"A Conception Of Punk Bands" By Tim McIlrath

"A conception Of Punk Bands" By Tim McIlrath

I think that’s sort of a Punk rock obligation. I think that historically Punk rock has always been about social change. It’s always been about being an outcast, and being someone who’s upset with the status quo, and someone who’s trying to make a difference, you know? I think that Punk rock has deviated from that, and so sometimes people come up to us and be like “Oh, you’re a political Punk band.” And it’s like a political Punk band? Since when was Punk not political? Like, what’s a political punk band? The people who are telling me that, are the people who think of Punk rock as Good Charlotte and Simple Plan. So when they see Rise Against, they’re like “Wait a minute, I know what Punk rock is> Punk rock is Good Charlotte and Simple Plan, and you guys are Rise Against - you’re not Punk rock because you’re not Good Charlotte and Simple Plan, so you must be political Punk rock. You know what I mean? It’s like this catchy phrase for what we do but come on - that’s Punk rock! Do your homework, and look at what Punk rock has always been. Right know, I think there are some serious impostors trying to make a buck in what’s going on.

                                                            Tim McIlrath