As the tour draws closer and closer, and punters guard their precious tickets, Dexter Ramone had a quick chat to Bad Religion's bassist Jay Bentley recently. Read More to check it out, if you haven't got your ticket yet for the most anticipated tour in a damn long time, you'd better get a move on as expected they are selling fast.

There are few bands that stand the test of time in the punk genre. Selling out, overdoses, breaking up are all massive issues that volatile punk bands all have to face throughout their career. One band that has managed to survive it all, and still be recording killer albums is Bad Religion. "We're just finishing up the Warped tour now." Bassist Jay Bentley remarks down the phone to me as he chills out between dates. "We're going to be busy over the next few months, the album has dropped to good reviews; so at the moment everyone wants a piece of us."

New album 'New Maps Of Hell' is another fast paced record that will be sure to get you angry about something. And you are sure to learn a few things while listening to it too. "We were really happy with the outcome of the record. We didn't listen to any of the critics during recording, we wanted to make us happy first; and that was all that mattered."

When careers span three decades, and plenty of different bands, it makes you wonder why this one over all the rest managed to stand the test of time. "Well, this is the best band put together that I've been in; it's the best Bad Religion line up also. This is certain to help; I think there is also no pressure put on us anymore besides what we put on ourselves. Its all just for fun now, we've proved we can write a good album. Looking around the studio during recording, every one of us is incredibly tenacious, once we decide to do something, we get it done. No stopping us."

"I think it is easy to see the changes in the scene now as being detrimental to the overall punk message. I mean, who is going to listen to you talking about politics or religion or any other sort of important message that bands try and put out nowadays when they have stolen their little sisters jeans and make up. And Straightening irons? Don't get me started." Now with two kids running around, Jay would know a thing or two about straightening irons. "They are 14 and 16. so they are just coming into that age you know? Both boys, so I'll be keeping an eye on their dress habits! They aren't really fans of the band per say, they like the concept and all their friends thinking its bitchin' that their dad is in a punk band, but not really avid fans."

The new album has been described as some as the best effort ever by the band. "The fans reception has been really good. Its been a joy to tour this record. We play three or four off the new one live and the fans were singing every word. Always a good sign!" Jay believes that the main reason that this album is going to be successful is due to the expansion of the band. "We have so many more options with six people. Greg and Brett doing songwriting is great, we can give the songs so much more depth with all the guitars. It just seemed logical."

Of course, the problem with being in an anti-religion, politically charged band is that the lyrics don't always suit everyone . "We've had a couple of instances where one of us has had to go and talk to Greg or Brett and ask them to change lyrics as someone didn't feel comfortable spouting that message. But most of the time its okay, I mean, I don't agree with the song 'Hooray for Me,' but I can appreciate that someone in the band does. Its just a few extreme instances that happened maybe two or three times."

And of course, there was also that little controversy a few years back involving Greg and a webcam? "(Laughs) I support him in anything he decides to do.. Um, it wouldn't be something that I would do personally, but uh? If he feels the need to show his cock to the world; well that's totally his decision!"

[Bombshellzine]

Thanks to jaz for this news!



The city has always been a backdrop for this enduring act and may have played a part in honing the angst that has resonated with so many of the group's fans over the years. After all, these guys were there during punk's infancy and may have played a small part in furthering its rebellious attitude.

"When we were 16 or 17, there was a lot of rage and alienation growing up on the outskirts of the city, and I think we were able to harness those emotions in the band," Bentley, now 43, said in a phone interview. "Luckily, we've been able to maintain those feelings in some form for all these years, which is part of the reason we've been able to do it for so long."

This summer the band will embark on its fourth Warped Tour. The raveling punk rock fete has been around for the past 12 summers.

This year's bill is filled with a majority of bands that weren't born when Bad Religion started playing. Most of the crowd is even younger.

With more than two decades in action, the punk quintet is firmly entrenched in the hallowed position of being the Rolling Stones for the mohawked set. Will they see a third and fourth decade?

"I think to this point, the music that we are playing and the way that we play it live is still relevant enough that it doesn't make us seem some like a bunch of has-beens up there," Bentley said. "If we ever reach that point ... and I hope someone will tell us if we do ... I'm sure we'll stop, but until then we'll keep on going."

[Press Enterprise]