News on your favorite shows, specials & more!

RISE AGAINST


BIO:
Doomsday scenarios are often predictive about an ending in life, revealing just what would occur if the world pushed itself to the brink of extinction. And the term “endgame” typically parallels such thinking, often evoking concepts of finality or termination. But for Rise Against, this particular endgame might just be their beginning. As the title of the band’s sixth full-length studio album—and the moniker of the album’s title track—Endgame is indicative of both a world that has run its course, and perhaps ushering in an entirely new start. “It’s about a dangerous time in civilization, the end of life,” says vocalist/guitarist Tim McIlrath. “What if the life that we’re living right now is this unsustainable bubble that cannot go on and perhaps does not deserve to go on? What if the world we created is a place that is so unnatural and ugly that it is a world that needs to come to an end, so that we could have a world that is better for everybody? It sounds very utopian, but it’s not about a perfect place, but maybe some of these things we’re doing, they need to come to an end.” McIlrath, bassist Joe Principe, drummer Brandon Barnes and guitarist Zach Blair have been making these striking personal and political statements, and providing prompts of great magnitude throughout their remarkable catalog by offering songs that aren’t just merely sung, but very much thought about. And it’s thought that has made Rise Against such an important band to its ever-expanding fanbase. For the Chicago-based punk group, the creation of dialogue and discourse with listeners has allowed for a response and career trajectory that’s been overwhelmingly positive since the band’s launch over a decade ago. Rise Against’s previous effort, 2008’s Appeal to Reason, further escalated the noteworthy attention already generated by prior successes, including The Sufferer and the Witness (2006) and Siren Song for the Counterculture (2004), which had provided such hits as “Swing Life Away,” “Ready to Fall,” “Prayer of the Refugee” and “Savior.” And Endgame simply picks up on such highlights. Endgame was largely assembled in the latter half of 2010. The band opted to return to production veterans Bill Stevenson and Jason Livermore at The Blasting Room in Fort Collins, Colo., and mixed with Chris Lord-Alge, who also worked on Rise Against’s previous two albums. The album’s first single, “Help Is On The Way” was inspired by McIlrath’s recent visit during a retreat in New Orleans. “It was a post-Katrina New Orleans, and I was down at the Gulf, going to the Lower Ninth Ward, seeing the damage and meeting people,” he recalls. “It was so eye opening to see how important the city was and to realize that a city like this existed within American borders at all and to see how much it was hurting was something that was really emotional and dramatic.” McIlrath notes that the song stems from a lot of that imagery that remains embedded in his thoughts. “I wanted to paint a picture of what happened down there and what is happening down there, and even though New Orleans is moving away from the spotlight a little bit, there’s still a lot recovery that people don’t see that takes place every day and it’s still an important place in America and in the world. It’s a place that should not be forgotten about. It’s a hopeful title in a sense, but there are a couple different things, as in help is on the way but it never came. It still needs a lot more help, it still needs to happen.” On Endgame, Rise Against also shifts the spotlight to homophobia via “Make it Stop,” a topic McIlrath says really hasn’t been addressed in the rock scene. The catalyst for the song occurred in September 2010, after a wave of gay teen suicides. According to McIlrath, the band received e-mails from gay fans who had contemplated suicide due to the harsh climates in which they live and the harsh world that judges who they are. “That’s something I’ve seen firsthand,” he says. “It’s bummed me out to create this community of fans, where you want everybody to feel accepted, but then to realize that there are people that don’t feel accepted, even at your own shows, even at a Rise Against show, where we go out of our way to let you know that if you are here, you belong here, no matter who you are. It’s a place where everyone is welcome. But we’d hear from fans about homophobia in the scene, or even hear from fans who are unsure about how Rise Against feels about homosexuality. That was what alarmed me the most, was to have a fan that even had a question in their mind about where we stood on it. I guess I looked back on our career and Rise Against had never made a definitive statement.” The definitive statement Rise Against makes on Endgame is that the band is open to any sexual preference. “It’s something that we certainly don’t judge,” McIlrath says. “I felt there needed to be a song, which came from our world, because I feel that the rock world stays pretty silent. I wanted to put water where the fire was. I wanted to do a song that, first, lets fans know that we don’t tolerate bigotry in our audience and, second, empower fans who are coming to grips with their own sexuality, empower them to be proud of who they are and that we accept them, and create a community that accepts them.” Endgame also features “Architect,” a song inspired by the forefathers and historical figures of civil rights and activism, including Thoreau, Malcolm X and Howard Zinn. “They were designing a world in which we would be able to live in,” McIlrath says. “They fought for the design of everything that we can enjoy as Americans and people in the world today. The song is posing the question: Is our generation producing those architects now? It’s wondering if our generation is so overcome with cynicism and apathy that we are in danger of not creating these architects. Every right that we enjoy as Americans, somebody was out there with a picket sign to get it.” And McIlrath sees Endgame’s “Survivor Guilt” as a sequel to “Hero of War,” which appeared on Appeal to Reason, hailing from the perspective of a ghost of a soldier who fought for his or her country. But it’s important to note that the spectrum of material presented on Endgame is counterbalanced with a number of personal subjects, including the song “This Is Letting Go” which is based around a story McIlrath had penned. “The songs to me are a selection of who we are as people,” says McIlrath. “We’re not 100 percent political or 100 percent personal. We’re people with many different cares and passions. Many different things make up our daily lives. I don’t consider myself any more political than those out there who care about the world they live in.” And as for the pressure in following up its string of successes—which now includes three gold-awarded albums and gold singles—McIlrath says it’s all internally generated. “The pressure that we feel is the pressure that we put on ourselves,” he says. “We try to step up our game on each record and create something that’s relevant, new and fresh, and is still Rise Against. I want to give my perspective, and from the punk community, take in what’s happening, interpret that and put it into a song, letting the world know how we feel about it. That’s the goal behind a lot of the music.”

Latest Articles


Dropkick Murphys Detail St. Patrick’s Day 2025 Tour Photo Dropkick Murphys Detail St. Patrick’s Day 2025 Tour
by Josh Sharpe - October 22, 2024

The full list of shows has been announced for Dropkick Murphys’ St. Patrick’s Day 2025 Tour, which kicks off February 26, 2025 in Huntington, New York and wraps with four Boston, Massachusetts....

Dropkick Murphys Release New Single 'Sirens' Photo Dropkick Murphys Release New Single 'Sirens'
by Josh Sharpe - September 19, 2024

Dropkick Murphys have unleashed their new single 'Sirens,' the first hint of a new album to come in 2025. Listen to it now!...

Authority Zero Frontman Jason DeVore Releases 4th Solo LP, ''Til The Voice Goes Out' Photo Authority Zero Frontman Jason DeVore Releases 4th Solo LP, ''Til The Voice Goes Out'
by Josh Sharpe - June 10, 2024

Jason DeVore, the charismatic frontman for long-standing Arizona punk powerhouse Authority Zero, has released his fourth solo album, 'Til The Voice Goes Out. First inspired by the songwriting and music of Jeff Buckley, Jason DeVore's solo work effortlessly melds rock 'n' roll, folk, punk, reggae, cl...

Papa Roach Signs to Wasserman Music for Worldwide Representation Photo Papa Roach Signs to Wasserman Music for Worldwide Representation
by Michael Major - February 08, 2024

Papa Roach joins Wasserman Music's expansive client roster, which includes Kenny Chesney, Coldplay, Deftones, Drake, Billie Eilish, Imagine Dragons, Kendrick Lamar, My Chemical Romance, Rise Against, Ed Sheeran, Sum 41, SZA, Turnstile, and more....

Telltale Releases New Single 'Otherside' Photo Telltale Releases New Single 'Otherside'
by Michael Major - December 01, 2023

TELLTALE debuts new single and music video. Check out the latest release from TELLTALE, 'Otherside.' Telltale has spent much of 2023 on the road, including runs with Sundressed, FRNDCRCL, Brooklane, and Diva Bleach, as well as Neutral Snap, Goalkeeper, and The Home Team. Telltale also made their way...

Gregory Alan Isakov Confirms 2024 Headline Tour Photo Gregory Alan Isakov Confirms 2024 Headline Tour
by Michael Major - November 06, 2023

GRAMMY-nominated singer, songwriter and musician Gregory Alan Isakov will continue to tour through next year including headline shows at Tulsa’s Cain’s Ballroom, Dallas’ The Factory in Deep Ellum, Austin’s ACL Live at the Moody Theater, Santa Barbara’s Arlington Theatre, Oakland’s Fox Theater and Al...

TELLTALE Covers Rise Against's 'Help Is On The Way' Photo TELLTALE Covers Rise Against's 'Help Is On The Way'
by Michael Major - August 23, 2023

Rock band Telltale has released a brand new cover of Rise Against’s original track “Help Is On The Way”, out now via Rude Records. The cover is part of the upcoming Rude Records project, Changing Tides, through the label’s charitable arm Rude Cares. Rude Records' charity branch is dedicated to fight...

Gregory Alan Isakov Releases New Album 'Appaloosa Bone' Photo Gregory Alan Isakov Releases New Album 'Appaloosa Bone'
by Michael Major - August 18, 2023

GRAMMY-nominated singer, songwriter and musician Gregory Alan Isakov’s anticipated new album, Appaloosa Bones, is out now via Isakov’s own label, Suitcase Town Music. Produced by Isakov and Andrew Berlin (Descendents, Rise Against) and recorded at Isakov’s farm outside of Boulder, Appaloosa Bones is...

Gregory Alan Isakov Shares New Song 'Before the Sun' Photo Gregory Alan Isakov Shares New Song 'Before the Sun'
by Michael Major - June 14, 2023

Produced by Isakov and Andrew Berlin (Descendents, Rise Against) and recorded at Isakov’s studio outside of Boulder, Appaloosa Bones is his first new album in five years. Plus, check out upcoming tour dates! Special guests for the tour include Shovels & Rope, Damien Jurado, Lucius, The Milk Carton K...

When We Were Young Festival Adds Second Date Photo When We Were Young Festival Adds Second Date
by Michael Major - February 22, 2023

With an epic pop-punk twist, next year’s bill delivers a colossal collection of the all-star bands that perfected the genre, including headliners Blink-182, featuring reunited original members Mark Hoppus, Tom DeLonge and Travis Barker and one of the most influential bands of the genre, Green Day....

VIDEO: Drakulas Release Video Of 'Shame' From Drunk Dial Records 7' Photo VIDEO: Drakulas Release Video Of 'Shame' From Drunk Dial Records 7'
by Michael Major - December 15, 2022

Formed by Mike Wiebe and Rob Marchant of the Riverboat Gamblers and Zach Blair of Rise Against as a fully formed art project to explore new, dark avenues and be set apart from other projects, the band quickly went from a diversion to a full-time endeavor by touring, making videos and cultivating aco...

Blink-182 Returns for Global Tour & New Music Reuniting Mark, Tom, and Travis Togethe Photo Blink-182 Returns for Global Tour & New Music Reuniting Mark, Tom, and Travis Together for the First Time in Nearly 10 Years
by Michael Major - October 11, 2022

blink-182 have announced their biggest tour ever, an outing with Mark Hoppus, Tom DeLonge and Travis Barker reuniting for the first time in nearly 10 years. Tthe worldwide trek includes their first-ever performances in Latin America along with stops in North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zeala...

Anti-Flag Announce New Album 'Lies They Tell Our Children' Photo Anti-Flag Announce New Album 'Lies They Tell Our Children'
by Stephi Wild - July 29, 2022

Incendiary Pittsburgh punk rockers ANTI-FLAG will release their 13th album Lies They Tell Our Children on January 6 via Spinefarm....

Yours Truly Debuts New Single 'Careless Kind' Photo Yours Truly Debuts New Single 'Careless Kind'
by Michael Major - July 05, 2022

An emo-tinged offering from the Melbourne quartet, “Careless Kind” takes cues from some of the Yours Truly's earlier pop punk leanings; but in place of wistful teen angst and relationship woes is a cultivated take on ongoing anxieties and facing life's grown-up hurdles, complete with plenty of bounc...

Iodine Recordings Will Drop Limited Release of 'Rebel Songs' from Nathan Gray & The I Photo Iodine Recordings Will Drop Limited Release of 'Rebel Songs' from Nathan Gray & The Iron Roses
by Marissa Tomeo - May 12, 2022

Iodine Recordings will release a limited U.S. pressing of Rebel Songs by Nathan Gray & The Iron Roses on July 22. Pre-order it here. Rebel Songs is powerful, energetic, and politically charged — featuring Tim McIlrath of Rise Against and produced by Brian McTernan of Be Well/Salad Days Studio.  ...

The Used Announce Tour With Rise Against Photo The Used Announce Tour With Rise Against
by Michael Major - February 28, 2022

Rock icons The Used announced they will be hitting the road with Rise Against this summer. The tour kicks off on July 16th in Santa Barbara, CA, making stops across the U.S. and Canada in Vancouver, Denver, Dallas, New York and more before wrapping up in Detroit, MI on August 18th with support from ...

Ariana Grande, Adele & More Nominated for iHeartRadio Music Awards - See the Full Lis Photo Ariana Grande, Adele & More Nominated for iHeartRadio Music Awards - See the Full List of Nominations
by Michael Major - January 27, 2022

Artists receiving multiple nominations include Justin Bieber, Olivia Rodrigo, Doja Cat, Giveon, Lil Nas X, Silk Sonic, The Kid LAROI, SZA, Drake, Ed Sheeran, Megan Thee Stallion, Måneskin, Taylor Swift, Jason Aldean, Billie Eilish, BTS, David Guetta, Tate McRae, Ariana Grande, Daniel Caesar, The Wee...

Shinedown Releases New Single 'Planet Zero' & Announces April Album Photo Shinedown Releases New Single 'Planet Zero' & Announces April Album
by Michael Major - January 26, 2022

Planet Zero serves up an incisive look at the issues at hand: cancel culture run rampant, the corrosive effects of social media on mental health and society, and the increasingly toxic division among those of differing ideologies. Listen to the new single now! Plus, check out Shinedown's upcoming to...

Shinedown Announces The Revolution's Live Tour Photo Shinedown Announces The Revolution's Live Tour
by Michael Major - December 13, 2021

Multi-platinum rock band Shinedown has announced their second headlining 2022 North American outing, The Revolution’s Live Tour, with special guests The Pretty Reckless and DIAMANTE. Kicking off April 1 in Spokane, the 24-date trek will see the acclaimed quartet, hailed for their high-octane live sh...

Wave Break Releases New Single & Music Video 'Manic Dreams' Photo Wave Break Releases New Single & Music Video 'Manic Dreams'
by Sarah Jae Leiber - August 16, 2021

Wave Break's history is long and complicated, but there is one thing that has always been the same: frontwoman Kelly Barber has always been the driving force. ...

Jon Snodgrass Announces Tour Dates And Limited Edition 7' Photo Jon Snodgrass Announces Tour Dates And Limited Edition 7'
by A.A. Cristi - August 06, 2021

Rock & Roll singer-songwriter JON SNODGRASS will be trekking around North America on his very own headline tour An Evening of Rock & Roll with Jon Snodgrass & His Buddies with his backing band consisting of Sam Bolle (Dick Dale, Agent Orange, FEAR, Davie Allan) and Mikey Erg (Worriers, Star f**king ...

Descendents '9th & Walnut' Out Now! Photo Descendents '9th & Walnut' Out Now!
by A.A. Cristi - July 23, 2021

9th & Walnut, the new album from legendary punk band Descendents featuring the band's original four-piece lineup is out now via Epitaph Records....

Wave Break Returns With New Single & Music Video 'Chemical Burn' Photo Wave Break Returns With New Single & Music Video 'Chemical Burn'
by Sarah Jae Leiber - July 16, 2021

Wave Break's history is long and complicated, but there is one thing that has always been the same: frontwoman Kelly Barber has always been the driving force. After a series of lineup changes, she found herself as the only one in the band. Instead of calling it quits, this time she decided to contin...

Radiohead Bike Goes for $24K in Brompton Auction To Help Live Music Crew Photo Radiohead Bike Goes for $24K in Brompton Auction To Help Live Music Crew
by Sarah Jae Leiber - June 16, 2021

The full line-up involved in the project included: Foo Fighters, Rise Against, Radiohead, Phoebe Bridgers, Enrique Iglesias, LCD Soundsystem, Khruangbin, Nathan East, Dinosaur Jr, Oh Wonder, Underworld, Sub Pop, Neko Case.  ...

Toadies Announce 25th Anniversary 'Rubberneck' Tour Photo Toadies Announce 25th Anniversary 'Rubberneck' Tour
by Sarah Jae Leiber - June 07, 2021

Formed by Mike Wiebe and Rob Marchant of the Riverboat Gamblers and Zach Blair of Rise Against, Drakulas support the first leg of the tour. LA based psychedelic rockers Frankie and the Witch Fingers support West Coast dates, while 90’s cowpunks Nashville Pussy support the tour’s last leg....











Videos

Recommended For You