In So Many Ways
Bad Religion's album No Substance was released about this time in 1998. The album was followed by a tour similar to how the band started: small venues with lots of young kids packed in. They said they wanted a more intimate experience like the old days. I saw Bad Religion that year at the Blind Pig in Ann Arbor, Michigan. I recall the band hanging out in the bar afterward, watching hockey and talking to fans. I'd say the band got the intimacy they desired. And I got to see a show I still remember even at the hoary age of 43. I also recall feeling strangely old, wistful, and, frankly, sad before and after watching the band. Okay, watching isn't exactly the right word. You have to be an active participant at a Bad Religion show. You don't simply watch them play. You sing along. You mosh if you want (I was, perhaps, one body away from the band at this show). But you don't idly watch a punk rock show. You get thrown around. It's youthful fun. Living in Bowling Gre...