Greg Graffin’s Epochal Open Letter to Bad Religion, Fans, and the Rock Entertainment Community
Dear Bad Religion Family, Fans, and the Rock Entertainment Community,
As I sit down to write this, I’m overcome with appreciation and respect for the great adventure we’ve taken together over the years. It is impossible to express what I feel in a single letter, but I will do my best to reflect the depth of my gratitude and admiration for each of you who have been a part of this incredible journey.
First and foremost, to my Bad Religion brothers: you are the foundation of my profession and life in music. You have been my creative partners, colleagues, and lifelong friends since the day we formed our band, driven by enthusiasm and a desire to break the norms. Together, we’ve created music that has stood the test of time and connected with people all across the world. None of this would have been possible without your hard work, ability, and determination.
To our supporters, the lifeblood of all we do: you are Bad Religion’s heart and soul. Your unwavering support, enthusiasm for our shows, and willingness to engage with the concepts in our songs have been nothing short of inspirational. From the mosh pits to the handwritten letters, from social media comments to the innumerable personal stories you’ve shared with us, your love and passion have sustained us through every high and low. You’ve reminded us often why we started making music in the first place.
And to the rock entertainment industry—the venues, promoters, producers, engineers, fellow musicians, journalists, and countless others who labour ceaselessly behind the scenes—you have created an environment in which our creativity may thrive. Thank you for believing in us when we were simply a bunch of youngsters with a DIY mindset and a dream. Your dedication to this genre, determination to push limits, and efforts to keep the spirit of rock alive have aided not only our own growth, but the growth of numerous artists who have dared to take the stage.
Looking back, I never envisioned the impact we would make. Our adventure began in a little garage, with just our instruments and a dream of making music that mattered. Decades later, that concept has evolved into a legacy I could not have predicted. This is not just my tale; it is our story, written in collaboration with everyone involved in this incredible voyage.
As we move forward, I promise to continue giving my all to this art form that we all cherish. Thank you for letting me live my dream and making this experience unforgettable.
With heartfelt love, respect, and thanks,
Greg Graffin