School was in session Saturday night, where the pupil showed the teacher that he was ready to take the next step. Rise Against played with punk fixtures, Bad Religion, in a passing of baton ceremony where both understood that it was time. C=T contributor, Jennifer Cohen, was on hand to witness the end of an era and the beginning of another.

Rise Against-Prayer of the Refugee [mp3]
Bad Religion-21st Century Digital Boy [mp3]

On tour to support their latest album, Endgame, Rise Against sold-out two shows at
the Fillmore Auditorium this weekend. The powerhouse foursome; Tim McIlrath (lead
vocals and guitar), Zach Blair (lead guitar), Joe Principe (bass), and Brandon Barnes
(drums), brought an intensity to every song that had the crowd on their feet, jumping and
screaming relentlessly both nights.

Depending on your age, you may or may not be surprised to hear that punk rock legends,
Bad Religion, are one of two bands supporting Rise Against on this tour. Bad Religion,
also touring to support their September release, The Dissent of Man, isn’t used to playing
the supporting role, having successfully headlined many shows in their 30-year career.
However, they graciously passed down the proverbial crown stating, “We’re here to
celebrate the ascent of Rise Against.” They ended their set with their 2001 hit, “Sorrow,”
and encouraged the packed house to embrace Rise Against.

With opening acts as highly charged as Four Year Strong and Bad Religion, Rise had no
problem keeping the crowd unconditionally amped for their 1 ½ hour set. Idle chitchat
quickly converted to a loud roar when the lights went down and Rise took the stage. Mid-
floor was full of life with a constant circle pit, and plenty of shoes, shirts, and people
being surfed toward the stage.

Starting their set with Sight Unseen, and effectively playing many of their high-powered
songs, when front man, McIlrath, took the stage solo for “Swing Life Away,” the crowd
hushed. Before “Hero of War,” McIlrath stated, “I look forward to welcoming all of them
[the soldiers] home. This is not the song of every soldier, but it is the song of one.”

The band rejoined McIlrath for a few more songs, including the encore, and ended the
night with, “Give It All,” which, they did.

— Jennifer Cohen (word and photos)