Brett Gurewitz

Brett W. Gurewitz, born on May 12, 1962, is a prominent figure in the American music scene, renowned for his role as the co-founder and guitarist of the influential punk band Bad Religion. His journey in music began in 1980 when he teamed up with Greg Graffin, Jay Bentley, and Jay Ziskrout to establish the band, which would go on to become a cornerstone of the punk rock genre.

After the release of two albums and one EP, Gurewitz departed from Bad Religion in 1983, only to return three years later. His second stint with the band saw the creation of five more albums, culminating in a significant record deal with Atlantic Records in 1993. However, the burgeoning success of his record label, Epitaph Records, led him to leave the band once again in 1994 to focus on the label full-time.

During his time away from Bad Religion, Gurewitz explored other musical avenues, including a one-off project called Daredevils, which produced the single 'Hate You' in 1996. This period was marked by personal challenges, including a struggle with drug addiction. Fortunately, by 1999, he had successfully completed rehabilitation and returned to Bad Religion in 2001, contributing to six additional studio albums.

In addition to his musical endeavors, Gurewitz is the owner of Epitaph Records and its sister labels, having produced albums for notable bands such as NOFX, Rancid, and Pennywise. He also ventured into the world of publishing as a co-founder of Black Mask Studios, a comic book and graphic novel publisher. Gurewitz's multifaceted career showcases his enduring influence and commitment to the punk rock movement.