100,000+ vinyl & CDs at the best prices 🤘

Vinyles.com
Menu

Artist profile · 04/07/2026

Bad Brains

Washington, D.C.Formed in 1977Alternatif20 vinyl albums
Bad Brains formed in Washington, D.C. in 1977, fusing hardcore punk with reggae rhythms in a unique Afro-American Rastafarian expression that shaped alternative and punk scenes.
Explore the discographyThe 3 must-haves
20
Albums on Vinyles.com
817k
Last.fm listeners
27M
Last.fm plays

About

24 vinyl records from punk-infused reggae pioneers — originals and colored editions tracked live.

Bad Brains arose in the late 1970s as a pioneering hardcore punk band blending rapid, aggressive music with reggae's deep groove. Founded by four Afro-American Rastafarians from Washington, D.C., their work crosses the punk, hardcore, alternative rock, and reggae genres. Their discography includes influential albums such as Bad Brains (1982), Rock For Light (1983), and I Against I (1986) with a catalog also featuring live recordings and reissues on various colored vinyl editions.

They stood out for technical precision and virtuosity uncommon in hardcore punk’s early days. Bad Brains' catalog includes official pressings from labels such as SST, Megaforce, PVC Records, and Caroline Records.

Discography

Bad Brains discography

Studio albums, live records, compilations and radio recordings. Each album groups all its editions.

1982-10-20: Old Waldorf, San Francisco, CA, USABad Brains1982-10-20: Old Waldorf, San Francisco, CA, USA
Into the FutureBad BrainsInto the Future
Live at the Fillmore 1982Bad BrainsLive at the Fillmore 1982
Build a NationBad BrainsBuild a Nation
Live at CBGB OMFUG 1982: The Audio RecordingsBad BrainsLive at CBGB OMFUG 1982: The Audio Recordings
I & I Survived (dub)Bad BrainsI & I Survived (dub)

Data provided by Discogs

Listen

Signature songs

  1. 01Banned in D.C.
  2. 02Sailin' On
  3. 03Pay to Cum
  4. 04Attitude
  5. 05Don't Need It
  6. 06The Regulator
  7. 07I Against II Against I · 1986
  8. 08Right Brigade

Essentials

3 Bad Brains albums you need to own

Our picks, approved by the editors.

  1. #1 · 1986
    Vinyl, LP, Album

    I Against I

    This album marks a blend of punk, hardcore, hard rock, and metal with 12 tracks showcasing band's technical skill and energy, key to their legacy.

    12 tracksLP formatReleased in 1986SST Records
    Discover the album
  2. #2 · 2012
    LP, Album

    Into The Future

    Blending punk, hardcore, and roots reggae, this 13-track album reflects the band’s evolution with varied tempos and styles on Megaforce Records.

    13 tracksLP format2012 releaseMegaforce Records
    Discover the album
  3. #3 · 1993
    LP, Album

    Rise

    Their 1993 album combining hardcore punk and dub influences with 12 tracks, noted for expansive themes and production under Epic Records.

    12 tracksLP format1993 releaseEpic Records
    Discover the album

Go further

Artists similar to Bad Brains

Artists who share part of Bad Brains's musical DNA.

Minor Threat
Black Flag
Black Flag
Dead Kennedys
Dead Kennedys
Circle Jerks
Adolescents
The Germs
MDC
Descendents
Descendents

B-side

B-side: the hidden stories of Bad Brains

Studio secrets, tour stories and B-sides worth the whole album.

01Release

Live at The Paradiso, Amsterdam 1987 on 'The Youth Are Getting Restless'

This live LP, released in 1990 by Caroline Records, captures a 1987 performance with 17 tracks mixing rock, reggae, and hardcore elements, available on multiple vinyl editions including original US and European pressings.

1987Amsterdam
02Edition

Colored Vinyl Editions

Several notable colored vinyl pressings include clear red and green variants of albums like 'Omega Sessions' and 'Rock For Light' issued in 2025 by Org Music, appealing to collectors and vinyl enthusiasts.

2025Various
03Original Pressing

Original 2012 LP of 'Into The Future' from Megaforce

The US LP pressing from 2012 by Megaforce Records remains sought-after, priced from approximately €24 to €43 depending on condition and availability, a key release showing the band's expanded sound.

2012United States
They brought precision and virtuosity to hardcore punk at a time when raw aggression was often the norm.
— Band analysis
05Line-Up

Key Band Members from Late 70s Formation

From 1979 to 1990, the band featured H.R. on vocals, Dr. Know on guitar, Darryl Jenifer on bass, and Earl Hudson on drums, a lineup responsible for most seminal recordings including 'I Against I'.

1979-1990Washington, D.C.
Adam Yauch recognized Bad Brains as a major influence despite their underground status.
— Music history note

Bad Brains CDs

See all

Bad Brains cassettes

See all

Recommended accessories

See all

  • Big Fudge 4-in-1 Vinyl Record Cleaning Kit, Brush and Cleaning Fluid | Anti Static Velvet and Stylus Brushes, Storage Pouch, Full Clean in Under a Minute, Gentle on Grooves

    $24.99

    View on Amazon

  • Big Fudge Vinyl Record Cleaning Solution Refill, 100ml, for 4-in-1 Kit | Fine Spray Nozzle, Alcohol Free, Safe on Every Pressing, Keeps Your Care Routine Going Without a Gap

    $9.99

    View on Amazon

  • Big Fudge 12" Vinyl Record Outer Sleeves, 100 Pack, Crystal Clear | 3 Mil HDPP, Wrinkle Free, Protects LP Albums from Dust, Dirt and Scratches, Archival Safe, Fits Gatefold LPs

    $27.99

    View on Amazon

  • Big Fudge 12" Vinyl Record Premium Inner Sleeves, 50 Pack, Rice Paper | Anti Static, Acid Free, Protects LP Albums from Dust, Dirt and Scratches, Archival Safe, Trusted by Collectors

    $24.99

    View on Amazon

  • Big Fudge 12" Vinyl Record Outer Sleeves, 50 Pack, Crystal Clear | 3 Mil HDPP, Wrinkle Free, Protects LP Albums from Dust, Dirt and Scratches, Archival Safe, Fits Gatefold LPs

    $19.99

    View on Amazon

  • VASAGLE 3-Tier Record Player Stand, Vinyl Record Storage up to 100 Albums | Side Table, End Table for Living Room, Bedroom, Rustic White, DACEY Collection ULET275W01

    $31.99

    View on Amazon

  • Big Fudge 12" Vinyl Record Inner Sleeves, 100 Pack, Acid Free Paper | Heavyweight Construction, Safe for Long Term Storage, Protects LP Albums from Dust, Dirt and Scratches

    $29.99

    View on Amazon

  • Big Fudge 12" Vinyl Record Inner Sleeves, 50 Pack, Acid Free Paper | Heavyweight Construction, Safe for Long Term Storage, Protects LP Albums from Dust, Dirt and Scratches

    $21.99

    View on Amazon

  • Big Fudge 12" Vinyl Record Premium Inner Sleeves, 100 Pack, Rice Paper | Anti Static, Acid Free, Protects LP Albums from Dust, Dirt and Scratches, Archival Safe, Trusted by Collectors

    $39.99

    View on Amazon

  • Big Fudge 12" Vinyl Record Premium Inner Sleeves, 25 Pack, Rice Paper | Anti Static, Acid Free, Protects LP Albums from Dust, Dirt and Scratches, Archival Safe, Trusted by Collectors

    $16.99

    View on Amazon

  • Big Fudge 12" Vinyl Record Round Bottom Inner Sleeves, 50 Pack | Anti Static Rice Paper, 3 Ply HDPE, Eases Insertion and Removal Without Touching the Surface, Archival Safe

    $24.99

    View on Amazon

  • Faesun 3 Tier Record Player Stand with Flip-Down Record Shelf, Walnut | Vinyl Record Storage Holds up to 300+ Albums, Turntable Stand with Album Display, Record Table with Large Open Storage

    $94.99

    View on Amazon

  • Big Fudge Vinyl Record Cleaning Kit, Collector's Edition, Sapele Wood

    $29.99

    View on Amazon

  • Big Fudge 7" Vinyl Record Sleeves - Inner Sleeves 50 Pack - Anti Static Rice Paper Acid Free Vinyl Covers - Vinyl Accessories Protect LP Albums from Dust, Dirt & Scratches

    $21.99

    View on Amazon

  • Big Fudge 7" Vinyl Record Outer Sleeves, 100 Pack, Crystal Clear | 3 Mil HDPP, Wrinkle Free, Protects 45s and Singles from Dust, Dirt and Scratches, Archival Safe Storage

    $19.99

    View on Amazon

  • Big Fudge 7" Vinyl Record Outer Sleeves, 25 Pack, Crystal Clear | 3 Mil HDPP, Wrinkle Free, Protects 45s and Singles from Dust, Dirt and Scratches, Archival Safe Storage

    $12.99

    View on Amazon

  • Big Fudge 7" Vinyl Record Sleeves - Inner Sleeves 25 Pack - Anti Static Rice Paper Acid Free Vinyl Covers - Vinyl Accessories Protect LP Albums from Dust, Dirt & Scratches

    $14.99

    View on Amazon

  • Big Fudge 7" Vinyl Record Outer Sleeves, 50 Pack, Crystal Clear | 3 Mil HDPP, Wrinkle Free, Protects 45s and Singles from Dust, Dirt and Scratches, Archival Safe Storage

    $17.99

    View on Amazon

  • Big Fudge 7" Vinyl Record Sleeves - Round Bottom Inner Sleeves 50 Pack - Anti Static Rice Paper Acid Free Vinyl Covers - Vinyl Accessories Protect LP Albums from Dust, Dirt & Scratches

    $21.99

    View on Amazon

  • Big Fudge 7" Vinyl Record Inner Sleeves 100 Pack - Heavyweight Acid Free Paper Vinyl Coves - Vinyl Accessories Protect LP Albums from Dust, Dirt & Scratches

    $29.99

    View on Amazon

FAQ

FAQ

The most common questions about pressings, reissues and limited editions.

When was Bad Brains formed and where are they from?

Bad Brains was formed in 1977 in Washington, D.C., United States, by four Afro-American Rastafarian musicians.

What genres does Bad Brains' music combine?

Their music combines hardcore punk, punk, alternative rock, and reggae influences.

Which labels have released Bad Brains vinyl records?

Notable labels include SST Records, Megaforce Records, PVC Records, Caroline Records, and Epic Records.

What makes the vinyl editions of Bad Brains collectible?

Collectors value original pressings, colored vinyl editions, and special punk note editions for their rarity and unique presentation.

Are Bad Brains records available on colored vinyl in France?

Yes, some limited edition colored vinyl from Bad Brains are available in France, including releases by Org Music.

Where can I find pressings of 'Rise' released in France?

The 1993 'Rise' album has an LP pressing released in France by Epic Records with catalog numbers EPC 474265 1 and 474265 1.

What is the track count and format of the 'Into The Future' album on vinyl?

'Into The Future' on vinyl is an LP album with 13 tracks, released in 2012 on Megaforce Records.

How many tracks and what format does 'I Against I' have on vinyl?

'I Against I' is released as a vinyl LP album with 12 tracks, originally issued in 1986 on SST Records.

Transparency

Sources & method

This profile is compiled by the vinyles.com editors from public sources and our marketplace.

  • WP
    Wikipedia
    Encyclopaedic data and biography
  • MB
    MusicBrainz
    Artist metadata, dates, type
  • DG
    Discogs
    Discography, pressings and market prices
  • LF
    Last.fm
    Listeners, plays, similar artists
  • VC
    Vinyles.com
    In-house catalog, prices and availability

Our method

  1. Discography data from MusicBrainz (dates, country, active years).
  2. Tracklists, covers and genres from Discogs Masters.
  3. Values (low / median / high) and stock from the Discogs Marketplace.
  4. Audience and similar artists from Last.fm.
  5. Page updated automatically and reviewed by the editors.
Last updated: 04/07/2026