Punk Paradox

A Memoir

By: Greg Graffin

Narrated by: Sean Patrick Hopkins, Greg Graffin

Length: 12 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's summary

A historical memoir and cultural criticism of punk rock’s evolution, by the legendary singer-songwriter of Bad Religion

Greg Graffin is the lead vocalist and songwriter of Bad Religion, recently described as “America's most significant punk band.” Since its inception in Los Angeles in 1980, Bad Religion has produced 18 studio albums, become a long-running global touring powerhouse, and has established a durable legacy as one of the most influential punk rock bands of all time.

Punk Paradox is Graffin's life narrative before and during L.A. punk's early years, detailing his observations on the genre's explosive growth and his band's steady rise in importance. The book begins by exploring Graffin’s Midwestern roots and his life-changing move to Southern California in the mid-’70s. Swept up into the burgeoning punk scene in the exhilarating and often-violent streets of Los Angeles, Graffin and his friends formed Bad Religion, built a fanbase, and became a touring institution. All these activities took place in parallel with Graffin's never ceasing quest for intellectual enlightenment. Despite the demands of global tours, recording sessions, and dedication to songwriting, the author also balanced a budding academic career. In so doing, he managed to reconcile an improbable double-life as an iconic punk rock front man and University Lecturer in evolution.

Graffin’s unique experiences mirror the paradoxical elements that define the punk genre—the pop influence, the quest for society’s betterment, music’s unifying power—all of which are prime ingredients in its surprising endurance. Fittingly, this book argues against the traditional narrative of the popular perception of punk. As Bad Religion changed from year to year, the spirit of punk—and its sonic significance—lived on while Graffin was ever willing to challenge convention, debunk mythology, and liberate listeners from the chains of indoctrination.

As insightful as it is exciting, this thought-provoking memoir provides both a fly on the wall history of the punk scene and astute commentary on its endurance and evolution.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2022 Greg Graffin (P)2022 Hachette Books

Life, Love, and history of punk

A tale of life, a march towards self acceptance and a finality that random acts in one’s life are not random, I enjoyed this book. Taking a systemically scientific approach to life’s events gave me tons of energy to self reflect as well. It is true no bad religion song will make your life complete but completeness is never the true goal of life.

Entertaining and inspiring

I loved listened to Greg’s words. As a punk myself, I connected with this story tremendously!

Very interesting book about part of my favorite bands history

I usually listen to books as I fall asleep. This book kept me up because I thought it was so interesting. It had me reflecting on my own journey of being a “punk”. How I came to start listening to BR and how I have evolved from a young punker to an adult who still loves the genre but as he puts it in the book, not doing very punk things. I just really enjoyed this book.

Thoughtful and well written

Interesting ride through the history of one of the most influential bands of modern generations.

Graffin delivers! Narrator manages to not get in the way

As a devoted and near lifelong Bad Religion fan, and Graffin devotee, I was almost certainly going to like this book. And I did. My main fear was that the narrator would fail to handle Graffin’s signature vernacular or bungle delivering his unique authorial voice. But he did better than expected. If you’re a fan of Bad Religion or Dr. Graffin’s work as a scholar,
I recommend this book. If you’re not a Bad Religion fan, or Graffin admirer, it’s a decent enough memoir but may not offer much for you.

Side note: Bad Religion fans will surely note the many subtle references to BR lyrics and song concepts that deliberately emerge from the text. It’s a real treat to discover those and for them to enhance your appreciation of the songs.

A Memoir of Punk

I really enjoyed this book. It made me realize just how much punk raised me and how much Bad Religion shaped my growth as an intellectual human who loves punk and also got a PhD. I feel like I went to Graffin U.

Great history and stories

I wish Greg had read the whole thing himself, but a great listen regardless.

Great entertaining read!

Dr. Graffin's life reads like a case study supplement to a Malcom Gladwell book. Definitely made my daily commute entertaining and educational! It was kool to directly correlate Greg's lyrics to his educational journey.

Excellent story, well told.

Brought back so many memories of great shows and good times. I really loved the chronological description of the band and Greg’s journey.
Highly recommended.

Graffin fans already know

If you're a fan of BR and Greg, you already know what to expect, and that's exactly what you'll get. A good blend of story telling and insight.