Biography

If punk really did die in 1977, Rancid didn't get the memo, or maybe their natural-born punk ethics told them not to care what others said. Either way Rancid is one of the 90s punk revival to release a platinum-selling album on an independent record label.

Rancid was formed in Berkeley, California in 1991 by punk legends Tim Armstrong and Matt Freeman. Both Armstrong and Freeman were veterans of the San Francisco East Bay's punk scene during the 80s, being members of some of the most important punk bands of the era, including the legendary ska punk band Operation Ivy.

Rancid's music reflected their strong-left wing views on political and social issues, their streetwise ideoligies, and near-religious DIY and indie ethics. Carving out for themselves a strong grassroots following in the San Francisco East Bay, Rancid became regular performers at the legendary 924 Gilman Street club, and in 1993 signed a record deal with Epitaph Records, an independent label owned by Brett Gurewitz, guitarist for the hardcore punk band Bad Religion.

When the boom of mainstream popularity for fellow California punk bands came during 1994, major labels attempted but failed at signing Rancid, resulting with the band sticking with Epitaph (and later, Epitaph's sister label, Hellcat Records) and the musical freedom it allowed them. Despite the band sticking with an indie label, their 1995 album, "....And Out Come The Wolves" became a hit sensation for the mainstream and MTV. However, unlike other punk bands who had signed with major labels to achieve success, Rancid's decision to stay indie and embrace their underground roots saved them much of their original fanbase.

Following 1995 Rancid faded from the mainstream but their fanbase still grew, especially in the underground punk scene of the 90s. For nearly twenty years Rancid has made ground-breaking music, and are perhaps one of the most important punk bands of all time.

Rancid Official Album
1993 - Rancid s/t
1994 - Lets go
1995 - And Out Come The Wolves
1998 - Life Wont Wait
2000 - Rancid 2000
2003 - Indestructible
2009 - Let The Dominoes Fall

Rancid biography provided by last.fm.

• www.rancidrancid.com

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