Rise Against

Rise Against Artistfacts

  • 1999-
    Tim McIlrathVocals, guitar
    Joe PrincipeBass
    Brandon BarnesDrums
    Zach BlairGuitar2007-
    Chris ChasseGuitar2004-2007
    Todd MohneyGuitar2002-2004
    Dan WleklinskiGuitar1999-2002
  • All four members of Rise Against identify as both straight edge and vegetarian. All actively campaign with PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals).
  • After forming in 1999, they used the name Transistor Revolt. They performed for two years with this name, but changed it to Rise Against before the release of their first full length album, The Unraveling, in 2001.
  • Tim McIlrath, the lead singer of Rise Against, was previously in a band called Baxter. Baxter existed for only a few short years, but had a great impact on the Midwestern hardcore scene of the mid-1990s.
  • In 2007 the band announced that they would endorse a new line of shoes for Vans that would be entirely vegan, not using any animal products.
  • Tim McIlrath has heterochromia, meaning his eyes are two different colors, blue and brown.
  • McIlrath loves science fiction books, which are often an influence on his lyrics. "Even before I got into music and punk and hardcore, I was just a nerdy kid who loved sci-fi," he told Songfacts. "I was a big reader, and I was stumbling across a lot of coming-of-age classics like 1984 by George Orwell or Brave New World by Aldous Huxley or Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. I was really roped into the books because of their sci-fi nature, and didn't realize what dystopian literature was when I was reading that. I was getting education in it by just reading that."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

The Punk Photography of Chris Stein

The Punk Photography of Chris SteinSong Writing

Chris Stein of Blondie shares photos and stories from his book about the New York City punk scene.

Brandi Carlile

Brandi CarlileSongwriter Interviews

As a 5-year-old, Brandi was writing lyrics to instrumental versions lullabies. She still puts her heart into her songs, including the one Elton John sings on.

Dwight Twilley

Dwight TwilleySongwriter Interviews

Since his debut single "I'm On Fire" in 1975, Dwight has been providing Spinal-Tap moments and misadventure.

Song Cities

Song CitiesMusic Quiz

Nirvana, Billy Joel and Bruce Springsteen are among those who wrote songs with cities that show up in this quiz.

Subversive Songs Used To Sell

Subversive Songs Used To SellSong Writing

Songs about drugs, revolution and greed that have been used in commercials for sneakers, jeans, fast food, cruises and cars.

Rob Halford of Judas Priest

Rob Halford of Judas PriestSongwriter Interviews

Rob Halford dives into some of his Judas Priest lyrics, talking about his most personal songs and the message behind "You've Got Another Thing Comin'."