Punk Paradox: A Memoir | Greg Graffin

Since its inception in Los Angeles in 1980, Bad Religion has produced eighteen studio albums, become a long-running global touring power-house, and established a durable legacy as one of the most influential punk rock bands of all time.

Since its inception in Los Angeles in 1980, Bad Religion has produced eighteen studio albums, become a long-running global touring power-house, and established a durable legacy as one of the most influential punk rock bands of all time.Punk Paradox is lead singer Greg Graffin's life narrative before and during L.A. punk's early years, detailing his observations on the genre's explosive growth and his band's steady rise in importance. Swept up in the burgeoning punk scene in the exhilarating and often-violent streets of '70s Los Angeles, Graffin and his friends formed Bad Religion, built a fan base, and became a touring institution. All these activities took place in parallel with Graffin's never-ceasing quest for intellectual enlightenment. Despite the demands of global tours, recording sessions, and dedication to songwriting, the author also balanced a budding academic career.

Graffin's unique experiences mirror the paradoxical elements that define the punk genre -the pop influence, the quest for society's betterment, music's unifying power-all of which are prime ingredients in its surprising endurance. As Bad Religion changed from year to year, the spirit of punk-and its sonic significance - lived on while Graffin was ever willing to challenge convention, debunk mythology, and liberate listeners from the chains of indoctrination. As insightful as it is exciting, this thought-provoking memoir provides, both a fly-on-the-wall history of the punk scene and astute commentary on its endurance and evolution. 

Size: 138 x 219mm

Pages: 361

Publisher: Hachette