Against Me! Over the Years

Tom Gabel of Against Me! recently shocked fans by revealing to Rolling Stone magazine that he has been suffering from gender dysphoria and will be undergoing a transition to begin living as a woman with the name Laura Jane Grace. This news has elicited support from many of the band's fans as well as some hatred and anger from those who don't understand the issue of gender identity disorder. No matter what fans think about Tom's transition to Laura, it can't be argued that Against Me! is not one of the most influential punk rock bands of all time. Since Gabel started the band in Gainesville as a teenager, it's style has undergone radical changes, all while trying to stay true to the spirit of rebellion that sparked it

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Against Me! in the beginning

Against Me! began as a solo effort by Tom Gabel in 1997. Back then, his DIY style and grungy punk rock sound was at its purest but most primitive state. His first two recordings a are gritty, fast paced, low-fi collection of songs that displayed Tom's radical political views and anarchist leanings. As his popularity grew in the underground music scene, Against Me! began adding new band members and began working on a full fledged album.

Reinventing Axl Rose

Released in 2002, Reinventing Axl Rose is seen by many fans as the band's last true Against Me! Record. This album, with its intensely politically charged lyrics, calls to anarchy, and screeching vocals defined the band's career for many fans and continues to be their most beloved album

As the Eternal Cowboy and Searching for a Former Clarity

With these two albums, Against Me! Began experimenting with smoother guitars and more pop hooks, but continued their theme of political outrage and personal independence. Because Searching for a Former Clarity was released by a major label, Against Me! Lost many fans who believed that signing with a major label was a betrayal of the band's identity. But as Tom would explore in their next album, the band's identity was indeed changing, and they refused to stay stagnate individuals within the punk rock scene.

New Wave and White Crosses

By far the most traditional rock sounding records released by Against Me!, many fans were disappointed by the new sound, while others began to take notice of Against Me!'s passionate lyrics and music for the first time. Most notably, Gabel addressed the changes in his life in the song “I was a teenage anarchist”, describing his frustration with being told how to live by those who claim to represent independence.

The author is a music enthusiast who enjoys going to see live music in his freetime and blogging about entertainment subjects. You can visit his website here.