A no-holds-barred narrative history of the iconic label that brought the world Black Flag, Husker Du, Sonic Youth, Soundgarden, and more, by the co-author of Do What You Want and My Damage.
Jim Ruland Book order (chronological)
Jim Ruland is the author of a short story collection and a novel. His work, which has appeared in prominent literary journals and zines, often explores fringe characters and subcultures. Through his distinctive style, Ruland offers a raw and incisive look at life, informed by a punk rock ethos and unconventional storytelling.
Do What You Want
- 336 pages
- 12 hours of reading
In Do What You Want, the legendary band tells us the story of their success in their own words, from jamming out in a 'hell hole-ish' garage in the 1980s to headlining sold-out festivals like Coachella, Lollapalooza, Riot Fest, and more. Our principal storytellers are the four voices that define Bad Religion: Greg Gaffin, a Wisconsin kid who sang in the choir and became a punk rock icon while he was still a teenager; Brett Gurewitz, a high school dropout who later founded the infamous indie punk label Epitaph Records, eventually expanding its net and cache to sign legends like Tom Waits and Merle Haggard; Jay Bentley, a surfer and skater who gained recognition as much for his bass skills as for his outlandish onstage antics; and Brian Baker, a hardcore guitarist who joined the band in 1994 and brings a fresh perspective as an intimate outsider. .