HR OF BAD BRAINS & HUMAN RIGHTS – May 14, 2026 – THE WHISKY
On May 14th, the Whisky a Go Go hosted a legend. H.R., the iconic punk and reggae pioneer, took the stage for a mellow and contemplative set alongside drummer Jeremy Carlson, bassist Dane Foltin and guitarist Ezekiel Zagar. Adoring fans crowded The Whisky from wall to wall, alternating between emotional cries of “We love you, H.R.!” and the hushed silence of a religious congregation, slack-jawed followers at the end of a long pilgrimage to see their prophet.
HR of Bad Brains and Human Rights on stage at the world famous Whisky a Go Go on May 14, 2026,
HR of Bad Brains and Human Rights
H.R. was, of course, once the frontman of the renowned punk band Bad Brains. In the annals of the genre, Bad Brains are more than just founding fathers – they take up every space on hardcore punk’s Mount Rushmore, with H.R. (whose initials stand for “Human Rights”) himself looming over them all. But for nearly forty years, after a 1979 Rastafari conversion, H.R. has also dedicated himself to the gospel of reggae, and it is that cause which he came to preach at The Whisky.
HR of Bad Brains and Human Rights front and center at the world famous Whisky a Go Go on May 14, 2026.
Seated centerstage, the distinguished artist crooned out solo hits such as “Youthman Sufferer” and “While You Were Sleeping” side by side with powerful recent efforts like “Give Thanks” and “Every Thing You Do.” The reverent crowd were even treated to a few beloved Bad Brains songs like “Leaving Babylon,” “I Love I Jah,” and “Attitude.” His classic reggae rendition of the Beatles’ “Day Tripper” also made an appearance, before smoothly transitioning into “The Youth Are Getting Restless.”
Dane Foltin
Ezekiel Zagar
Jeremy Carlson
All the while H.R.’s expression was granite, his posture immovable, his impression sentinel-like. Deep-set eyes frequently and slowly scanned the crowd, seeming to meet the gaze of each and every loving fan. If he is no longer the righteous, vibrant rocker of the ‘70s, it is because times changed, his causes were taken up by his disciples, and in response he evolved into the wise and meditative sage he is today. After concluding the set with one last Bad Brains track, “I & I Survive,” he sincerely thanked his fans for their support.
HR of Bad Brains and Human Rights cheered on by his beloved fans at the Whisky a Go Go on May 14, 2026.
“Be good,” he said, eyes and voice quavering with gratitude. “I’ll see you next time.” The love in that room was palpable, almost overwhelming, radiating along that special psychic wavelength which only exists between artists and their most devout followers. “Give thanks for the land,” he sang, “…for the trees…for the waters.” Give thanks too, for H.R. Drink of his cup, and be full.
HR of Bad Brains and Human Rights waving goodnight to his fans at the Whisky a Go Go on May 14, 2026.
Review by Joaquin Waters
Photos by Scott Waters
HSR of Bad Brains & Human Rights
Whisky a Go Go
