Greg Graffin's Book Signing & Interview

Greg Graffin's Book Signing & Interview | Punk Paradox

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Жыл бұрын

Greg answers fan questions about his upcoming book "Punk Paradox"
Get your autographed copy while supplies last at premierecollectibles.com/graffin.
A historical memoir and cultural criticism of punk rock’s evolution, by the legendary singer-songwriter of Bad Religion Greg Graffin is the lead vocalist and songwriter of Bad Religion, recently described as “America's most significant punk band.” Since its inception in Los Angeles in 1980, Bad Religion has produced 18 studio albums, become a long-running global touring powerhouse, and has established a durable legacy as one of the most influential punk rock bands of all time. Punk Paradox is 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. The book begins by exploring Graffin’s Midwestern roots and his life-changing move to Southern California in the mid-’70s. Swept up into the burgeoning punk scene in the exhilarating and often-violent streets of Los Angeles, Graffin and his friends formed Bad Religion, built a fanbase, 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. In so doing, he managed to reconcile an improbable double-life as an iconic punk rock front man and University Lecturer in evolution. 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. Fittingly, this book argues against the traditional narrative of the popular perception of punk. 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.

Пікірлер: 19

@vndecim Жыл бұрын

The only introduction to higher education I received was from Dr. Graffin. He is the reason I kept a dictionary and thesaurus in my bag at 15. He will absolutely be mentioned in my dissertation. Thank you for everything Professor!

@guyca3026 10 ай бұрын

To Greg: I was a major fan of Bad Religion in the 1990s, in my teens. Back then, I loved the music, the multi-part harmonies in your songs, the guitar solos (which were uncommon in punk). I didn't understand the words as I didn't speak much English in those days but to me, you seemed to use academic vocabulary in your lyrics! I always felt like an outcast. Punk was often considered to be for anarchists, studded, tattooed-out dope-addicts living in the streets, but I clearly didn't relate to that. I was the super studious shy boy who just enjoyed the songs. No drugs, no booze, no smoke. I attended concerts among crowds of kids that had no chance to ever become friends of mine because of their lifestyle. When I found out you went to university, you became a role model to me. I realized you can get good grades in school and go to college, while still enjoying the company of punk music. I majored from Laval U, in Québec City, as a translator. I learned English, indeed, and now I work in a large-scale medical organization translating scientific stuff into French. I have a library that looks like your background here, and over 700 music items (CDs, tapes and albums), more than half of which are punk - the rest is metal. I don't attend concerts anymore. I saw you in 1998 and 2002. Keep it up. You've been an inspiration to me. Cheers.

@nikoma_ Жыл бұрын

I met him last year for this book signing in Brooklyn. I've been listening to BR for so long that I had this realization a long time ago that Greg Graffin's voice has been in my ears much more than my own father's. When I met him I he was so kind and for me he had a fatherly vibe. I was a little overwhelmed to meet him but I kept my cool, shook his hand, got quite a few pictures together. He's really one of the most positive influences in my entire life.

@Jambr380 11 ай бұрын

That’s a really cool description of how a lot of us probably feel. My dad was great and I have no complaints about my childhood, but Greg has been a comforting voice of guidance for decades in my life now. I’ve been lucky enough to meet him before and I struggled to keep myself together. Hopefully Greg and BR will continue on for many more years!

@silvershade3265 Жыл бұрын

So interesting, and Greg is always so humble! Also, love the way he talks and articulates his thoughts! And about the book, I was hoping it wasn't a rock memoir actually 😬 (even if I'm a huge BR fan from the 90s) so that's another reason for looking forward to reading it even more ❤️ (Thanks a lot for making this available offline 😀)