Preview: Rise Against & Rancid @ Stubb's [Friday]

Comprised of former members of 88 Fingers Louie and Baxter, Chicago’s Rise Against came into existence in 1999 as Transistor Revolt. By 2001, the punk-hardcore band had changed their name to Rise Against, signed with Fat Wreck Chords, and released The Unraveling. Their most recent (and fifth) full-length, Appeal To Reason dropped last year on current label DGC/Interscope. The band members frequently communicate their opinions on a number of subjects -- they were staunch supporters of Barack Obama during the 2008 Presidential Election and their blistering anthems often address political and social issues. They are also firm believers in protecting the environment as evidenced by the “Ready To Fall” video and their vegan VANS. Rise Against stops in at Stubb’s tonight with Rancid supporting during this North American jaunt.

Veteran punk outfit Rancid was founded by Tim Armstrong and Matt Freeman in 1991. The band had already gained a legitimate fan base with 1993’s self-titled release and 1994’s Let’s Go before …And Out Come The Wolves placed them as a frontrunner alongside Green Day and The Offspring in the 90’s radio-ready punk movement. The album contained gems like “Roots Radical,” “Time Bomb,” and “Listed M.I.A.,” and the ubiquitous hit “Ruby Soho” was an MTV staple in the mid 90’s. Let The Dominoes Fall, Rancid’s seventh LP, arrived last month as a double disc -- check out their new single “Last One To Die” via YouTube.

This current tour started in June with Austin’s Riverboat Gamblers as the opening act. This evening, Rise Against and Rancid will be preceded on stage by fellow Warped Tour alumnus Billy Talent.

Rise Against [Official] [MySpace]
Rancid [Official] [MySpace]
Billy Talent [Official] [MySpace]