Essential Piece of Bad Religion History The performance is raw and edgy, the song selection is outstanding (they have so many great songs that I couldn't imagine a poorly written setlist), and its affordably-priced. I highly recommend this DVD to any Bad Religion fan!
Forget about the ones who have it all The late 1980's was a great time for Bad Religion. They emerged from the ashes of their early career (having broken up after a legendarily emberassing flop with Into The Unknown) to release a series of popular, very influential albums, and breathe life back into a suffocating punk scene. This all started with the release of Suffer, which was met with huge critical and fan acclaim.
Relentless touring and promoting of this album found them in Europe playing small clubs where punk fans packed in, ravenous for Bad Religion's signature blend of melodic hardcore. The sets consisted of material from the new album as well as slightly touched up takes on songs from How Could Hell Be Any Worse? and Back To The Known. This DVD compiles excellent audio soundboard versions of these songs, and collage footage of the band playing each song. So any given song could show the band performing it in as many as 4 and 5 different clubs to 4 or 5 different ecstatic audiences.
Standout performances include "We're Only Gonna Die/Part III," "Along The Way/Do What You Want," and "Voice Of God Is Government." The performers all shine in their own ways on these songs; Jay Bentley's low slung bass seems to drive the entire band, especially backed by Pete Finestone's amazingly precise drumming. Interplay between "Mr." Brett Guerewitz and the Circle Jerks' Greg Hetson on guitar is almost effortless, as they take turns soloing and playing rhythm. And, of course, enough can't be said about Greg Graffin's vocal performance. Swinging his arms about interpreting his lyrics, and standing unflappingly amidst the veritable concert of insanity in front and behind him, his voice remains clear and strong.
The most exciting aspect overall with this DVD is the interview sections in which the band members talk candidly about drug addiction, life outside Bad Religion, the band's message, and, of course, the ever-controversial Bad Religion logo.
Fans of 80's hardcore as well as punk rock in the 90's and beyond will all find something to love about this time capsule of punk rock history. If you are new to Bad Religion, and found Suffer, No Control and Against The Grain enjoyable, certainly be sure to see this disc.If you are addicted to Bad Religion... If you are addicted to Bad Religion, you need this dvd. It gives a great look at what their shows were like in the late 1980's. It is well recorded and includes their best songs from "How Could Hell Be Any Worse", "Back To The Known", and "Suffer". Many of these songs aren't played live anymore. However, Bad Religion recorded many incredible records after Suffer and you won't find a single one of those songs included on this DVD. Unless you are only into Bad Religions early music or you can't get enough of the band, the 2006 DVD "Live at the Palladium" is a much more complete representation of the band's like show. Its pretty good This is a pretty good dvd The video qualty is good for its age, The only thing thats lacking in my opinion are the interviews There pretty short , But there is some interesting information in them,We're only gonna die... from our own arrogance OK I'm a 30 year old Bad Religion fan, and can relate to Greg's interview when he talks about the older crowd at the shows. This DVD rocks, simply put. It's pure Bad Religion during their peak! Lots of good live footage of low-key venues. Some insightful interviews with the band members. Audio is great quality. At first I was dissappointed with the clips from different shows pasted together for each song. But reviewing the DVD soon set me straight - it still rocks. Any true BR fan will love this one.
