Bad Brains

Members: Dr. Know, Darryl Jenifer, H.R., Earl Hudson
Origin: Washington, D.C., USA
Years Active: 1976 – 1995, 1998 – Present

Founded in Washington, D.C. in 1976, Bad Brains are known for their fierce energy, their instrumental prowess, and their unlikely melding of two genres: Hardcore Punk and Reggae.

Formed by a group of high school classmates, Bad Brains started as a Jazz Fusion ensemble, but took an early turn toward Punk. Initially, they drew inspiration from bands like the Clash and the Sex Pistols. However, Reggae soon began to figure prominently into the sound of the band, whose members — drummer Earl Hudson, singer (and older brother of Earl) Paul “H.R.” Hudson, bassist Darryl Jenifer, and guitarist Gary “Dr. Know” Miller — became dedicated Rastafarians.

Bad Brains’ brand of Punk was musically tight and often blisteringly fast, performed with both power and precision. The band’s exciting and intense live performances attracted a cult following that grew with the release of their self-titled 1982 debut — often cited among the best records of the Punk/Hardcore era — and 1983’s Rock for Light, produced by The Cars‘ Ric Ocasek.

Since the 1980s, Bad Brains have broken up and re-formed numerous times, with replacement members for the core lineup coming and going, and even alternate names for the group being used. Over the years, they have released several studio albums, as well as live recordings. The band’s sound has evolved through the decades to include Hard Rock and Metal stylings.

While Bad Brains have not achieved mainstream success, they are considered fundamental to the development of Alternative Rock in the 1980s, and its huge commercial success starting in the 1990s. Bad Brains have influenced numerous notable artists and bands, including: Rage Against the Machine, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nirvana, The Roots, Fishbone, the Beastie Boys, Living Colour, Fugazi, Anthrax, Foo Fighters, No Doubt, Deftones, Soundgarden, Lamb of God, and many others.