Rise Against's Tim McIlrath Has Something to Say

[@steele_heart77]

Honestly glad to see you giving him a platform, Rise Against has pretty much saved my life. I got into them in my sophomore year through Appeal To Reason, and Tim's writing always stuck with me. Love songs, political songs, there isn't a track by Rise Against that doesn't resonate with me on some level. In April of 2019, around the 14th? I actually tried to off myself, I ended up in the hospital for a few days. About a week after that, I saw them at the Chicago Theatre for Ghost Notes with Face To Face. Later that year, I ended up in the hospital again over Christmas for the same reasons. My mom had gotten me a photo album of theirs that year, and the seller said it was arriving late. He threw something in there as an extra to make up for it, but he didn't tell her what it was. I opened it up when I got home around New Years, and stuck behind the cover was a small poster signed by the band. I saw it in front of me, and honest to God I cried. I still have it to this day over a year later, and that reminds me that there's always a silver lining to every storm. I could go on further about what their songs mean to me, how Swing Life Away was the favorite song of a friend of mine (she was much more than that at one point) who's gone missing, but I'm just going to wrap up by saying I've seen them four times since I was 17. I'm 20 now, and their music has been with me through a lot. My transition, points of trauma, time spent in the hospital, but through all that Rise Against's music has helped me take a step back and block things out. You're probably not gonna see this, but thank you Tim. Thank you for saving my life.

[@roymartin500]

I feel you. I grew up in San Diego & Fullerton so Social Distortion meant the same way to me with slightly different circumstances. NOFX is putting out good material with the book & Single Album(March 2021). Including Rise Against of course. I hope your health continues on the upswing. I think Tim will see your comment.

[@DGP406]

stay strong man

[@BeerRunBennyTheKid]

Wow, I really appreciate you sharing that story. As someone who struggles with mental illness every single day I can relate. It’s torture, most people don’t get it, sometimes it’s like a living nightmare except you don’t get to wake up and exhale in relief because it was only a dream. When it gets really bad, I often put on “Heaven Knows”, pick up my Guitar and play along with Tim, starting the song over and over until the storm passes. It’s helped me out of many a pickle. You are totally right though, every storm has a silver lining. They always pass and you never know who you will get to help because of your unique struggles/experiences. Stay strong, you are loved, I don’t know if you believe in God but he is very very very real and sustains us through everything. I encountered him about 10 years ago and though I suffer everyday there is always an abiding and profound joy in my heart and that is unexplainable, I could never tell you or anyone how it works because suffering and joy are complete opposites but I know why it works. God is Love. Stay strong my friend.

[@BeerRunBennyTheKid]

P.S I also have a dear friend who disappeared about 10 years ago. It sucks. I pray for her all the time and have her picture as my screen saver to remind me why I am fighting.

[@arsfarciministhorkeksson7661]

"nothing matters when the pain is all but gone and when you’re finally awake despite the overwhelming odds tomorrow came and when they see you crack a smile and you decide to stay a while you'll be ready then to laugh again"

[@czarryno]

You mean to tell me this fucking beast of a singer NEVER had vocal training pre-Nowhere Generation?????? Gtfo. I love Tim even more now

[@HippieX10]

Tim, I’m sure you will never read this, but Rise Against has changed my life in many ways over my life for the better. And, as I know we have very different political opinions, I appreciate the respect you showed in this interview towards people who have different views. It is nice to know that there are some human beings out there.

[@VibingWithVariety]

I love Tim and rise against their music has got me through some rough shit in life I especially felt a connection to make it stop. Thank you for writing and performing music

[@steele_heart77]

Trans lass here, Make It Stop really speaks to me. Love their music in general, but that one's on my top 10.

[@biggabey993]

Wow, it’s been a while since I’ve heard about rise against. Awesome.

[@thebassistsoldier]

Prayer of the refugee on guitar hero 3 was what got me into rock music and playing on my own. I picked up base because of that song, and it was the first song I learned to play. Rise against has a special place in my heart from back when I was young and hungry and on fire. This makes me happy. Howdy Tim 👋 thanks for what you do.

[@95mudshovel]

I love him so much. I'm 25 and just getting into punk. this shit is awesome.

[@omgvague]

I highly recommend you listen to Descendents.

[@Jezballz]

There are a lot of punk way better than this,start at the late 70's to mid 1980's.

[@95mudshovel]

@@Jezballz oh I know. Minor Threat has been my jam.

[@AlmostaFlipinSkater]

Bad Religion forsure!

[@Charon241]

Rise Against have always been great but the songs that have always stood out for me are Survive, People Live Here and Voices Off Camera.

[@brandonryce6801]

Survive has been a good reason for why I've been living as long as I have. I overdosed last year and ever since hearing survive after 10+ years since last hearing it, it's really become a motto of mine.

[@ivystar2823]

Such simple but powerful lyrics, especially Survive

[@scottsutton7774]

People live here brings me to tear every time

[@LobsterPuncher]

Been a Rise Against fan for almost 20 years now. Seems like just yesterday I heard them for the first time.

[@marvenenolan2508]

Talk about SYNCHRONICITIES, his story is proof positive that what you put out into the universe/world it will come back to you with interest ,good or bad , and I am just so grateful to hear a beautiful and positive energy returned to the point it seeming unbelievable. This is so freaking Awesome!!!

[@EnginerdKatie]

The start of this, "Swing Life Away" is the song the introduced me to Rise Against forever ago and it's literally my comfort blanket.

[@downwithtrudeau]

Been listening to rise against for almost 15 years. This new song "nowhere generation" makes my eyes tear up almost every time I listen to it.

[@Hicks-g1m]

This is the first time I've seen a loudwire do an interview like this great interview with Tim from rise against

[@ridwanislam9944]

The stop light analogy was really well thought out

[@---gh0st---]

Fucking incredible interview Been a Rise Against fan for almost a couple decades now and love hearing how they actually stand behind their lyrics and continue to grow without having to change The right vs left bullshit needs to end, politics should not be about a team competition, it should be about progressing as a people to better ourselves

[@crispyfrostedflakes5143]

U put that perfectly

[@ivystar2823]

that's such a simple but incredible way of wording it :P

[@kl2355]

It ends when conseratives and right wing terrorist stop discriminating and killing minorities and when they start treating them as equals and human beings.

[@EmilPiano]

LOVE HIS HAIR! take me back to the Ready To Fall era

[@totallysick88able]

Tim really is a brilliant man. He’s got a rare ability to see the world for what it is and he’s trying to open our eyes. He’s not just some dribble lip rock star. The guy is smart. Listen to him

[@ryanparker5338]

eh i don’t full agree with the politics but the songs are absolute bangers

[@tizzlekizzle]

I usually hear Rise Against albums and Im like...yeah that was ok....then I come back 6 months later and it becomes my fav album and I have it on repeat.

[@diohandingdal9865]

Still one of my fav bands

[@marcelinesclover4902]

Fun Fact: Tim has a younger brother who was a KZbinr Kyle Mcllrath

[@Cryogenius333]

"how would you expect someone to react...if they were running a race and the finish line just kept moving?" Bingo.

[@roymartin500]

Great band, great interview! Two Toni Loudwires in 24hrs! I love that L.P.

[@Sweetenloww]

You give me hope that I’m not the only one fighting for a better world. For caring for everyone. You are all pure empathy, no hate for the soldiers forced into terrible things, while they had to leave their families (disabled or underaged) alone. Just anger for the government that made them do it.

[@somerandomguy4760]

Man I haven't listened to these guys I'm glad I'm hearing about them!

[@somerandomguy4760]

Disclaimer I am a fan I meant to say I haven't listened to them in a while!

[@soylentcompany5235]

@@somerandomguy4760 my man you can edit you comment

[@somerandomguy4760]

@@soylentcompany5235 what are you trying to say I listen to punk rock and metal dummy

[@soylentcompany5235]

@@somerandomguy4760 No i didnt mean it like that 💀 i meant you can edit your comment so you wont have one comment correcting the other and only one comment. Thought u might not know that

[@lillyk2264]

Awesome talk !!!

[@KillDozer44]

Holy jawline

[@jonathanstewart8106]

Rise Against were the first band I ever saw in live in 2011. I'm not on the same political aisle as Tim and RA and never have been but in all my years seeing and listening to this band Tim has never preached at me. His music resonated with me and I remember the band getting ready mid-set for Swing Life away and Hero of War and he started talking about humanity but he never mentioned political parties or specific policies, he was being political without being partisan and I appreciated it. In 2018 I saw Tim and RA again and after telling my GF (Who had never seen them) so many stories about how good RA were Tim delivered the exact same thing mid set. He had every reason to be anti trump, anti conservative anti anything my side of the aisle and he didn't need to be. He spoke about humanity and the importance of being good to each other. He chose not be bi-partisan even though hes very clear where he stands on lots of issues, he and the band don't intentionally divide the audience. Tim and I will never see eye to eye on politics, we're not the same in this regard, but the music is still awesome and the bands has never gone out of its way to disengage me. There is power in this and I think a lot of people can learn from this way of changing minds. Keep going Tim, Huge fan my man

[@trevortrela4765]

Looking forward to walking into a show and hearing ‘The Numbers’ open shit up

[@ChicagoMike85]

I like that he preaches about the right subjects and he isn’t getting political as to pushing a certain agenda. Meaning he isn’t telling people who to vote for or anything like that he is more so talking about actual issues.. the 1%, predatory student loans etc, I dig that. 👍🏼

[@laurastroud4583]

I've always loved your voice and it's also awesome to see the band still evolving in many ways. I've been listening for probably more than half my life at this point. I'm 24.

[@amarofarias6731]

I fucking love Tim

[@conors4430]

Great interview. I’m loving the new album, it’s a great blend of the newer style with the mid to thousands stuff. The guitars, Tim‘s voice, Brandons drumming, everything is kick arse

[@the406seadonkey6]

Tim is a badass. She was a good interviewer also. Nice video.

[@scottsutton7774]

I have a hard time finding a band I appreciate as much as rise against

[@Whereabouts-unknown]

Rise against!!! ♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@kosalakannangara3082]

The band is awesome. ❤️💀

[@GambitRaps]

Fuckin love this band

[@SC-ev1bx]

Gaaahh, why’s he gotta be so darn cute! 😍

[@travissomething3341]

Finally good content out of loudwire

[@Scorpinox117]

Great interview

[@nathanbigjuice9191]

Hello this is cool

[@vaiwalker]

I live because tim's music was what i grew up with. besides nirvana, i fking love rise against's music.

[@danajessop2835]

Dude, they all land. One way or another, they all land.

[@Sweetenloww]

I can’t believe this man believes they don’t have a profound impact on everyone. It is ALL they are here for. Of course they do.

[@trope5105]

May 27,2005! i seen rise against and death by stereo open up for alkaline trio! DBS fuckin tore it up, n RISE blew the roof off the place! club sound in salt lake city baby! such a sweet little venue, callied in the venue back then actually i think. by the time Alkaline came on, literally EVERYbody cept form maybe 200 out of 1000+ left lol. Ive witnessed this twice, because for somereason rise always opened n headlined with alkaline on the card, n ya know what, i was def not into them, n hated them for a long time, fook AT. i think last time i scoped em out though, i actually liked some of it, IF i remember right. Rise rules, n was my first real modern day concert, only seeing metallica and rush previously! i was a junior in highschool, with a fuckin car load o of friendss, like 8 of us in my little 2 door pontiac grand am!

[@craigjurenec4811]

Wait. Systems that have been destabilized by American involvement or the lack of American involvement ? Que Que? 13:25

[@СеливанКлятый]

👍

[@jeanfein6432]

adamin hasi

[@chrisfusion6945]

Tim: from Chicago, looks kinda like Aiden pierce. Just sayin'

[@8bitKatwalk]

wat he sayin?

[@soylentcompany5235]

Stuff

[@frankiex99]

I thought the song Nowhere Generation was about the LGBT?

[@arininquotes8396]

What's been confusing me about Nowhere Generation is what generation it refers to. Tim seems to be describing Gen Z here but mentions Millenials. He himself is either a young Gen X or an older Millenials depending on the cutoff years one uses. The lyrics themselves are no real help, as they're too vague.

[@datboicactusbushcraft2423]

Talking about political tension while being a shill and having the same views as those in power and in control of everything doesnt make you the resistance or punk.

[@wilfink3763]

Smut Peddlers are more punk rock than this mainstream poser band that only appeal to woke wannabes who cant take it when their precious Rise Against takes criticism in the slightest or else youre gaslit into being branded a Trumpster. Muddy the waters and call it deep!

[@rc8929]

@@wilfink3763 Mehhh, Rise Against is doing and following their political views as they have for the last decade-plus. I didn't know the new terms to describe progressives existed a decade ago (i.e. woke....). Also, one should notice that the songs were all written while the moderate left of America was out of power, and in reality, Rise Against is likely not to happy with the moderates in power in the White House now in 2021.

[@hermunkulus]

Holy crap you guys are angry. Politics have been in music for decades by musicians on both sides. This isn't a new thing.

[@TheSuburban15]

Student loans are voluntary. Think about what you do before you do it, and stop blaming others for your mistakes.

[@deciplesteve]

They are voluntary, but the system is predatory. I fully believe people should pay back their own loans, but I also believe that system needs some SERIOUS renovation.

[@RASECROD]

@@deciplesteve exactly, the price of college is outrageous and the amount of worthless classes that are needed for a degree is just plain stupid and unnecessary.

[@mr.craysee3653]

88 Fingers Louie > Rise Against

[@Principezone]

He killed a baby today?

[@JohnDoe-vf2yo]

Also, why does Toni look like she's got a 5 o'clock shadow?

[@brandonaitchison3747]

Uhhh she doesn't lol

[@garrettpraznik194]

1st

[@nathanbigjuice9191]

No

[@willb1156]

Stfu we don't care

[@garrettpraznik194]

@@willb1156 you literally took the bait

[@JohnDoe-vf2yo]

Meh. I'll stick with FFDP if I want politically directed music. Nobody is rigging the system but demonrats.

[@deciplesteve]

Five Flavored Fruit Punch is what you get when you order a metal band on wish.

[@tim3172]

Please take your Copium and have a nap. Copium: the only approved treatment for MAGAts coping to deal with reality.

[@TheSuburban15]

Check out Rebel Inc

[@hermunkulus]

Oh look another conspiracy theorist. Out of all of the political bands out there, you choose Five Finger Death Punch? Really?

[@ryanparker5338]

@@tim3172 hey dude i get that his opinion is shitty but you don’t have to be mean back. everyone has their own opinions, who are you to say who is right

[@thefilthygringo9228]

Politics and music should not be together 👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻

[@KevinGarcia-pv3lr]

Then don’t listen.

[@iova3922]

If it wasn’t for politics rock would simply not exist

[@thefilthygringo9228]

@@iova3922 not true at all.

[@hermunkulus]

Black Flag, The Sex Pistols, The Clash, Body Count, The Beatles... The list goes on and on.

[@thefilthygringo9228]

@@iova3922 really…. That’s not rock.