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Rancid

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Band Timeline

1991

Formation of Rancid

Rancid was formed in 1991 in Berkeley, California, by childhood friends Tim Armstrong and Matt Freeman who had previously played together in the influential ska punk band Operation Ivy. To focus Armstrong's energy away from his struggles with alcoholism, Freeman suggested forming a new band. They recruited Armstrong's roommate Brett Reed as drummer and began performing locally, quickly gaining a fan base in the Bay Area punk scene.
1992

First EP release and signing to Epitaph Records

In 1992, Rancid released their first recorded work, an EP on the Lookout! Records label, previously associated with Operation Ivy. Soon after, the band left Lookout! and signed with Epitaph Records, run by Bad Religion guitarist Brett Gurewitz, marking an important step in their professional music career and aligning themselves with one of the premier punk labels of the time.
1993

Debut album release

Rancid released their self-titled debut album through Epitaph Records. This album established the band’s sound and presence in the punk rock scene. Although it did not achieve mainstream success, it laid the foundation for the band’s future growth and popularity among punk music fans.
1994

Breakthrough with 'Let's Go' album

Rancid's second studio album, 'Let's Go,' was released in 1994 and brought the band wider recognition. The album featured the well-received single 'Salvation,' which helped Rancid gain significant attention in the punk rock community and beyond, contributing to the mid-1990s resurgence of punk rock in the United States alongside bands like Green Day and The Offspring.
1995

Success of '...And Out Come the Wolves'

In 1995, Rancid released their third album, '...And Out Come the Wolves,' which became their most successful work commercially and critically. The album featured popular tracks like 'Roots Radicals', 'Ruby Soho', and 'Time Bomb.' It was certified gold and platinum by the RIAA, selling over one million copies in the U.S. alone. This album cemented Rancid’s place as a major force in the 1990s punk revival.
1998

Release of 'Life Won't Wait'

In 1998, Rancid released their fourth studio album, 'Life Won't Wait.' Although it did not replicate the commercial success of its predecessor, the album received critical acclaim and showcased the band's evolving musical style, incorporating diverse influences beyond traditional punk rock.
2000

Release of second self-titled album

The band released their fifth studio album, also titled 'Rancid', in 2000. This album continued to build on their established punk sound and helped maintain their relevance in the punk scene as they moved into the new millennium.
2003

Release of 'Indestructible'

2003 saw the release of 'Indestructible,' Rancid's sixth studio album. Continuing their tradition of strong punk rock music, the album was critically well-received and further solidified their influence and longevity in the punk rock genre.
2006

Lineup change with drummer replacement

Original drummer Brett Reed departed from the band in 2006 and was replaced by Branden Steineckert. This marked the only change in Rancid’s lineup besides consistent members Tim Armstrong and Matt Freeman, bringing new energy to the band’s rhythm section and influencing their future recordings and performances.
2009

Release of 'Let the Dominoes Fall'

Rancid released their seventh studio album 'Let the Dominoes Fall' in 2009. This album featured contributions from the newer lineup and reaffirmed the band's commitment to their punk roots while continuing to experiment and grow musically.
2014

Release of '...Honor Is All We Know'

In 2014, the band released their eighth studio album, '...Honor Is All We Know.' The album was critically praised and showcased Rancid’s enduring ability to produce energetic and relevant punk rock music over two decades into their career.
2017

Release of 'Trouble Maker'

Rancid's ninth studio album, 'Trouble Maker,' was released in 2017. While not matching the commercial heights of their mid-1990s peak, the album was well-received by fans and critics alike, demonstrating the band’s sustained presence and influence in punk rock.
2023

Release of 'Tomorrow Never Comes'

In 2023, Rancid released their tenth studio album, 'Tomorrow Never Comes.' This album marked over three decades of the band's activity, exemplifying their resilience and continued creativity within the punk rock genre. It added to their legacy as one of the most successful and enduring punk rock bands globally.

Albums

rancid_1st_album
Rancid
16 tracks
1993
rancid_2nd_album
Let’s Go
23 tracks
1994
rancid_3rd_album
…And Out Come the Wolves
19 tracks
1995
rancid_4th_album
Life Won’t Wait
22 tracks
1998
rancid_5th_album
Rancid
22 tracks
2000
rancid_6th_album
BYO Split Series, Volume III
12 tracks
2002
rancid_7th_album
Indestructible
19 tracks
2003
rancid_8th_album
Let the Dominoes Fall
19 tracks
2009
rancid_9th_album
…Honor Is All We Know
18 tracks
2014
rancid_10th_album
Trouble Maker
19 tracks
2017
rancid_11th_album
Tomorrow Never Comes
16 tracks
2023
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Branden Steineckert

2006

Matt Freeman

1991

Lars Frederiksen

1994

Tim Armstrong

1991

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Brett Reed

2001
2006

Story of Rancid

Rancid, the seminal American punk rock band, exploded onto the scene in Berkeley, California in 1991. Formed by Tim Armstrong and Matt Freeman, veterans of the influential Operation Ivy, they spearheaded (alongside Green Day and The Offspring) a punk rock revival that swept the US in the mid-90s, catapulting the genre back into the mainstream.

Over their three-decade career, Rancid has maintained a fiercely loyal following, deeply rooted in their underground origins. While the lineup has seen some changes – notably Brett Reed`s departure in 2006, replaced by Branden Steineckert on drums – the core of Armstrong (guitar and vocals) and Freeman (bass and vocals) remains constant. Lars Frederiksen (guitar and vocals) completed the current, enduring lineup. Frederiksen joined after the recording of their debut, making his first appearance with the band on tour.

Their prolific output includes ten studio albums, a split album, a compilation, two EPs, and a number of live releases. These recordings have solidified Rancids place as one of punk rocks all-time giants, with over four million records sold worldwide. Their ascension to fame was cemented in 1994 with Let`s Go, their second album, and the breakout single "Salvation."

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