Russ Rankin (Good Riddance): Switching to a more compassionate lifestyle today isn´t much of a struggle

Standing prominently among the most well-known punk rock artists of his generation, thanks in part to his unwavering focus on political and social issues, Russ Rankin, frontman of California’s Good Riddance, has not been relented in his solo activities for several decades.

Our conversation not only covered the topic of music itself, but I also learned what it was like with veganism in the USA in the early ’90s, or whether there is a certain parallel between playing in a punk band and being part of a hockey team.

You started with veganism in 1993. What was society’s view of veganism in your country at the time when you were to compare it to today? What were the overall conditions for being vegan in the US at that time compared to today?

When I started, it seemed to be a very fringe, extreme, thing. I have watched it work it’s way into the zeitgeist and the cultural lexicon, and become much more mainstream. For people switching to a more compassionate lifestyle today, there really isn’t much of a struggle, which I think is great.

In addition to veganism and the topic of animal rights, are you focusing on any other area in the form of activism?

I am active in the U.S. Green Party, working to get Greens elected, and to continue to try to strengthen the party nationally as the only truly progressive option.

The band Good Riddance and also yourself come from Santa Cruz, California. In one of the older interviews, you even mentioned that you had a slight problem finding people for the band from the very beginning. What about society´s attitude towards culture and similar activities in this city and how do you rate life in it?

Santa Cruz is a beach town, and also a college town. Our economy depends on these two factors, both of which are not the favorites of natives and locals. It’s a mix of post-60’s hippy radicalism and surf culture. It has become incredibly expensive to live here, but it’s such a beautiful place that many people consider it worth it to stay. That being said, I know scores of people who have been priced out, or have chosen to move elsewhere and live much more affordably.

You are also known for your love for ice hockey. With the Kootenay Ice team, where you worked as a scout at the time, you even won the WHL championship in 2011. When did you notice your passion for hockey? Is there even some kind of parallel between building a successful hockey team and a punk rock band?

My first recollection of hockey was watching the 1980 Winter Olympics, and the ensuing drama which is now called the “Miracle On Ice.”
After that, I just gravitated towards it, and tried to watch and learn as much as I could about the game. I suppose that bands and hockey teams have some similarities, as far as teamwork, and applying individual efforts towards a collective goal.

Is there anything you can tell us also about plans for Good Riddance in the future?

We have a few shows coming up in 2022, as well as hopefully hitting Europe for a decent tour in the summer. I imagine we will also begin working on new music at some point as well.

You are also a contributor to various well-known music and non-music media. Can we look forward to, for example, maybe a new book from you, in the future?

I am currently without a writing gig, and I wish that wasn’t the case. I have enjoyed being a regular columnist, and writing op-eds for various publications. I would love to do more, just haven’t been approached by anyone lately.