Scream Louder

In the midst of an election, despicable disenfranchisement reigns supreme. It is tempting to give up altogether, pack our bags and move to an island so remote that silence becomes the new governing body. For many Americans, casting a vote on Nov. 8 will feel pointless, like screaming into a fucking vacuum.

Thankfully, legendary punk-rock powerhouse Bad Religion is coming to town, and wants to remind you that your voice matters.

“[We’re] traveling all over the country right up to election day,” says guitarist Brian Baker (of Minor Threat fame), who’s been with the band since 1994. Baker says the current North American tour — named “Vox Populi” for obvious reasons — is an attempt to “agitate and motivate people to participate in the electoral process.”

“The songs we are playing in our sets have been carefully chosen,” he says. “They are all thematically relevant to the current American political landscape.”

Nearly four decades into their tenure — with 16 albums under their belts — it’s hard to imagine a group of musicians that continues on so passionately, staying crazy after all these years. Since 1979, Bad Religion has preached the same message: You alone have the power to change shit. Whether critiquing religion, encouraging political discourse or simply pushing the amps to 11, the band refuses to dilute itself.

Bad Religion’s latest record, True North, released in 2013, packs all the same punches and all the urgency of its predecessors. This is more than your run-of-the-mill, skanky, eyelid-piercing bullcrap. It’s a call to arms — a throbbing, blood-stained musical fist hurtling toward a splintered glass ceiling. And perhaps consistency of message means stasis, but Baker assures us it’s no big deal with all the nonchalance and self-deprecation of a true punk legend.

“We haven’t really evolved much,” he says. “Guitars are in tune now; we can kind of sing the backups live these days. That’s about it. And we are still inconsistent. Just ask our sound guy.”

So it’s good news and business as usual for Bad Religion’s thronging fans, who know exactly what to expect and are never, ever disappointed. Here’s hoping the next four years don’t see them all (you included) ground into radioactive dust.

As Baker says, it’s up to you to make your voice heard.

“Citizens of Eugene,” he implores, “please register to vote! And to those who do and those who already have, please exercise your right to vote in this absolutely pivotal presidential election. This is one for the ages.” ν

Bad Religion plays with Against Me! and Dave Hause 7:30 pm Monday, Oct. 24, at McDonald Theatre; $25 adv.,$30 door. All ages.

A Note From the Publisher

Dear Readers,

The last two years have been some of the hardest in Eugene Weekly’s 43 years. There were moments when keeping the paper alive felt uncertain. And yet, here we are — still publishing, still investigating, still showing up every week.

That’s because of you!

Not just because of financial support (though that matters enormously), but because of the emails, notes, conversations, encouragement and ideas you shared along the way. You reminded us why this paper exists and who it’s for.

Listening to readers has always been at the heart of Eugene Weekly. This year, that meant launching our popular weekly Activist Alert column, after many of you told us there was no single, reliable place to find information about rallies, meetings and ways to get involved. You asked. We responded.

We’ve also continued to deepen the coverage that sets Eugene Weekly apart, including our in-depth reporting on local real estate development through Bricks & Mortar — digging into what’s being built, who’s behind it and how those decisions shape our community.

And, of course, we’ve continued to bring you the stories and features many of you depend on: investigations and local government reporting, arts and culture coverage, sudoku and crossword puzzles, Savage Love, and our extensive community events calendar. We feature award-winning stories by University of Oregon student reporters getting real world journalism experience. All free. In print and online.

None of this happens by accident. It happens because readers step up and say: this matters.

As we head into a new year, please consider supporting Eugene Weekly if you’re able. Every dollar helps keep us digging, questioning, celebrating — and yes, occasionally annoying exactly the right people. We consider that a public service.

Thank you for standing with us!