Good Riddance (band)
| Company type | Punk rock band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Predecessor | State of Grace |
| Founded | 1986 in Santa Cruz, California, United States |
| Founder | Russ Rankin |
| Defunct | 2007 (initial disbandment) |
| Fate | Reunited in 2012 |
| Headquarters | Santa Cruz , United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Russ Rankin (vocals), Luke Pabich (guitar), Chuck Platt (bass), Sean Sellers (drums) |
| Products | Nine studio albums, live album, EPs |
Number of employees | 4 (band members) (Various years) |
| Parent | Fat Wreck Chords (record label) |
| Website | www |
Good Riddance (commonly known as GR) is a punk rock group originating from Santa Cruz, California, United States. They produced seven studio albums under the Fat Wreck Chords label before disbanding in 2007, concluding with a farewell live album. The band reunited in 2012 and subsequently released their eighth album, Peace in Our Time, in 2015, followed by their ninth release, Thoughts and Prayers, in 2019. Fronted by vocalist Russ Rankin, the primary lineup features guitarist Luke Pabich, bassist Chuck Platt, and drummer Sean "SC" Sellers. Their music combines elements of hardcore punk with melodic influences, often focusing on political themes and personal challenges.
State of Grace
Prior to forming Good Riddance, Russ Rankin and Luke Pabich were members of the Santa Cruz hardcore band State of Grace, which issued a demo cassette in 1992 and undertook a brief tour.
Good Riddance
Established in 1986 by Russ Rankin, Good Riddance became fully active with the addition of Luke Pabich. The initial lineup consisted of bassist Devin Quinn and drummer Rich McDermott; they debuted with the EP Gidget in 1993 through Little Deputy Records.
Following Quinn’s exit, Chuck Platt joined as the permanent bassist. The group then signed with Fat Wreck Chords, releasing their first full-length album For God and Country alongside the Decoy EP in 1995.
Drummer Rich McDermott was succeeded by Sean Sellers for the 1996 album A Comprehensive Guide to Moderne Rebellion. Sellers stayed until 1999; later recordings featured drummers Dave Raun and Dave Wagenschutz, who participated in two albums and tours. Sellers returned for their seventh album, My Republic (2006), as well as the farewell live record Remain In Memory - The Final Show (2007).
All band members are advocates for animal rights, adhering to vegan or vegetarian lifestyles, and support groups such as People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and the U.S. Green Party.
Members have also pursued side projects: Pabich and Sellers with Outlie; Platt with "I Want Out"; Rankin with Only Crime; and Sellers with the Celtic punk ensemble The Real McKenzies.
Good Riddance has served as an inspiration for bands that merge Skate Punk with ’80s hardcore punk influences, including acts like Phinius Gage and No Trigger.
On April 3, 2007, Good Riddance declared their dissolution, playing their final concert on May 27, 2007 at The Catalyst in Santa Cruz. This event was captured on the live album Remain in Memory - The Final Show.
2012 Reunion
On February 16, 2012, Good Riddance revealed their reunion featuring the original members: Rankin, Pabich, Platt, and Sellers.
Their eighth studio album and first since reuniting, Peace in Our Time, was released on April 21, 2015 through Fat Wreck Chords.
The band's ninth studio effort, Thoughts and Prayers, was issued on July 19, 2019 via Fat Wreck Chords.
Current
- Russ Rankin – lead vocals (1986–2007, 2012–present)
- Luke Pabich – guitarist (1990–2007, 2012–present)
- Chuck Platt – bass guitarist (1994–2007, 2012–present)
- Sean Sellers – drummer (1996–1999, 2006–2007, 2012–present)
Former
- Rob Land – guitarist (1986–1990)
- John Burnett – bassist (1986–1991)
- Devin Quinn – bass player (1991–1993)
- Tom Kennedy – bass guitar (1993–1994)
- Rich McDermott – drummer (1986–1989, 1993–1995)
- Andrew Jackson – drums (1990–1991)
- Jade Dylan – percussionist (1991–1993)
- Dave Raun – drummer (1999–2000)
- David Wagenschutz – drummer (2000–2005)
Discography
- Studio albums
- For God and Country (released 1995)
- A Comprehensive Guide to Moderne Rebellion (1996 release)
- Ballads from the Revolution (issued 1998)
- Operation Phoenix (came out in 1999)
- Symptoms of a Leveling Spirit (2001 release)
- Bound by Ties of Blood and Affection (issued 2003)
- My Republic (released in 2006)
- Peace in Our Time (2015 release)
- Thoughts and Prayers (came out in 2019)
Videography
- Exposed! 1994-1999 VHS (Fat Wreck Chords, July 31, 2001)