Bad Brains
Encyclopedia
Bad Brains is an American hardcore punk
band formed in Washington, D.C., in 1977. They are widely regarded as among the pioneers of hardcore punk, though the band's members objected to this term to describe their music. They are also an adept reggae
band, while later recordings featured elements of other genres like funk
, heavy metal
, hip-hop
and soul
. Bad Brains are followers of the Rastafari movement
.
Originally formed as a jazz fusion
ensemble under the name Mind Power, Bad Brains developed a very fast and intense punk rock sound which came to be labeled "hardcore", and was often played faster and more emphatically than the music of many of their peers. The unique factor of the band's music was the fact that they played more complex rhythms than that of other hardcore punk bands, also adapting non-punk style guitar riffs and solos
into their songs.
Bad Brains have released 8 studio albums (one of which is entirely composed of instrumental versions of their past material). The band broke up and reformed several times over the years, sometimes with different singers or drummers. The band's classic and current lineup is singer H.R.
(Human Rights), guitarist Dr. Know
, bassist Darryl Jenifer, and drummer Earl Hudson
, H.R.'s younger brother.
's Return to Forever
and John McLaughlin
's Mahavishnu Orchestra. 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
. 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". Despite their burgeoning punk sound, the early Bad Brains also delved deep into reggae music. McCray left in the early days of the group's hardcore-punk era, and guitarist H.R.
became the band's singer.
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.
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.
Their self-titled debut album
was released on Neil Cooper
's ROIR Records
on "cassette only" in January 1982, followed in 1983 by Rock for Light
, produced by Ric Ocasek
of The Cars
.
released I Against I
. H.R. provided the vocals for "Sacred Love" over the phone from the Lorton Reformatory
while doing a bid for a cannabis charge. 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 title track's video was shown on MTV's then-new 120 Minutes
program, for which the band appeared in promotional footage. Despite the success of I Against I, Bad Brains broke up again after spending most of 1987 touring. The band returned in 1988 and signed with Caroline Records, who released their fourth album Quickness
in the following year.
. H.R. was replaced by Taj Singleton for the Quickness tour.
H.R. experienced financial problems after an unsuccessful European tour with the group Human Rights, while touring replacement singer Taj Singleton did not fit well with Bad Brains. H.R. and Earl both returned to the band. After the Quickness tour, H.R. and Earl left once again and H.R. was replaced by former Faith No More
vocalist Chuck Mosley. Soon afterwards, Bad Brains broke up yet again.
In 1990, Bad Brains backed longtime friend, fan, and protege Henry Rollins
on a cover version of The MC5's "Kick out the Jams". The recording appears on the soundtrack to the film Pump Up the Volume
.
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. The former Cro-Mags
drummer Mackie Jayson (who had played as a session musician on Quickness), and vocalist Israel Joseph I joined at this time. Rise
was released in 1993.
label for the 1995 release God of Love.
Two years later, the band worked together to remaster some early studio recordings which were then released as the EP The Omega Sessions
by Victory Records
. In 1999, the original lineup toured under the name Soul Brains. A live album, A Bad Brains Reunion Live from Maritime Hall
was released in 2000.
Soul Brains was the name used by the original Bad Brains from 1999 to 2001.
H.R. appeared on the track "Without Jah, Nothin' ", on P.O.D.
's Satellite (2001). In 2002, Bad Brains released I & I Survived. In 2004, Lil' Jon, recruited Dr. Know, Jenifer and Earl Hudson to back him on a version of his song "Real Nigga Roll Call," which interpolated the music of "Re-Ignition." The recording appeared on the limited-edition release of Lil' Jon's album Crunk Juice
. The accompanying DVD featured footage of the session.
H.R. performed his song "Who's Got the Herb?" with the band 311
on June 22, 2004, in Long Beach, California
.
that the band was in the studio recording their first proper studio album in ten years, to be released later in the year. 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.
In late 2005, it was announced that Bad Brains would headline a two-date show at CBGB's, which was scheduled for February, 2006. In 2006, H.R. & Dubb Agents headlined a series 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. 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 late 2006, H.R. reunited with Bad Brains for two dates at CBGB's. While H.R. & Dubb Agents geared up to tour Global Rock Showcases '07 dates, in early January 2007, Bad Brains had Build a Nation
released on June 26, 2007. The album debuted at #100 on the Billboard 200
. Scheduled between Global Rock Showcase dates, Bad Brains played five dates including Sasquatch Fest (June 2007). These were followed by concerts in California and a European tour in October 2007. Upon return to the U.S. the band took stage in Chicago for the Riotfest rock concert. 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.
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.
Before the release of the new album, Dr. Know stated he was eager for the band to record more albums. H.R. continued 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 solo effort is Blackvova Universal Sound.
In January 2008, the band announced they are working on a box set of 7" vinyl records.
Bad Brains toured South America during April 2008 with former singer Israel Joseph I (who was in the Bad Brains from 1991–1994 and appeared on the album Rise), temporarily filling in for H.R. The band performed at the Smoke Out festival in San Bernardino, California on October 24, 2009.
Two documentaries of the band are currently in production as well as a film documentary focusing on H.R.
Bad Brains were planning a three-date tour of Australia in June 2010, but were forced to cancel due to health reasons.
As of March 2011, according to Blabbermouth.net
, Bad Brains have begun work on new material for their next album, which is due for release later this year.
Hardcore punk
Hardcore punk is an underground music genre that originated in the late 1970s, following the mainstream success of punk rock. Hardcore is generally faster, thicker, and heavier than earlier punk rock. The origin of the term "hardcore punk" is uncertain. The Vancouver-based band D.O.A...
band formed in Washington, D.C., in 1977. They are widely regarded as among the pioneers of hardcore punk, though the band's members objected to this term to describe their music. They are also an adept reggae
Reggae
Reggae is a music genre first developed in Jamaica in the late 1960s. While sometimes used in a broader sense to refer to most types of Jamaican music, the term reggae more properly denotes a particular music style that originated following on the development of ska and rocksteady.Reggae is based...
band, while later recordings featured elements of other genres like funk
Funk
Funk is a music genre that originated in the mid-late 1960s when African American musicians blended soul music, jazz and R&B into a rhythmic, danceable new form of music. Funk de-emphasizes melody and harmony and brings a strong rhythmic groove of electric bass and drums to the foreground...
, heavy metal
Heavy metal music
Heavy metal is a genre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s, largely in the Midlands of the United Kingdom and the United States...
, hip-hop
Hip hop music
Hip hop music, also called hip-hop, rap music or hip-hop music, is a musical genre consisting of a stylized rhythmic music that commonly accompanies rapping, a rhythmic and rhyming speech that is chanted...
and soul
Soul music
Soul music is a music genre originating in the United States combining elements of gospel music and rhythm and blues. According to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, soul is "music that arose out of the black experience in America through the transmutation of gospel and rhythm & blues into a form of...
. Bad Brains are followers of the Rastafari movement
Rastafari movement
The Rastafari movement or Rasta is a new religious movement that arose in the 1930s in Jamaica, which at the time was a country with a predominantly Christian culture where 98% of the people were the black descendants of slaves. Its adherents worship Haile Selassie I, Emperor of Ethiopia , as God...
.
Originally formed as a jazz fusion
Jazz fusion
Jazz fusion is a musical fusion genre that developed from mixing funk and R&B rhythms and the amplification and electronic effects of rock, complex time signatures derived from non-Western music and extended, typically instrumental compositions with a jazz approach to lengthy group improvisations,...
ensemble under the name Mind Power, Bad Brains developed a very fast and intense punk rock sound which came to be labeled "hardcore", and was often played faster and more emphatically than the music of many of their peers. The unique factor of the band's music was the fact that they played more complex rhythms than that of other hardcore punk bands, also adapting non-punk style guitar riffs and solos
Guitar solo
In popular music, a guitar solo is a melodic passage, section, or entire piece of music written for an electric guitar or an acoustic guitar. Guitar solos, which often contain varying degrees of improvisation, are used in many styles of popular music such as blues, jazz, rock and metal styles such...
into their songs.
Bad Brains have released 8 studio albums (one of which is entirely composed of instrumental versions of their past material). The band broke up and reformed several times over the years, sometimes with different singers or drummers. The band's classic and current lineup is singer H.R.
H.R.
H.R. is the stage name of Paul D. Hudson, the lead singer of the hardcore punk band Bad Brains. His vocals can be quite diverse, ranging from a rapid-fire nasal whine, to feral growling and screeches, to smooth near-crooning or staccato reggae rhymes...
(Human Rights), guitarist Dr. Know
Dr. Know (guitarist)
Dr. Know is the stage name of Gary Miller, guitarist for Bad Brains, regarded as one of punk rock's most innovative and important bands...
, bassist Darryl Jenifer, and drummer Earl Hudson
Earl Hudson
Earl Hudson is the drummer for Bad Brains, regarded as one of punk rock's most influential and innovative bands. He is the younger brother of the band's lead singer H.R.. Although he has rarely recorded or performed outside of the band, he and fellow bandmates, guitarist Dr...
, H.R.'s younger brother.
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 mold of bands such as Chick CoreaChick Corea
Armando Anthony "Chick" Corea is an American jazz pianist, keyboardist, and composer.Many of his compositions are considered jazz standards. As a member of Miles Davis' band in the 1960s, he participated in the birth of the electric jazz fusion movement. In the 1970s he formed Return to Forever...
's Return to Forever
Return to Forever
Return to Forever is a jazz fusion group founded and led by keyboardist Chick Corea. Through its existence, the band has cycled through a number of different members, with the only consistent band mate of Corea's being bassist Stanley Clarke...
and John McLaughlin
John McLaughlin (musician)
John McLaughlin , also known as Mahavishnu John McLaughlin, is an English guitarist, bandleader and composer...
's Mahavishnu Orchestra. In 1977, McCray introduced the rest of the band, who were already interested in bands such as Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath are an English heavy metal band, formed in Aston, Birmingham in 1969 by Ozzy Osbourne , Tony Iommi , Geezer Butler , and Bill Ward . The band has since experienced multiple line-up changes, with Tony Iommi the only constant presence in the band through the years. A total of 22...
, to punk rock, including the Dickies
The Dickies
The Dickies are an American punk rock group formed in San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles, California, U.S. in 1977.-History:The Dickies were among the first punk rock bands to emerge from Los Angeles...
, the Dead Boys, and the Sex Pistols
Sex Pistols
The Sex Pistols were an English punk rock band that formed in London in 1975. They were responsible for initiating the punk movement in the United Kingdom and inspiring many later punk and alternative rock musicians...
. Mind Power became obsessed with punk rock and changed their name to "Bad Brains", after the Ramones
Ramones
The Ramones were an American rock band that formed in the New York City neighborhood of Forest Hills, Queens, in 1974. They are often cited as the first punk rock group...
song "Bad Brain" but with the word "bad" in the sense of "powerful". Despite their burgeoning punk sound, the early Bad Brains also delved deep into reggae music. McCray left in the early days of the group's hardcore-punk era, and guitarist H.R.
H.R.
H.R. is the stage name of Paul D. Hudson, the lead singer of the hardcore punk band Bad Brains. His vocals can be quite diverse, ranging from a rapid-fire nasal whine, to feral growling and screeches, to smooth near-crooning or staccato reggae rhymes...
became the band's singer.
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.
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.
Their self-titled debut album
Bad Brains (album)
Bad Brains is the first full-length studio album recorded by Bad Brains. Adam Yauch of Beastie Boys has been quoted as saying that this album is "the best punk/hardcore album of all time"...
was released on Neil Cooper
Neil Cooper (ROIR)
Neil Cooper was the founder and head of independent US cassette and record label ROIR.-Life and work:Born in Philadelphia, Cooper attended Amherst College and graduated from Columbia Business School in 1954. Working as a booking agent for MCA Inc...
's ROIR Records
ROIR
ROIR , or Reach Out International Records, is a New York City-based record label founded in 1979 by Neil Cooper.ROIR was founded the same year that the Sony Walkman launched, and initially, the label exclusively distributed its releases in cassette format...
on "cassette only" in January 1982, followed in 1983 by Rock for Light
Rock For Light
Rock for Light is the second official full-length album by hardcore punk pioneers Bad Brains. It was produced by Ric Ocasek of The Cars. The 1991 re-issue was remixed by Ocasek and bass player Darryl Jenifer...
, produced by Ric Ocasek
Ric Ocasek
Ric Ocasek is an American musician and music producer. He is best known as lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist for the rock band, The Cars....
of The Cars
The Cars
The Cars are an American rock band that emerged from the early New Wave music scene in the late 1970s. The band consisted of lead singer and rhythm guitarist Ric Ocasek, lead singer and bassist Benjamin Orr, guitarist Elliot Easton, keyboardist Greg Hawkes and drummer David Robinson...
.
First return (1986–1989)
In 1986, Bad Brains reunited and SST RecordsSST Records
SST Records is an American independent record label formed in 1978 in Long Beach, California by musician Greg Ginn. The company was initially called Solid State Transmitters through which Ginn sold electronics equipment...
released I Against I
I Against I
I Against I is the third official full-length studio album by Bad Brains, released in 1986 as SST Records number 65. The best-selling album in the band's catalog, I Against I is a critically acclaimed album of American hardcore punk mixed with funk, soul, reggae and heavy metal. It is also...
. H.R. provided the vocals for "Sacred Love" over the phone from the Lorton Reformatory
Lorton Reformatory
The Lorton Reformatory was a prison built for the District of Columbia, United States. It was operated by the District of Columbia Department of Corrections.-History:...
while doing a bid for a cannabis charge. 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
Falsetto
Falsetto is the vocal register occupying the frequency range just above the modal voice register and overlapping with it by approximately one octave. It is produced by the vibration of the ligamentous edges of the vocal folds, in whole or in part...
that was his signature in the band's hardcore days, an almost bel canto
Bel canto
Bel canto , along with a number of similar constructions , is an Italian opera term...
baritone
Baritone
Baritone is a type of male singing voice that lies between the bass and tenor voices. It is the most common male voice. Originally from the Greek , meaning deep sounding, music for this voice is typically written in the range from the second F below middle C to the F above middle C Baritone (or...
, and a declamatory speed-rap chatter that spews lyrics with the mechanical precision of a machine gun". The title track's video was shown on MTV's then-new 120 Minutes
120 Minutes
120 Minutes is a television show in the United States dedicated to alternative music, originally airing on MTV from 1986 to 2000, and then on MTV's sister channel MTV2 from 2001 to 2003....
program, for which the band appeared in promotional footage. Despite the success of I Against I, Bad Brains broke up again after spending most of 1987 touring. The band returned in 1988 and signed with Caroline Records, who released their fourth album Quickness
Quickness
Quickness is the fourth full-length studio album by hardcore punk pioneers Bad Brains. At the time of its release, it was the best selling Bad Brains album and also featured an MTV video for the lead-off track "Soul Craft" directed by Paul Rachman who later went on to produce and direct the feature...
in the following year.
Second hiatus and changing singers (1990–1993)
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 musicHeavy metal music
Heavy metal is a genre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s, largely in the Midlands of the United Kingdom and the United States...
. H.R. was replaced by Taj Singleton for the Quickness tour.
H.R. experienced financial problems after an unsuccessful European tour with the group Human Rights, while touring replacement singer Taj Singleton did not fit well with Bad Brains. H.R. and Earl both returned to the band. After the Quickness tour, H.R. and Earl left once again and H.R. was replaced by former Faith No More
Faith No More
Faith No More is an American rock band from San Francisco, California, formed originally as Faith No Man in 1981 by bassist Billy Gould, keyboardist Wade Worthington, vocalist Michael Morris and drummer Mike Bordin. A year later when Worthington was replaced by keyboardist Roddy Bottum, and Mike...
vocalist Chuck Mosley. Soon afterwards, Bad Brains broke up yet again.
In 1990, Bad Brains backed longtime friend, fan, and protege Henry Rollins
Henry Rollins
Henry Rollins is an American singer-songwriter, spoken word artist, writer, comedian, publisher, actor, and radio DJ....
on a cover version of The MC5's "Kick out the Jams". The recording appears on the soundtrack to the film Pump Up the Volume
Pump Up the Volume (film)
Pump Up the Volume is a 1990 comedy-drama film written and directed by Allan Moyle and starring Christian Slater and Samantha Mathis.- Plot summary :...
.
As bands influenced by Bad Brains (such as Living Colour
Living Colour
Living Colour is an American rock band from New York City, formed in 1984. Stylistically, the band's music is a creative fusion influenced by free jazz, funk, neo-psychedelia, hard rock, and heavy metal...
and Fishbone
Fishbone
Fishbone is a U.S. alternative rock band formed in 1979 in Los Angeles, California, which plays a fusion of ska, punk rock, funk, hard rock and soul. Critics have noted of the band: "Fishbone was one of the most distinctive and eclectic alternative rock bands of the late '80s...
) enjoyed commercial success, Dr. Know was approached by Epic Records
Epic Records
Epic Records is an American record label, owned by Sony Music Entertainment. Though it was originally conceived as a jazz imprint, it has since expanded to represent various genres. L.A...
in 1993, offering the band a major-label record deal. The former Cro-Mags
Cro-Mags
Cro-Mags are a hardcore punk turned crossover thrash band from New York City. The band, which had a strong cult following, released many records, their first two considered the most influential...
drummer Mackie Jayson (who had played as a session musician on Quickness), and vocalist Israel Joseph I joined at this time. Rise
Rise (Bad Brains album)
Rise is the fifth full-length studio album by hardcore punk pioneers Bad Brains. It is the first Bad Brains album to be released on a major label and is notable for the absence of two original members: Here, a young Israel Joseph I replaces vocalist H.R...
was released in 1993.
Reunion with the original lineup and name change (1994–2004)
With the original band back together for the first time in five years, Bad Brains signed to the Maverick RecordsMaverick Records
Maverick Recording Company is an American record label owned and operated by Warner Music Group, and distributed through Warner Bros. Records.-Company history:...
label for the 1995 release God of Love.
Two years later, the band worked together to remaster some early studio recordings which were then released as the EP The Omega Sessions
The Omega Sessions
The Omega Sessions is an EP recorded in the early days of hardcore punk and reggae pioneers Bad Brains in 1980. The tracks were recorded and mixed at the original Omega Recording Studios in Kensington Maryland...
by Victory Records
Victory Records
Victory Records is a Chicago-based record label founded by Tony Brummel. It is a privately held corporation. It also operates a music publishing company called "Another Victory, Inc." and is the distributor of several smaller independent record labels....
. In 1999, the original lineup toured under the name Soul Brains. A live album, A Bad Brains Reunion Live from Maritime Hall
A Bad Brains Reunion Live from Maritime Hall
A Bad Brains Reunion Live at Maritime Hall is the third live album from hardcore punk and reggae pioneers Bad Brains. It marks the reunion of the band after a four year breakup. At the time, the band were unable to use the name "Bad Brains" as they were embattled in legal turmoil with their prior...
was released in 2000.
Soul Brains was the name used by the original Bad Brains from 1999 to 2001.
H.R. appeared on the track "Without Jah, Nothin' ", on P.O.D.
P.O.D.
Payable on Death is an American Christian metal band formed in 1992. The band's line-up consists of vocalist Sonny Sandoval, drummer Wuv Bernardo, guitarist Marcos Curiel, and bassist Traa Daniels. Their Christian faith is an important part of their music.They have released seven studio albums and...
's Satellite (2001). In 2002, Bad Brains released I & I Survived. In 2004, Lil' Jon, recruited Dr. Know, Jenifer and Earl Hudson to back him on a version of his song "Real Nigga Roll Call," which interpolated the music of "Re-Ignition." The recording appeared on the limited-edition release of Lil' Jon's album Crunk Juice
Crunk Juice (album)
Crunk Juice is the fifth studio album by American recording artists Lil Jon & the East Side Boyz, released in November 16, 2004, on TVT/BME...
. The accompanying DVD featured footage of the session.
H.R. performed his song "Who's Got the Herb?" with the band 311
311 (band)
311 is an American rock band from Omaha, Nebraska. The band was formed in 1988 by vocalist/rhythm guitarist Nick Hexum, lead guitarist Jim Watson , bassist Aaron "P-Nut" Wills and drummer Chad Sexton...
on June 22, 2004, in Long Beach, California
Long Beach, California
Long Beach is a city situated in Los Angeles County in Southern California, on the Pacific coast of the United States. The city is the 36th-largest city in the nation and the seventh-largest in California. As of 2010, its population was 462,257...
.
Build a Nation and recent activities (2005–present)
In 2005, Darryl Jenifer told BillboardBillboard (magazine)
Billboard is a weekly American magazine devoted to the music industry, and is one of the oldest trade magazines in the world. It maintains several internationally recognized music charts that track the most popular songs and albums in various categories on a weekly basis...
that the band was in the studio recording their first proper studio album in ten years, to be released later in the year. Beastie Boy Adam Yauch
Adam Yauch
Adam Nathaniel Yauch , , is a founding member of hip hop trio the Beastie Boys. He is frequently known by his stage name, MCA, and other pseudonyms such as Nathanial Hörnblowér.-Early life:...
also gave interviews indicating that he was producing the sessions, for which basic tracks featuring the original lineup had been recorded.
In late 2005, it was announced that Bad Brains would headline a two-date show at CBGB's, which was scheduled for February, 2006. In 2006, H.R. & Dubb Agents headlined a series of Global Rock Showcase dates across the United States. Dates include Little Steven Van Zandt
Steven Van Zandt
Steven Van Zandt is an Italian-American musician, songwriter, arranger, record producer, actor, and radio disc jockey, who frequently goes by the stage names Little Steven or Miami Steve...
's "Save CBGB Rally" concert in Washington Square Park, New York City. 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 late 2006, H.R. reunited with Bad Brains for two dates at CBGB's. While H.R. & Dubb Agents geared up to tour Global Rock Showcases '07 dates, in early January 2007, Bad Brains had Build a Nation
Build a Nation
Build a Nation is the eighth proper full-length studio album by hardcore punk pioneers Bad Brains. Released on June 26, 2007, it was produced by Adam Yauch of Beastie Boys, a longtime friend of the band. This album also celebrates the 30th anniversary of the band.Along with being available on CD,...
released on June 26, 2007. The album debuted at #100 on the Billboard 200
Billboard 200
The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists...
. Scheduled between Global Rock Showcase dates, Bad Brains played five dates including Sasquatch Fest (June 2007). These were followed by concerts in California and a European tour in October 2007. Upon return to the U.S. the band took stage in Chicago for the Riotfest rock concert. 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.
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.
Before the release of the new album, Dr. Know stated he was eager for the band to record more albums. H.R. continued 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 solo effort is Blackvova Universal Sound.
In January 2008, the band announced they are working on a box set of 7" vinyl records.
Bad Brains toured South America during April 2008 with former singer Israel Joseph I (who was in the Bad Brains from 1991–1994 and appeared on the album Rise), temporarily filling in for H.R. The band performed at the Smoke Out festival in San Bernardino, California on October 24, 2009.
Two documentaries of the band are currently in production as well as a film documentary focusing on H.R.
Bad Brains were planning a three-date tour of Australia in June 2010, but were forced to cancel due to health reasons.
As of March 2011, according to Blabbermouth.net
Blabbermouth.net
Blabbermouth.net is a website dedicated to heavy metal and hard rock news, as well as album and music DVD reviews. Blabbermouth.net was founded and is run by Borivoj Krgin. The first version of the website was officially launched in March 2001...
, Bad Brains have begun work on new material for their next album, which is due for release later this year.
Current members
- H.R.H.R.H.R. is the stage name of Paul D. Hudson, the lead singer of the hardcore punk band Bad Brains. His vocals can be quite diverse, ranging from a rapid-fire nasal whine, to feral growling and screeches, to smooth near-crooning or staccato reggae rhymes...
— lead vocals (1978–1984, 1986–1990, 1994–1995, 1997–present), guitar (1977–1978) - Dr. KnowDr. Know (guitarist)Dr. Know is the stage name of Gary Miller, guitarist for Bad Brains, regarded as one of punk rock's most innovative and important bands...
— guitar (1977–1984, 1986–1995, 1997–present) - Darryl Jenifer — bass (1977–1984, 1986–1995, 1997–present)
- Earl HudsonEarl HudsonEarl Hudson is the drummer for Bad Brains, regarded as one of punk rock's most influential and innovative bands. He is the younger brother of the band's lead singer H.R.. Although he has rarely recorded or performed outside of the band, he and fellow bandmates, guitarist Dr...
— drums, percussion (1977–1984, 1986–1991, 1994–1995, 1997–present)
Former members
- Sid McCray — lead vocals (1977–1978)
- Chuck Mosley — lead vocals (1990–1991)
- Israel Joseph I — lead vocals (1991–1994, 2008)
- Mackie Jayson — drums, percussion (1991–1994)
Timeline
| Role | Year | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1977–1979 | 1979–1984 | 1986–1990 | 1990–1991 | 1991–1994 | 1994–1995 | 1997–present | ||
| Vocals | Sid McCray | H.R. H.R. H.R. is the stage name of Paul D. Hudson, the lead singer of the hardcore punk band Bad Brains. His vocals can be quite diverse, ranging from a rapid-fire nasal whine, to feral growling and screeches, to smooth near-crooning or staccato reggae rhymes... |
Chuck Mosley | Israel Joseph I | H.R. | |||
| Guitar | Dr. Know Dr. Know (guitarist) Dr. Know is the stage name of Gary Miller, guitarist for Bad Brains, regarded as one of punk rock's most innovative and important bands... |
|||||||
| Bass | Darryl Jenifer | |||||||
| Drums | Earl Hudson Earl Hudson Earl Hudson is the drummer for Bad Brains, regarded as one of punk rock's most influential and innovative bands. He is the younger brother of the band's lead singer H.R.. Although he has rarely recorded or performed outside of the band, he and fellow bandmates, guitarist Dr... |
Mackie Jayson | Earl Hudson | |||||
- Note: Bad Brains were inactive during the period 1984–1986, and 1995–1997.
Discography
- For a more comprehensive list, see Bad Brains discographyBad Brains discographyThis is a comprehensive discography of Bad Brains, a Washington, D.C.-based hardcore punk band. To date, the band has released eight full-length studio albums , two EPs, four live recordings, two compilation albums and twenty-five singles.-Studio albums:-Live albums:-Compilation albums:-Extended...
.- 1982: Bad BrainsBad Brains (album)Bad Brains is the first full-length studio album recorded by Bad Brains. Adam Yauch of Beastie Boys has been quoted as saying that this album is "the best punk/hardcore album of all time"...
- 1983: Rock for LightRock For LightRock for Light is the second official full-length album by hardcore punk pioneers Bad Brains. It was produced by Ric Ocasek of The Cars. The 1991 re-issue was remixed by Ocasek and bass player Darryl Jenifer...
- 1986: I Against II Against II Against I is the third official full-length studio album by Bad Brains, released in 1986 as SST Records number 65. The best-selling album in the band's catalog, I Against I is a critically acclaimed album of American hardcore punk mixed with funk, soul, reggae and heavy metal. It is also...
- 1989: QuicknessQuicknessQuickness is the fourth full-length studio album by hardcore punk pioneers Bad Brains. At the time of its release, it was the best selling Bad Brains album and also featured an MTV video for the lead-off track "Soul Craft" directed by Paul Rachman who later went on to produce and direct the feature...
- 1993: RiseRise (Bad Brains album)Rise is the fifth full-length studio album by hardcore punk pioneers Bad Brains. It is the first Bad Brains album to be released on a major label and is notable for the absence of two original members: Here, a young Israel Joseph I replaces vocalist H.R...
- 1995: God of Love
- 2002: I & I Survived
- 2007: Build a NationBuild a NationBuild a Nation is the eighth proper full-length studio album by hardcore punk pioneers Bad Brains. Released on June 26, 2007, it was produced by Adam Yauch of Beastie Boys, a longtime friend of the band. This album also celebrates the 30th anniversary of the band.Along with being available on CD,...
- 1982: Bad Brains