"Cameage" borrows surf rock-like melodies with the mix of polished guitar chords, this was considered a large improvement in the style of the band's sound and the lyrical maturity was also applauded by critics and fans alike. On April 22, 2016, it was announced that the band's next album, Hypercaffium Spazzinate, along with an accompanying EP with 5 bonus tracks from the recording sessions entitled Spazzhazard would be released through Epitaph in July.[31]. [2][4] According to singer Milo Aukerman: "While drinking all this coffee in the midst of catching mackerel they came up with the concept of All — doing the utmost, achieving the utmost. They have released seven studio albums, three live albums, three compilation albums, and three EPs. [1] The cover artwork for Enjoy! His contribution to the band, and to music in general can not be overstated. [1][2] Nolte sang with the group at several of their early performances, but by the Spring of 1979 The Last were becoming more active and he left the Descendents. [52][53][54] In these lists, critic Simon Reynolds described the album as "Fifteen Cali-core paroxysms that anatomize dork-dude pangs with haiku brevity", while Andrew Beaujon called it "Super clean, super tight, super poppy hardcore about hating your parents, riding bikes, and not wanting to 'smell your muff. [7] However, these recordings were not released for another two years. [8], Bill Stevenson has never tried recreational drugs in his life other than alcohol, which he did not drink until later in life. [14] "Orgofart" consists entirely of the band members cheering each other on as they fart into recording equipment, a technique also used in "Enjoy", while "Orgo 51" is a heavy metal-influenced instrumental track. Stevenson explained that the gap of eight years between Descendents albums was due to the band members having children and to his father's death. Black Flag is an American punk rock band formed in 1976 in Hermosa Beach, California.Initially called Panic, the band was established by Greg Ginn, the guitarist, primary songwriter, and sole continuous member through multiple personnel changes in the band.They are widely considered to be one of the first hardcore punk bands, as well as one of the pioneers of post-hardcore. [18], The Descendents supported Everything Sucks with a series of tours from September 1996 to August 1997 covering the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Europe, touring with Swingin' Utters, The Bouncing Souls, The Suicide Machines, Shades Apart, Guttermouth, Less Than Jake, Handsome, Electric Frankenstein, Social Distortion, Pennywise, H2O, and others. Nolte produced and mixed the session, and his brother Joe turned the lead guitar level up, resulting in the guitar being very loud in the mix. After this he focused his attention on Descendents and played with the band until lead singer Milo Aukerman left in 1987. Bill Stevenson opened the original Stone Balloon on Main Street when he was in his early twenties. According to Milo, the reunion is not an official reformation. It is the band's first album with guitarist Zach Blair. Stevenson left the band in 1968, after the release of their first album. He is the drummer, main songwriter, and the only constant member of the California punk rock group Descendents since its inception. [55] The German edition of the Rolling Stone's The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time ranked it at 349. Stevenson, who then ran a celebrated rock venue in Delaware, said that he introduced Joe to Jill in 1972. The Descendents put out a single called "Ride the Wild / It's a Hectic World" in 1979. He made the music for it. Joe was my friend. There are plenty of Christian music bands out there, spanning across nearly every musical genre. In late December 1981, he played a few concerts with the hardcore punk band Black Flag because their drummer ROBO was detained in England after a tour there. He became ill and I took care of him for a little while. All went on to have two more singers, Scott Reynolds (1989–1993) and Chad Price (1993–present). [1][2][3][4] Lombardo sang "It's a Hectic World" while Navetta sang "Ride the Wild". [13], The band supported Enjoy! "[42] For the band's 1985 album I Don't Want to Grow Up, the character was reinterpreted as a baby. The album was themed around the concept of "All", which had been invented by Stevenson and friend Pat McCuistion during a fishing trip on Stevenson's boat Orca in 1980. Way back in 1979, before everyone and your mother was playing punk rock, before frat boys were getting Black Flag bars tattooed on their forearms, before MTV and before Green Day, the Descendents were formed. "[2][4] McCuistion also shared writing credit on "All-O-Gistics", a musical set of commandments for achieving All, including lyrics such as "Thou shalt not commit adulthood", "Thou shalt not partake of decaf", and "Thou shalt not suppress flatulence". All had previously been signed to major label Interscope Records for 1995's Pummel, but were dissatisfied with the experience. Formed in 1979, the Descendents' first lineup consisted of vocalist/guitarist Frank Navetta, vocalist/bassist Tony Lombardo, and drummer Bill Stevenson; initially sporting an edgy power pop sound inspired by the Buzzcocks, the group issued a debut single, "Ride the … When we formed, Tony Lombardo, the original bass player said, 'Dude- you need to write some songs,' and I had never written a song before so I just wrote down some words and brought it to him. I got in over my head. In 1980, they enlisted Stevenson's friend Milo Aukerman from school as a singer, and reappeared as a punk rock band, becoming a major player in the hardcore punk scene developing in Los Angeles at the time. Absolutely definitive and insightful look into the pioneer band in the seeds of pop punk or just good hooky rock. Biography American star Bill Stevenson is the most outstanding musician in music history, and that success has made the superstar a wealthy musician. [7][39] "'Merican", their first overtly political song, addresses positive and negative aspects of American history, celebrating cultural figures such as Otis Redding, Duke Ellington, and Walt Whitman while condemning slavery, Joseph McCarthy, the Ku Klux Klan, and the Vietnam War. In 2005, he became a member of instrumental group The Mag Seven, and produced the group's album. On December 16, 1987, during the recording of the first All album Allroy Sez, Pat McCuistion died when his fishing boat sank during a storm. [1][16] The album was released through SST Records, who had purchased the Descendents' previous label New Alliance Records that year and also re-released all of their previous albums. [18] Both All and the Descendents signed to Epitaph Records, who released Everything Sucks, the subsequent All albums Mass Nerder (1998) and Problematic (2000), and the All/Descendents double live album Live Plus One (2001). I remember him making one that said 'Don't be a nerd like Milo, vote for Billy!' M-16 Lyrics: Go shoot your M-16 / Go shoot your M-16 / Go shoot your M-16 / I'm not gonna live your American dream / Army life is right for me / Kill to save democracy / Got a rebel in my Find Descendents discography, albums and singles on AllMusic. It's interesting: we started very melodic, then moved to hardcore, but melded the two at a certain point and became melodic hardcore."[2]. That's the best possible position for a band to be in. We started writing almost immediately after that record was done. Since 1986, the band's lineup has consisted of singer Milo Aukerman, guitarist Stephen Egerton, bassist Karl Alvarez, and drummer Bill Stevenson. Well, basically, I've been wanting to work with David for a long time; but at the same time, Milo has stuck with me for almost nine years now, so I wouldn't exactly feel right about just continuing to call us the Descendents. [2] They later released the Fat EP in 1982. As one of the principle songwriters and the sole consistent member of the seminal LA punk band Descendents, drummer Bill Stevenson is one of … In late December 1981, he played a few concerts with the hardcore punk band Black Flag because their drummer ROBO was detained in England after a tour there. Singer Milo Aukerman later reflected: "It's interesting: we started very melodic, then moved to hardcore, but melded the two at a certain point and became melodic hardcore. [11] When the band's name was changed to All upon Aukerman's departure in 1987, bassist Karl Alvarez created the character Allroy to serve an equivalent function for the new band.[43]. –Bill Stevenson on the group's first hiatus. [4] All was recorded in January 1987 at Radio Tokyo studios in Venice, California with recording engineer Richard Andrews and was produced by Stevenson. In late December 1981, he played a few concerts with the hardcore punk band Black Flag because their drummer ROBO was detained in England after a tour there. See the complete profile on LinkedIn and discover Bill’s connections and jobs at similar companies. The documentary film has more than 40 interviews with band members past and present and keynote commentary by associated musicians such as Keith Morris of Black Flag, Mike Watt of the Minutemen, Kira Roessler of Black Flag, Ian MacKaye of Fugazi, and many more. He was born on […] It was such a rewarding experience and you know what? ", written "in a fit of Allular frustration. Appeal to Reason debuted at number three on the Billboard 200, and was Rise Against's highest charting album until the release of Endgame in 2011. When I joined Flag I had every intention of doing both bands but it was physically impossible. [4][9][10] In 1987 New Alliance was sold to SST Records, who re-released Enjoy! [1][9][10], In 1985 Stevenson left Black Flag and he, Aukerman, Cooper, and Lombardo reconvened as the Descendents for I Don't Want to Grow Up, recorded that April at Music Lab studios in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California with producer and engineer David Tarling and published by New Alliance Records. [1][12] Rather than printing the song titles on the reverse of the album's sleeve, the band instead replaced them with various euphemisms for feces. '[53][54] In 2006 Kerrang! "[1] Aukerman described his decision to rejoin the band as "really just my re-entry into the song writing, I had been away for so long and I just wanted to make music which is what I love to do. In 2010, the Descendents reformed again. They deserve more than a record every decade or so. Bill goes 'Oh, that’s it', and it becomes the cover of the first record. It was a thing of knowing Brett forever, and so I just sat down and said, "Well, we want to make records!" "[50] In 2014, Filmage: The Story of Descendents/All, a documentary on the band, premiered. The film was released on June 15, 2013. The tumor caused Stevenson to lose motivation and eventually made him gain weight, had a blood clot, diabetes and sleep apnea. I said 'Okay, what kind of Milo do you want?' [6][12], The lyrics of "Hürtin' Crüe" derived from a high school classmate of singer Milo Aukerman who had earned a score of 1420 on the SAT, gaining him entry into the United States Military Academy. [7] Stevenson commented that "If you've got the owner of the label saying he wants to put out a record by what is probably his favorite band of all time, that's rad. Descendents are an American punk rock band formed in 1977 in Manhattan Beach, California, United States, by guitarist Frank Navetta, bassist Tony Lombardo and drummer Bill Stevenson. Label head and musician Fat Mike was a longtime fan of the band, and his enthusiasm for working with them was a major factor in their decision to sign to the label. After a six-month trial with a female singer (Cecilia Loera), they recruited Milo Aukerman as their new vocalist. [57], In 2013 Rogue Elephant Pictures, an Austin Texas-based film company, announced the pending release of Filmage: The Story Of The Descendents / ALL, a film by Deedle Lacour and Matt Riggle. I mean, I've got a Ph.D in biochemistry — how uncool is that?[2]. [6][15] Dez Cadena sang backing vocals, while Stevenson created the album's cover graphics and Alvarez provided illustrations for the sleeve and liner notes.[1][15]. "[26], In 2010 the Descendents reunited again for a series of gigs. 300px. In 1979, they enlisted Stevenson's school friend Milo Aukerman as a singer, and reappeared as a punk rock band, becoming a major player in the hardcore punk scene developing in Los Angeles at the time. [8] In 2016, Stevenson revealed he had open heart surgery. “I was betrayed by the Bidens. "Silly Girl" features heavy distorted guitars and a lengthy/poppy sound which would be featured on majority of the rest of, "Days Are Blood" shows an example of the darker, experimental, and almost. [2], For the recording of their first album in June 1982, the band worked at Total Access Recording in Redondo Beach, California with Spot, who had also engineered and produced the Fat EP. The Bonus Cup became a part of everyday Descendents life. Enjoy! He is the drummer, main songwriter, and the only constant member of the California punk rock group Descendents since its inception. "[1] Lombardo also wrote and played on "Gotta", which was left off of the album but released as a B-side on the "When I Get Old" single. He left Black Flag ' or whatever, ' or whatever Flag I had intention! Drum kit for the Descendents put out a deal like that, so I put Descendents on hold ]., said that he introduced Joe to Jill in 1972 debut single from Hypercaffium Spazzinate Victim. For Billy! community of music scholars to learn the meaning behind the lyrics to songs by Bill Stevenson join. Make both all and Descendents Records whenever we want to get together and record something [... ( Cecilia Loera ), they recruited Milo Aukerman as their new vocalist ever a. Then temporarily disappeared and Alvarez eventually made bill stevenson music groups gain weight, had a successful surgery remove! Also melodic 10, 1963 ) is an American musician and record something. [ 17 ] Lombardo also on. Latest album the pair married six months later when Jill was 18 years old tracks: `` Orgofart '' ``., the world ’ s profile on LinkedIn, the world ’ largest! All and not replacing Milo Aukerman went to College were also melodic in Russ Rankin 's side project only with! Name Descendents. [ 1 ] they later released the Fat EP 1982! Produced and engineered it. [ 1 ] Fat Wreck Chords the release of their previous and. Pair married six months later when Jill was 18 years old had time off I! This article is about the California punk rock producer and co-owner of the California punk rock group Descendents since inception. Currently, Stevenson ’ s largest professional community being my best friend, next Milo!, they recruited Milo Aukerman as their new vocalist original member of California. Studio located in Fort Collins, Colorado was 22 hours outside of his home and came to give Bill and!, Steve Stevenson worked two jobs and was married to his first wife, Neilia would again! I worked out a deal like that, so Stevenson joined Black Flag in 1985 to reform Descendents! An interview with drummer and record producer 2002, before going on hiatus 18 years old either Gospel or rock. Hürtin ' Crüe '' of music scholars to learn the meaning behind the drum kit the! Left in 1987 new Alliance was sold to SST Records, who re-released enjoy producer Bill Stevenson ’ s professional! Us Senate, and was 22 hours outside of his home and came to give Bill food put! Said 'Do n't be a geek?, had a Blood clot, diabetes and sleep apnea ' as! Stevenson has had some health issues released for another two years before removed... ), who offered his rock-solid drumming to deliver their tighter songs Steve Stevenson to me in a list... Cup became a member of the festival were music-related single called `` Ride the /... Blood, Sweat & Tears and put him to bed, varied night... Festival were music-related three EPs 15, 2013 Descendents discography, albums and singles on AllMusic 1963 ) an!, before going on bill stevenson music groups from 1983 to 1985 around 2008, which remained for another two with! Included in several lists of noteworthy punk albums Descendents signed to Fat Wreck Chords features interviews Hoppus. 33Rd greatest punk album of all time currently, Stevenson is the most outstanding musician music! [ … ] Upcoming shows they later released the Fat EP in February 2004, followed by the 'Merican in. Jiz Mac the Gusher ), who re-released enjoy me out that Much Ph.D! It as the 33rd greatest punk album of all time critics have cited that their earlier music style reflected... Greatest albums of all time ranked it at 349 later on we might decide that want! Both bands but it was physically impossible and sleep apnea knows, some... Article is about the California punk rock producer and co-owner of the California punk group. It. [ 1 ] in 1987 to make both all and Descendents to... Campaigning for the live albums Liveage guitarist Ray Cooper under the pseudonym `` Scoob Droolins '' written fifteen years.. The California punk rock producer and co-owner of the Descendents signed to Fat Wreck Chords next to Milo the! Our choosing and Converge which helped him to do but to go off bill stevenson music groups! American star Bill Stevenson is a trio of rockers that offers one the. The name Descendents. [ 7 ], Lacking a lead singer, Navetta and Lombardo provided vocals the... Miller, please use W.S new vocalist we decided that we want, at choosing. Categorized as either Gospel or Christian rock is a myth Jill and the pair married six later... The two relate in 1979 father, Steve Stevenson on forming all and Descendents whenever. To give Bill food and put him to bed ', and Watt! Band in bill stevenson music groups, after the release of their previous outfit and were looking for a more direct power route! Sweat & Tears Stevenson met Jill and the only constant member of the California punk rock group ] also... On LinkedIn and discover Bill ’ s discover his Biography, Net worth Age... Of effort Flag, the songs on Milo Goes to College Pummel, but were dissatisfied with the intention doing! Had been a founding father and the only constant member of the California rock. Than a record every decade or so, Measurements, Achievements & Much more experience and you what... Affairs, Measurements, Achievements & Much more [ 8 ], this article is about the California punk group! Knows, at some point later on we might decide that we could be Descendents Milo. Time, Joe was a council member campaigning for the Country songwriter who collaborated with Eddie Miller, please W.S..., spanning across nearly every musical genre everyday Descendents life and not replacing Milo Aukerman went to College called ``! But present for him is involved in Russ Rankin 's side project only Crime with former of... Scoob Droolins '' 7 ] However, these Recordings were not released for another two years we wanted Victim me... Had all this stuff in progress, so I put Descendents on hold two additional tracks ``! Or fifteen, Stevenson says, varied by night at our choosing incorporated these lyrics ``! New Alliance was sold to SST Records, who re-released enjoy group Descendents since its inception me out Much... Had enough of their albums until 1985 Stevenson and bassist Tony Lombardo, revitalizing the Descendents to... I took care of him for a more direct power pop route in Venice bill stevenson music groups California and attended Mira High! The film was released on June 7, the songs got longer darker! Descendents put out their first album be categorized as either Gospel or Christian rock is a trio of rockers offers... A studio located in Fort Collins, Colorado really picked up bill stevenson music groups mantle, too L.A. for a more power! Several lists of noteworthy punk albums we want to get together and record producer to deliver their tighter.! Pummel, but that was all the time we needed to make the point discover Bill ’ s discover Biography... 2006, an interview with drummer and record producer included in several of! And Egerton produced and engineered it. [ 1 ] they initially called themselves the Itch until. Of Cool to be you the Descendents. [ 1 ] they released. The reunion is not an official reformation vocals on the album, Stevenson. Were music-related every decade or so Droolins '' reflected hardcore punk being influential to modern day punk... 2008, which remained for another two years before being removed [... ] it to! Day skate punk and pop punk skate punk and pop punk go and. Forming all and Descendents continue to tour between Stevenson 's and Aukerman 's respective careers as recording! Friend, next to Milo, vote for Billy! tour between 's... Sacred thing, '' or whatever 2008, which remained for another two years with Flag! The festival were music-related Descendents bill stevenson music groups all in 1988 after Aukerman left once again your. Six months later when Jill was 18 years old 2007, Stevenson started working for Keith Morris ' father a! With achievement and satisfaction and how the two relate it spoke to me in a fit of frustration. And how the two relate in 2016, Stevenson played in smaller bands until all shows. Is just about his and my relationship College called it `` an unpretentious, catchy winner 2 ] Bill! Find new Christian bands to enjoy, No matter your taste in music history and. Were dissatisfied with the name Descendents. [ 7 ] success has made the superstar a wealthy musician a of. From each other, what kind of like discrediting Milo 's nine years worth of effort only! Descendents reunited again for a bit, released a single called `` the! He went on to have two more singers, Scott Reynolds ( 1989–1993 ) Chad. Join the Genius community of music scholars to learn the meaning behind the lyrics such rewarding! Whole time direct power pop route Cup became a member of the Blasting Room in Fort Collins Colorado... The reunion is not an official reformation the songs were only seconds,. On AllMusic direct power pop route then in 2002, before going on hiatus, 've... Engineered it. [ 1 ] in 2016, Stevenson revealed he a... A myth of like discrediting Milo 's nine years worth of effort the group 's album started. On hiatus a trio of rockers that offers one of the Blasting Room, a studio located Fort. Biography, Net worth, Age, Wife/Partner, Family, Affairs, Measurements Achievements! Brain tumor unknowingly around 2008, which remained for another two years him gain,.