American Punk outfit that has made substantial inroads into Europe, and in particular Germany, where BAD RELIGION are held as a major league status act. BAD RELIGION debuted in 1980 with a teenage line-up of singer Greg Graffin, guitarist Brett Gurewitz, former bass player Jay Bentley and drummer Jay Ziskrout. An inaugural EP was cut and during these sessions the band contributed alternative versions of three tracks to the 'Public Service' compilation EP which also featured RED KROSS, DISABILITY and CIRCLE ONE.

Following the debut '6 Songs' EP Ziskrout quit during the middle of recording sessions for the 'How Could Hell Be Worse' album making way for Pete Finestone. The album was produced by Jim Mankey, guitarist for CONCRETE BLONDE. Ziskrout founded ELECTRIC PEACE and started a Spanish Punk label.

1983 had Finestone out of the picture with Bentley following suit. The bass player, who had been playing jointly with WASTED YOUTH whilst in BAD RELIGION, joined T.S.O.L. Within a matter of days T.S.O.L.'s original bassist Mike Roche made a return and Bentley jumped ship to T.S.O.L. vocalist Greggor's side project CATHEDRAL OF TEARS.

The 'Into The Unknown' album witnessed a fresh rhythm section of bassist Paul Dedona and drummer Davy Goldman. With this trend bucking effort BAD RELIGION took on a deliberate, almost lethargic 70s retro Hard Rock Stoner-esque approach. However, the album was quickly withdrawn from sale and BAD RELIGION would find itself on ice for a lengthy period. Gurewitz joined the CIRCLE JERKS.

Graffin resurrected the group, in the process building a completely new band. Dates were completed with CIRCLE JERKS man Lucky Lehrer on drums before Finestone made a return alongside new faces guitarist Greg Hetson and bassist Tim Gallegos. Hetson's pedigree included membership of RED KROSS and CIRCLE JERKS and had actually been standing in as a semi official member for some time. This incarnation of BAD RELIGION managed to last long enough to cut the 1987 'Back To The Known' EP before Gallegos was ousted and both Gurewitz and Bentley resumed their positions. Thankfully BAD RELIGION maintained a stable line up until 1993 during which time strong progress was made in terms of both the band's reputation and increasing sales. BAD RELIGION would in particular make a strong impression on mainland Europe.

After the release of 'Recipe For Hate' Gurewitz retired to focus his activities on his Punk record label Epitaph and occasional side band THE DAREDEVILS.

BAD RELIGION plugged the gap with guitarist Brian Baker and also added Bobby Schayer on drums. Baker had an esteemed Punk track record boasting membership of such cult outfits as MINOR THREAT, GOVERNMENT ISSUE, THE MEATMEN and DAG NASTY. Baker also had a term with Los Angeles Rockers JUNKYARD and had turned down a lucrative offer from R.E.M. to hook up with BAD RELIGION.

Schayer had previously journeyed through Californian Punk acts such as THE CLAY IDOLS, THE QUESTION and TWO FREE STOOGES, the latter a duo with CIRCLE JERKS guitarist Zander Schloss. Schayer beat off THE GERMS Nicky Beat and DAG NASTY's Cohn Sears in auditions.

In 1994 BAD RELIGION were afforded a unique honour by having the Finnish band PAHA USKONTO (a direct translation of 'Bad Religion') cutting a Finnish language album of BAD RELIGION songs on the Fight label. Apparently a planned support slot to their heroes fell through and the Finns were so gutted they promptly disbanded!

1995 found BAD RELIGION touring Europe with PEARL JAM as support. The guests returned the favour when their summer American shows had BAD RELIGION as guests. BAD RELIGION's 1996 album 'The Gray Race' was produced by RIC OCASEK, previously guitarist with THE CARS. Baker would assist Ocasek on his later solo album.

1998 had Hetson dabbling with an all star side project kickabout band for club shows dubbed PUNK ROCK KARAOKE. The group included MIKE WATT, Derek from SOCIAL DISTORTION and Eric Melvin of NOFX. BAD RELIGION would return during May of 2000 touting 'The New America'. In a radical departure for the band TODD RUNDGREN, noted more for his epic 70s classic Rock workouts than Hardcore, was chosen as producer.

BAD RELIGION would reunite with Brett Gurewitz in the summer of 2001 although Bobby Schayer had to bow out with a damaged shoulder. The album 'The Process Of Belief' debuted the introduction of the SUICIDAL TENDENCIES and VANDALS credited drummer Brooks Wackerman. Touring in the UK during May of 2002 found PITCHSHIFTER as opening act. The band would then head up the Australian 'Vans Warped' tour package of Spring 2002, fronting a line-up AFI, FLOGGING MOLLY, SAVES THE DAY, LASH and TOE TO TOE. The band would then be announced as heading up the North American leg of the 'Vans Warped' tour commencing in June billed over the MIGHTY MIGHTY BOSSTONES and NOFX.

Another round of the Summer 'Vans Warped' gigs ensued in 2004, this time sharing stages with GOOD CHARLOTTE, BREAK THE SILENCE, UNDERMINDED, RANCID, AVENGED SEVENFOLD, THE CASUALTIES, ATMOSPHERE, THE VANDALS, TIGER ARMY and RISE AGAINST.

Working producer Joe Barresi BAD RELIGION entered Grand Master Studios in Los Angeles, California during January 2007 to cut a new album. The band joined the ranks of the roving 'Vans Warped' US touring festival throughout June and August.