtones as well. However, sales were unimpressive, reviews were mixed, and Israel and Jayson were fired to make room for the return of H. R. and Earl Hudson.

With the original band back together for the first time in five years, Bad Brains signed to the Maverick Records label for the 1995 release God of Love. Maverick Recording Company, is an American Record label and the record company division of entertainment company Maverick. God of Love is the sixth full-length studio album by Hardcore punk pioneers Bad Brains.

At a show at The Bottleneck in Lawrence, Kansas in 1995, H. Lawrence is the sixth largest city in the US State of Kansas and the County seat of Douglas County. R. , (some say while high on mushrooms), bashed a microphone stand against the skull of an audience member, severely injuring him. After this incident the band called it quits yet again. Earlier that year, while on tour with the Beastie Boys, the band was arrested with drug paraphernalia while crossing into Canada. Drug paraphernalia is defined by the American Federal Drug Enforcement Administration as any equipment product or material that is modified for making using or concealing Country to "Dominion of Canada" or "Canadian Federation" or anything else please read the Talk Page Then, while in Canada, H. R. attacked their manager Anthony Countey and brother Earl before a show in Montreal with the Beastie Boys. Montreal, or Montréal in French ( pronounced in French, in English) is the largest city in the Canadian province of Quebec This incident caused them to miss the next show, which was at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Madison Square Garden, often abbreviated as MSG, and known colloquially as The Garden, has been the name of four Arenas in New York City. The City of New York

Two years later the band worked together to remaster some very early studio recordings which were then released as the EP The Omega Sessions by Victory Records. The Omega Sessions is an EP recorded in the early days of Hardcore punk and Reggae pioneers Bad Brains in 1980 Victory Records is a Chicago -based Record label founded by Tony Brummel In 1999, the original lineup toured under the name "Soul Brains". [5] A live album, A Bad Brains Reunion Live from Maritime Hall was released in 2000 . A Bad Brains Reunion Live from Maritime Hall is the third live album from Hardcore punk and Reggae pioneers Bad Brains.

New Millennium (2001-present)

In 2002, the band released I & I Survived, an album devoted entirely to dub and reggae; many fans had been pushing for such an album for years. I & I Survived is the seventh fulllength studio album by Hardcore punk pioneers Bad Brains.

In 2004 rap singer Lil' Jon, another longtime fan of the band, recruited Dr. Jonathan Mortimer Smith (born January 27, 1971) better known by his Stage name Lil Jon, is an American producer, promoter and Know, Jenifer and Earl Hudson to back him on a version of his song "Real Nigga Roll Call," which interpolated the music of I Against I 's "Re-Ignition. " The recording appears on the limited-edition release of Lil' Jon's album Crunk Juice. Crunk Juice is the fifth album by Lil Jon & the East Side Boyz and is Lil Jon's third notable album after Put Yo Hood Up and Kings of Crunk, respectively The accompanying DVD features footage of the session.

That same year, H. R. Performed the song "Whos Got the Herb?" with the band 311 on June 22, 2004, in Long Beach, California. 311 (pronounced "three eleven" is a band from Omaha Nebraska. Long Beach is a city located in southern California, USA, on the Pacific coast

In 2005, Darryl Jenifer told Billboard magazine that the band was in the studio recording their first proper studio album in ten years, to be released later in the year. See Billboard (Turkish magazine Billboard is a weekly American Magazine devoted to the Music industry Beastie Boy Adam Yauch also gave interviews indicating that he was producing the sessions, for which basic tracks featuring the original lineup had been recorded. Adam Nathaniel Yauch (pronounced IPA /jaʊk/ also known as MCA and Nathaniel Hörnblowér, (born August 5, 1964) is a founding H. R. was said to be on board for the new album, slated to emphasize a return to their early hardcore sound.

In late 2005, it was announced that Bad Brains would headline a two-date show at New York City's legendary CBGB's, which was scheduled for February 24 - 25, 2006. CBGB ( Country, Blue Grass, and Blues) was a music club at 315 Bowery at Bleecker Street in the borough of Manhattan Tickets for both dates quickly sold out. After sets from a handful of other hardcore punk acts, Bad Brains came to the stage, as billed in print, "with John Joseph" of The Cro-Mags filling in for H. The Cro-Mags were a Hardcore punk band from New York City. The band which had a strong Cult following, released many records their first two considered R. and former Bad Brains drummer Mackie Jayson filling in for Earl Hudson. Meanwhile, H. R. and Dubb Agents played gigs under the Global Rock Showcase event brand in California.

May 28, 2005, to Sept. 8, 2006, H. R. & Dubb Agents headlined a seris of Global Rock Showcase dates across the United States. Dates include Little Steven Van Zandt's "Save CBGB Rally" concert in Washington Square Park, New York City, August 31, 2005. Steven Van Zandt (born November 22, 1950) is an American Musician, Songwriter, Arranger, Record producer H. R. has a long time association with Global Rock Showcase organizers D. I. A. Records, and released an album through them titled Out Of Bounds.

On hiatus from Global Rock Showcases, in the fall of 2006, H. R. reunited with Bad Brains for two dates at CBGB's on October 9th & 10th, as part of the continuing celebration of the venue's legacy and imminent closing. Due to tickets selling out within mere minutes, unsurprising due to the band's devoted following, a third show was added for Wednesday, October 11th. During the course of the three day bill, H. R. announced that the new Bad Brains album was "forthcoming. " He also stated that the band's next set of tour dates would be called The Re-Ignition Tour. However, the tour eventually was not billed as such.

While H. R. & Dubb Agents geared up to tour Global Rock Showcases '07 dates, in early January 2007, Bad Brains revealed the title of the new album. Build a Nation was released on June 26th, 2007. Build a Nation is the eighth proper full-length studio album by Hardcore punk pioneers Bad Brains. The album debuted at #100 on the Billboard 200, and also garnished overwhelmingly positive reception from fans and critics alike. The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard Scheduled between Global Rock Showcase dates, Bad Brains played five dates including Sasquatch Fest, June 27, 2007, George, Washington, and Virgin Fest, Aug. 5, 2007, Baltimore, Maryland. Bad Brains' California dates were Sept. 22 to 28, 2007, followed by a European tour is set for October, 2007. Upon return to the U. S. the band took stage in Chicago for the multi-billed Riotfest rock concert. Bad Brains, as of 2006-07, appear to be a more stable unit, and are enjoying successes that did not come to fruition previously. The internet has also contributed to the band's resurgence as it is now possible to view old and new concert footage via Youtube, or read archived interviews.

On May 15, 2007, it was revealed that System of a Down bassist Shavo Odadjian would be directing the first video from Build a Nation. System of a Down (commonly referred to as System or abbreviated as SOAD) is an Armenian American rock band formed in 1994 in Shavarsh "Shavo" Odadjian (b April 22 1974, Yerevan, Armenian SSR) was the Bassist for the Los Angeles -based [6]

The video for the song "Give Thanks and Praises" can be seen online on the band's MySpace page as of August 2007. Director Shavo Odadjian makes an appearance at the end of the concert video with frontman H. R. . The two are seen charismatically walking stageside, passing and smoking a marijuana joint.

Before the release of the new album, Dr. Know stated he was eager for the band to record more albums. As of 2007, Dr. Know, Darryl Jenifer, and H. R. all have solo albums in the works. H. R. will continue to tour solo with DIA Records Global Rock Showcase through the remainder of 2007, with his instrumental section Dub Agents. The title of bassist Darryl Jenifer's upcoming solo effort is Blackvova Universal Sound.

In January 2008, the band announced they are working on a box set of 7" vinyl records. [7]

Bad Brains toured South America during April of 2008 with singer Isreal Joseph (from the Bad Brains album Rise) filling in for H. R.

Soul Brains

Soul Brains was the name used by the original Bad Brains from 1999 to 2001. It is rumored that Bad Brains took this name because they had temporarily lost legal rights to the original band name. Darryl Jenifer, though, stated several years ago that the actual reason was a 'spiritual change' of H. R. , who found it inappropriate for some time to use the word 'bad' in the band's name. The other band members, who (according to Jenifer) didn't care too much about the name Bad Brains as long as they could play their music, then decided to replace the word 'bad' with 'soul'.

Controversy

Homophobia

There have been many charges of homophobia directed at Bad Brains which caused controversy in the politically charged Punk/Hardcore scene, where the homophobic stance seemed at odds with the prevailing spirit against prejudice, racism, homophobia, etc and with Bad Brains own call for unity. BenPhelpsJPG|thumb|right|Westboro Baptist Church picket signs with Ben Phelps grandson of Fred Phelps Some of this has been attributed to the increasing influence of Rastafarian religious beliefs into their lives[8], but there is controversy about whether or not Rastafari is itself inherently homophobic, although as bassist Darryl Jennifer pointed out in a 2007 interview, "In Rastafari and even in Christianity, they disagree with homosexuality. That’s a known fact. "[9]. In the same interview, he also distanced himself from his earlier homophobic statements, saying "So the point being here, when we first were discovering Rastafari – like any young men or any young women getting into anything – you’re overzealous. Back in 1988, I might have been saying, “Fire burn…” I’m 25 years old! You’ve got to understand that I’m a young man growing, getting into something. Now I’m 46 years old and I’ve learned that that’s ignorant. I’ve learned through the years that we’re all God’s children, regardless of your race, creed, color, sexuality, any of that. "[9], although it is unclear if the rest of the band shares his change of heart.

1982 Flipside Interview

In a 1982 interview with Flipside Fanzine, in issue #31, H. Flipside was a Punk rock Fanzine published in Los Angeles California from 1977 - 2001. R. made a few offensive homophobic remarks near the start of the interview. He said San Francisco (where they had just played some shows) had ". . . too many faggots" and said that ". . . most of them (homosexuals) act so crazy even out in public, it disturbs me, makes me want to go and shoot one of them. ". Link To PDF of article [10][11]

Confrontation with Big Boys & MDC

During a 1982 tour, Bad Brains played in Austin, TX with local band Big Boys, whose singer Randy Turner was homosexual. The Big Boys were a pioneering band who are credited with helping introduce the new style of Hardcore punk that became popular in the 1980s Randy J "Biscuit" Turner ( November 25, 1949 – August 18, 2005) was an American punk singer and artist They also incurred a debt to Turner, some sources indicate the debt was from loaning Bad Brains money[8][12], some indicate the debt was from Turner buying the band marijuana[13], regardless of the cause, monies were owned to Turner from the band. When H. R. learned that Turner was homosexual, an argument erupted, with a particularly heated exchange between H. R. and MDC singer Dave Dictor, who is also homosexual, leading to Bad Brains leaving Austin without repaying their debt to Turner and instead leaving a note that allegedly read "burn in hell, bloodclot faggot"[8][13][14] and vandalizing Turner's house[13]. MDC is an American Hardcore punk band formed in Austin, Texas in 1979. Dave Dictor (born 1956 Long Island New York) is the lead Singer for the Hardcore punk band MDC. Big Boys seemed to gloss over the incident; in an interview after the incident in Suburban Punk #7 they refuse to discuss the issue and refer to Bad Brains as ". . . one of the best live bands I've ever seen"[15]. MDC on the other hand referred to the incident often in interviews and even wrote a song about it called "Pay To Come Along"[13][14].

1982 Forced Exposure Interview

In a 1982 interview with Forced Exposure Fanzine, in issue #2, there was a discussion with H. Forced Exposure was an independent music magazine ( Zine) published sporadically out of Massachusetts from the early-'80s to 1993 edited by Jimmy Johnson and R. about changes in the band (becoming a reggae band and abandoning Punk Rock, moving out from the city to "the land", becoming "survivalists"). When asked about what lead to the final decision to make these changes, H. R. responded "I guess the final decision was made about a couple months ago, halfway through the tour when we went out to California and we saw all the faggots and we went to Texas and seen all the punk rock bands. Out there the in thing was being gay and all the hardcore bands were gay. That was the last straw, I couldn't take no more. I had to say somebody got to go out there and show the youth the truth, man. "[16]

"Don't Blow Bubbles"

On the 1989 Quickness album, a song titled "Don't Blow Bubbles" had lyrics that were generally interpreted as being homophobic and suggesting that AIDS was God's cure for homosexuality. Quickness is the fourth full-length studio album by Hardcore punk pioneers Bad Brains. When asked about the song, guitarist Dr. Know said that "We wrote that song as kind of an angry warning to homosexuals. We didn't really mean to insult them, but a lot of people we knew seemed to be living with their eyes closed. "[17]. In a 2007 interview where bassist Darryl Jennifer called their previous homophobic views "ignorant" he was asked about the song and the furor over the lyrics and replied "They don’t understand that we’ve grown. Just like anyone, I’m not ashamed to say, “Maybe I could have been…” Damn right, I was a homophobe! I shouldn’t have to explain that to the world because everyone will do that. That’s wisdom. You have to grow to be wise. "[9]

Discography

Studio albums

Release date Title Label Billboard peak
1982 Bad Brains ROIR Records Did not chart
1983 Rock for Light Caroline Records Did not chart
November 1986 I Against I SST Records Did not chart
September 14, 1989 Quickness Caroline Records Did not chart
August 17, 1993 Rise Epic Records #14 (Heatseekers)[18]
May 9, 1995 God of Love Maverick Records #20 (Heatseekers)[18]
November 26, 2002 I & I Survived DC Records Did not chart
June 26, 2007 Build a Nation Megaforce Records #100 (Billboard 200)[18]
#10 (Top Independent Albums)[18]

On March 25th Bad Brains posted a myspace. Bad Brains is the first full-length studio album recorded by Bad Brains. Rock for Light is the second official full-length album by Hardcore punk pioneers Bad Brains. I Against I is the third official full-length studio album by Bad Brains, released in 1986 (see 1986 in music) as SST Records number 65 Quickness is the fourth full-length studio album by Hardcore punk pioneers Bad Brains. Rise is the fifth full-length studio album by Hardcore punk pioneers Bad Brains. God of Love is the sixth full-length studio album by Hardcore punk pioneers Bad Brains. I & I Survived is the seventh fulllength studio album by Hardcore punk pioneers Bad Brains. Build a Nation is the eighth proper full-length studio album by Hardcore punk pioneers Bad Brains. The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard com bulletin with the subject "Bad Brains Vinyl Box Set Coming In April!" and the body ""More details and an announcement shortly. " [19]

Live albums

EPs

Compilations

Videos

Singles

Other appearances

Legacy and influence

References

  1. ^ allmusic ((( Bad Brains > Overview )))
  2. ^ Washngton Dcs 5 | Washington D.C. Metblogs
  3. ^ [1]
  4. ^ see the documentary film Punk attitude.
  5. ^ a b c d Moskowitz, David V. (2006). Caribbean Popular Music. Westport, Connecticut: Greenwood Press, 18-19. Westport is a coastal town located on Long Island Sound in Fairfield County, Connecticut, 47 miles north of New York City in the United Connecticut ( is a state located in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. ISBN 0-313-33158-8.  
  6. ^ System Of A Down Bassist To Direct Bad Brains Video - Strangeglue - Music News, Views and Reviews
  7. ^ blog. myspace. com/index. cfm?fuseaction=blog. view&friendID=165875891&blogID=348107499
  8. ^ a b c [2]
  9. ^ a b c [3]
  10. ^ [4]
  11. ^ [5]
  12. ^ MDC_(band)
  13. ^ a b c d [6]
  14. ^ a b [7]
  15. ^ [8]
  16. ^ [9]
  17. ^ http://everything2.com/index.pl?node_id=1523682
  18. ^ a b c d Charts & Awards for Bad Brains. MDC is an American Hardcore punk band formed in Austin, Texas in 1979. All Music Guide. allmusic (previously All Music Guide) is a Metadata database about music owned by All Media Guide. Retrieved on 2007-11-16. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 534 - A second and final revision of the Codex Justinianus is published
  19. ^ http://bulletins.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=bulletin.read&messageID=5576103750

External links

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