CR 071: Iconic Drummer Bill Stevenson on Punk Rock, Longevity, and Playing Music for Music’s Sake

The legendary musician discusses the reissue of the Descendents’ “I Don’t Want to Grow Up.”

Bill Stevenson, photo courtesy of Descendents

Bill Stevenson was just 15 years old when he and a couple of friends formed the Descendents, a band that melded punk, pop, surf rock, new wave, and coffee-fueled youthful energy to create a sound all its own. Despite its members having little musical experience and no master plan for success, the Descendents has gone on to become one of the most influential voices in rock music.

Stevenson, the band’s drummer and sole consistent member, has been name checked by numerous artists, including Dave Grohl and Josh Freese, as an inspiration and influence on their work. In addition to his drumming with the Descendents and its offshoot band, ALL, Stevenson served for a time as the drummer for Black Flag and the Lemonheads, and regularly produces albums for other artists at his Colorado studio, The Blasting Room.

Today, the Descendents is still going strong, performing regularly and working on new songs. On November 21st, Org Music will reissue the band…