Bad Brains are an American hardcore punk band formed in Washington, D.C.
in 1977. They are widely regarded as being among the pioneers of hardcore punk,
though the band's members objected to the term "hardcore" to describe
their music. Originally formed as a jazz fusion ensemble under the name Mind
Power, Bad Brains developed a very fast and intense punk rock sound, which was
both musically complex, and was often played faster and more emphatically than
the music of many of their peers. They were also an adept reggae band, in a
sort of Jekyll-and-Hyde arrangement, while later recordings featured elements
of heavy metal and funk. Bad Brains are also notable as religious followers of
the Rastafari movement.
Bad Brains broke up and reformed several times over the years, sometimes
with different singers and/or drummers. The band's classic and current lineup
is singer H.R., guitarist Dr. Know, bassist Darryl Jenifer, and drummer Earl
Hudson.
Bad Brains were ranked #99 on VH1's 100
Greatest Artists of Hard Rock.
