Greg Graffin was the lead singer of Bad Religion from the band’s formation.
Graffin co-founded Bad Religion in Los Angeles in 1979 with guitarist Brett Gurewitz. He became the group’s principal vocalist and one of its most recognizable figures, known for precise delivery and lyrics addressing religion, politics, science, education, and social behaviour.
Bad Religion’s first release was the 1981 six-song EP Bad Religion, followed by the debut album How Could Hell Be Any Worse? in 1982. Graffin has remained central to the band across its changing line-ups and recording periods.
A common mix-up concerns Graffin’s role outside music. He earned a PhD in zoology from Cornell University and has taught biology, but he is identified in punk history primarily as Bad Religion’s singer and a founding member. Guitarist Brett Gurewitz co-founded the band but is not its lead vocalist.