Rise Against didn’t release any new music in 2024, but the Chicago punk lifers reminded us what an enduring force they are on a career-spanning fall tour, and they’re already set to bring their airtight live show back on the road in spring of 2025, when they and Underoath team up to open for Papa Roach, a tour that celebrates both the 25th anniversary of Papa Roach’s Infest and Rise Against’s formation.
Throughout the year, founding Rise Against (and former 88 Fingers Louie) bassist Joe Principe kept his ear to the ground, listening to an array of new records, and now he’s made us a list of his favorites. His list ranges from lifelong favorites like Cock Sparrer, The Cure, The Jesus Lizard, and Green Day to specifically Chicago hometown heroes Sludgeworth and The Effigies to newer bands carrying the punk torch like Mannequin Pussy, The Chisel, and recent Rise Against tourmates Spiritual Cramp. Joe offers up his thoughts on all the records on his list, and the whole thing is very worth reading. Head below to see what he had to say.
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Joe Principe’s (Rise Against) 10 Favorite Albums of 2024
1) Green Day – Saviors
The first time I saw Green Day was in 1992 in a suburb of Chicago and they had always stuck out a cut above the rest at that time. Fast forward to 2024 and they’re still making compelling, catchy as fuck, classic songs. Nice job Green Day. (I’ve listened to the song “1981” a million times since its release).
2) The Jesus Lizard – Rack
Goddamn, Rack is the first new music from Jesus Lizard since 1998 and they haven’t missed a beat. This record is stellar from start to finish maintaining that classic Jesus Lizard sound while pushing the band forward.
3) Cock Sparrer – Hand On Heart
Fuck, one of the best British Punk/oi bands are back full force with Hand in Heart. They started in the mid seventies and are still cranking out the catchiest songs of this genre. Go get this record right fucking now.
4) The Cure – Songs of the Lost World
The Cure are not a band, they’re an institution. They have single handedly helped shape the New Wave movement and have influenced 1000s of bands, including my band Rise Against. Songs of the Lost World leans heavily on the Cure’s slower airy side. Solid songs that take you on a dark journey that only The Cure can conduct.
5) Mannequin Pussy – I Got Heaven
What a fucking ripping album.
6) Sludgeworth – “Together Not Together” w/ “Foundation” single
Sludgeworth have to be the most underrated Chicago punk band ever. They should have been huge but they got in their own way (happens to the best of em). Luckily they have reunited and picked right back off where they left off in the mid 90s. Two solid songs for your listening pleasure.
7) The Effigies – Burned
The Effigies were one of the founders of Chicago punk. Absolute legends wrote an amazing album here that lives up to their early influential work. Sadly, John Kezdy (singer) passed away last year and this is the final release with him. RIP John Kezdy.
8) The Hope Conspiracy – Tools Of Oppression/ Rule By Deception
A brutal fucking hardcore record. Thanks for reuniting gents!
9) The Chisel – What A Fucking Nightmare
I’m a fan of straight forward punk and What A Fucking Nightmare brings it!!!!
10) Spiritual Cramp/White Reaper Split 7”
Both songs on this split are great. This is on constant rotation in my car.
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PAPA ROACH / RISE AGAINST / UNDEROATH: 2025 TOUR DATES
Thu Mar 20 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center
Sat Mar 22 – San Antonio, TX – Frost Bank Center
Sun Mar 23 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center
Tue Mar 25 – Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre
Wed Mar 26 – San Diego, CA – Gallagher Square at Petco Park
Fri Mar 28 – Los Angeles, CA – The Kia Forum
Sat Mar 29 – Sacramento, CA – Golden 1 Center
Mon Mar 31 – Portland, OR – Veterans Memorial Coliseum
Tue Apr 01 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena
Thu Apr 03 – Salt Lake City, UT – Maverik Center
Sat Apr 05 – Las Vegas, NV – MGM Grand Garden Arena
Mon Apr 07 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena
Wed Apr 09 – Kansas City, MO – T-Mobile Center
Thu Apr 10 – Omaha, NE – CHI Health Center
Sat Apr 12 – Green Bay, WI – Resch Center
Sun Apr 13 – Saint Paul, MN – Xcel Energy Center
Wed Sep 10 – Bridgeport, CT – Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater
Thur Sep 11 – Syracuse, NY – Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater
Sat Sep 13 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell at Jones Beach Theater
Sun Sep 14 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center
Tue Sep 16 – Washington, D.C. – The Anthem
Wed Sep 17 – Virginia Beach, VA – The Dome
Fri Sep 19 – Allentown, PA – PPL Center
Sat Sep 20 – Bangor, ME – Maine Savings Amphitheater
Tue Sep 23 – Cincinnati, OH – PNC Pavilion
Wed Sep 24 – Maryland Heights, MO – Saint Louis Music Park
Fri Sep 26 – Indianapolis, IN – Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park
Sat Sep 27 – Tinley Park, IL – Credit Union 1 Amphitheater
Sun Sep 28 – Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre
Tue Sep 30 – Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP
Wed Oct 01 – Franklin, TN – FirstBank Amphitheater
Thu Oct 03 – Charlotte, NC – Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre
Sat Oct 04 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
Sun Oct 05 – West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre