Rancid is a band formed in 1991 in Berkeley, California, by former members of Operation Ivy, Matt Freeman and Tim Armstrong. Armstrong and Lars Frederiksen both sing lead vocals and play guitar, with Matt Freeman as backing vocalist and bassist, and Brett Reed as drummer.
History
's musical style blends punk and hardcore with ska, reggae, rocksteady, and minor elements of rub-a-dub and funk. Among mainstream audiences, Rancid are best-known for "Ruby Soho" and "Time Bomb" from the 1995 recording ...And Out Come the Wolves.Rancid were very popular throughout the 1990s, with the band touring constantly from 1993 through 1998. They have released 6 full-length albums, the first 4 through the independent label, Epitaph Records, along with numerous 7" vinyls and singles. Following the success of ...And Out Come the Wolves, the band was pursued by several major labels, including Madonna's Maverick Records; Rancid chose to stick with Epitaph despite these offers. Rancid's self-titled 2000 album was released on Hellcat Records, and their 2003 record, Indestructible, was released by Hellcat Records and Warner Brothers Records. Many long-time fans were disappointed that Rancid, who had long resisted major-label allure and gained much fame and respect because of it, signed with Warner Brothers Records.
Their songs and albums are based on hard times ("7 Years Down," "Hyena"), world issues ("Rigged On A Fix"), old friends ("Old Friend," "GGF"), and love ("She's Automatic", "Corazon de Oro"). They have sold over 1 million records.
Post-Hiatus
In 2004 and 2005, the band has been "on hold", without disbanding, due to its members being involved in side projects.In February 2005, it was announced by Lars Frederiksen on British radio show "The Lock Up" on BBC Radio 1 that Rancid would begin recording again at the end of 2005, with a release scheduled for early 2006. More on this is expected once the Rancid website overhaul is finished.
Discography
| Year | Title | Label | Other information |
| 1992 | Single I EP | Lookout | debut EP |
| 1993 | Rancid | Epitaph | gun cover, also known as "1993" |
| 1994 | Radio Radio Radio EP | Fat Wreck Chords | first release with Lars |
| 1994 | Let's Go | Epitaph | |
| 1995 | ...And Out Come the Wolves | Epitaph | |
| 1998 | Life Won't Wait | Epitaph | |
| 2000 | Rancid | Hellcat | skull cover, also known as "2000" |
| 2002 | BYO Split Series, Vol. 3 | BYO | Split with NOFX |
| 2003 | Indestructible | Hellcat | Pressed on clear, red vinyl |