Good Riddance is an American punk rock band from Santa Cruz, California. They released seven full-length studio albums on Fat Wreck Chords, then disbanded after releasing a live recording of their farewell concert in 2007. They reformed in 2012 and released an eighth studio album, Peace in Our Time, in 2015. Led by vocalist Russ Rankin, the band's longtime lineup includes guitarist Luke Pabich, bassist Chuck Platt, and drummer Sean "SC" Sellers. Their sound is influenced by the hardcore punk scene and the band was known for their combination of fast punk with catchy melodies. Lyrical themes vary from political protests and critical analyses of American society to personal struggles and alienation.
Prior to Good Riddance, in the early 1990s Russ Rankin and Luke Pabich were members of Santa Cruz hardcore band State of Grace. State of Grace released one demo cassette, approximately 31 minutes long, in 1992; the nine tracks were recorded at "Lumberjack Studios" in "Haward". They subsequently played dates on two short tours.
Good Riddance
Rankin and Pabich were joined by Chuck Platt and Sean Sellers in the group Good Riddance. Sellers, replacing original drummer Rich Mcdermott who played with Good Riddance until the release of their first L.P., "For God and Country". Sean Sellers would continue to drum for Good Riddance until their e.p. "The Phenomenon of Craving", which Dave Raun from Lagwagon/RKL played on. Dave Wagenschutz, most well known as drummer for New Jerseymelodic hardcore titans, Lifetime joined the band and recorded the next two albums and toured with Good Riddance. Sellers would eventually rejoin the band to play on their final studio record, "My Republic", and on their farewell live record. Every member of the band supported animal rights and was either vegan or vegetarian. The band was also a vocal supporter of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and the United States Green Party. On April 3, 2007, they announced their breakup, and played their final show on May 27, 2007 in their hometown of Santa Cruz, California at The Catalyst. This show was recorded and released as, Remain in Memory - The Final Show. All of the members currently play in other projects: Pabich and Sellers in , Platt in , and Rankin in Only Crime. Sellers also plays drums in Celtic punk band, The Real McKenzies. The band have been influential with their combination of Skate Punk and 80s Hardcore Punk, influencing bands such as Phinius Gage and No Trigger. In August 2009, guitarist Luke and bassist Chuck announced they are starting their own "heavy/aggressive band with old school punk and metal influences.” On February 16, 2012, Good Riddance announced on their Web site that they had reunited. The band is to continue with their usual lineup. On 17 April 2012, it was announced that Good Riddance will be playing the Lock Up Stage at Leeds and Reading festival in August 2012. Good Riddance entered the studio in the fall of 2014 to begin recording a new album. Peace In Our Time was released in April 2015.
