Bad Brains are an American rock band formed in Washington, D.C. in 1977. They are widely regarded as among the pioneers of hardcore punk, though the band’s members have objected to this term to describe their music. They are also an adept reggae band, while later recordings featured elements of other genres like funk, heavy metal, hip hop and soul. Bad Brains are followers of the Rastafari movement.
Originally formed as a jazz fusion ensemble under the name Mind Power, Bad Brains developed a very fast and intense punk rock sound which came to be labeled “hardcore”, and was often played faster and more emphatically than many of their peers. The unique factor of the band’s music was the fact that they played more complex rhythms than other hardcore punk bands, also adapting non-punk style guitar riffs and solos into their songs.
Bad Brains have released nine studio albums (one of which is entirely composed of instrumental versions of their early material). The band broke up and reformed several times over the years, sometimes with different singers or drummers. Since 1994, the “classic” lineup of singer H.R. (Human Rights), guitarist Dr. Know, bassist Darryl Jenifer, and drummer Earl Hudson has reunited, albeit performing sporadically. In 2013 keyboardist Jamie Saft was recruited to play with the band, fulfilling both live and studio roles. Chogyi Lama performed with the group live 2016–17.
Tracklist
1 Don’t Need It
2 At the Atlantis
3 Pay to Cum
4 Supertouch
5 Shitfit
6 The Regulator
7 Why’d You Have to Go
8 Don’t Bother Me
9 Success
10 Banned in D.C.
11 Big Takeover
12 Stay Close to Me
13 Attitude
14 Happy Birthday Earl
15 You’re a Migraine
16 Just Another Damn Song
17 The Man Won’t Annoy You
18 Redbone in the City
19 I
Current members
Dr. Know – lead guitar (1977–1995, 1998–present)
Darryl Jenifer – bass (1977–1995, 1998–present)
H.R. – vocals, occasional rhythm guitar (1977–1987, 1989–1990, 1994–1995, 1998–present)
Earl Hudson – drums, percussion (1977–1987, 1989–1990, 1994–1995, 1998–present)
Bad Brains discography
Bad Brains (1982)
Rock for Light (1983)
I Against I (1986)
Quickness (1989)
Rise (1993)
God of Love (1995)
I & I Survived (2002)
Build a Nation (2007)
Into the Future (2012)
Associated acts
Beastie Boys
Saudade
