Pulse / beats by Ian Joulain photography by Evan Hunt

Strong will be coming along for the ride. ’s second tour stop in Long Beach, however, holds special significance for the group as they have the honor and privilege to share the stage with The . While The Descendents may not mean much to the average fan, for Principe and the rest of Rise Against, it really is something special. “The Decendents are the sole reason I learned how to play bass … they are truly one of my main influences,” Principe says. The April 7 show at the Long Beach Arena will be the first time in 14 years the Descendents have performed in Southern California. With Endgame only being out for a handful of weeks now, it has already garnered airplay with the group’s first single, “.” Lead singer and co-founder Tim McIlrath composed the song about his experiences in while on a tour break, and speaks about the massive amounts of devastation Agents for Change Rise Against’s Sixth Album Looks to Reinforce the Band’s Message for Hope

In speaking to , co-founder it fresh with every record and I think we he witnessed in the wake of Hurricane and bass player of Rise Against, one thing succeeded with that.” Katrina. The song also dives into the havoc is clear: It’s not about the music one Endgame marks the band’s fourth wreaked by the BP oil spill. creates, but one’s ability to stand behind time using the production team of Bill The always socially conscious Rise it. The -area punk band has found Stevenson and Jason Livermore. The Against is not just about highlighting massive success as of late, having released band’s familiarity with the duo, and in turn issues that affect society as a whole, but four albums since moving to a major label, Stevenson and Livermore’s understanding their aim is to awaken their audience and with last month’s Endgame being their of Rise Against’s music, has made their encourage them to be cogs for change. most recent effort. partnership a fruitful one. “I think it’s “It is very easy to be negative with Principe is quite pleased with how incredibly important for a producer to lyrical content or just have lyrics with no the album turned out and when asked truly get the band’s roots and that is what substance,” Principe says. “In the ’80s you why Endgame is their best release, his we get with Bill and Jason,” Principe says. had bands like U2 who were really singing answer is, though a tad cliché, an honest The band kicks off its U.S. tour in Las about something and also a band like the one. “I think I feel we’ve done our job with Vegas on April 5 in support of the new Clash. Basically, you can change this world. pushing the envelope on our songwriting record. legends You just have to start small.” in [Endgame],” he says. “We like to keep and the Worcester, Mass. quintet Four Year at riseagainst.com.

74 April 2011 / 944.com