15 Things Only Rise Against Fans Will Understand
From Warped Tour to Download Festival - the fans have grown tenfold along the way.
WikipediaForming in 1999 and doggedly touring ever since, the social and politically-potent Rise Against possess that unique ability to wield a discography of songs that run the gamut from small-time pugnacious ragers to stadium-filling lighter-wavers - all without losing a shred of their integrity. Even though they've have only released two behind-the-scenes DVDs to date, thanks to endless fan meet n' greets, interviews, charity work and a relentless social media presence, they're firmly entrenched in the big leagues when it comes to one of the most impressive band-fan relationships in the industry. Speaking of charity work, Rise Against have increased their kindhearted profile exponentially over the years by staunchly sticking to being vegetarians and animal-rights supporters, a view that's very rare to see in today's social climate, and one that's extremely refreshing to see them continue to support up to this day. With all that said though, even though a few songs occasionally make the leap into wider recognition - WWE fans will know Drones and Survive from the '07 Royal Rumble and Smackdown vs Raw 2007 - the vast majority of fans have their own albums and specific songs that resonate more than the rest. So, for those still getting into the band or the rest who have been for just over a decade, it's time we shared everything about how far they've come in 15 years. 15. "It's Pronounced 'Mac-ill-Rath"
GeffenWhoever programmed the computers of the world to show a capital I next to a normal l (just look at them!) needs to be told what a mess they've made of Tim's name. Yes, lead singer-screamer Tim McIlrath has one of the best surnames in punk history - anyone with the word 'wrath' in there is automatically a legend - yet any newcomer to the band always struggles with the appropriate way to say his name aloud. Well worry no more, as thousands of us have watched hours of interviews, backstage footage and tour documentaries just to confirm we were getting it right in the first place.