Bill Stevenson (musician)

For the blues and jazz pianist, see Bill Stevenson (Canadian musician).

Bill Stevenson
Stevenson performing with the Descendents in 2014
Stevenson performing with the Descendents in 2014
Background information
Birth nameJohn William Stevenson
Born (1963-09-10) September 10, 1963 (age 61)
Torrance, California, U.S.
GenresPunk rock, hardcore punk
Occupation(s)Musician, songwriter, producer, engineer
Instrument(s)Drums, percussion
Years active1978–present
LabelsOrca, New Alliance, SST, Cruz, Interscope, Epitaph, Fat Wreck Chords, Rise
Member of
Formerly of

John William Stevenson (born September 10, 1963) is an American musician, songwriter, and record producer. He is the drummer, main songwriter, and only constant member of the California punk rock group Descendents since its inception. In late December 1981, he played a few concerts with the hardcore punk band Black Flag because their drummer, Robo was detained in England after a tour there. He went on to record with Black Flag on several of their albums until 1985, including the highly influential My War. After this, he focused his attention on Descendents and played with the band until lead singer Milo Aukerman left in 1987. After Milo's departure, Bill and the other members of Descendents, Karl Alvarez and Stephen Egerton, recruited singer Dave Smalley of Dag Nasty, moved to Fort Collins, Colorado, and formed ALL. ALL went on to have two more singers, Scott Reynolds (1989–1993) and Chad Price (1993–present). Aukerman came back for the 1996 album Everything Sucks, the 2004 album Cool to Be You, 2016's Hypercaffium Spazzinate and the newest album 9th and Walnut. All and Descendents continue to tour between Stevenson's and Aukerman's respective careers as a recording engineer and a biochemist. Stevenson was born in Torrance, California and attended Mira Costa High School, with fellow members of the Descendents.[1]

Stevenson, along with record producer Jason Livermore are the founders of the recording studio The Blasting Room in Fort Collins, Colorado. Currently, Stevenson is involved in Russ Rankin's side project Only Crime with former members of GWAR and Converge.

In 2005, he became a member of instrumental group The Mag Seven, and produced the group's album.[2] He also played with The Lemonheads from 2005 to 2007, appearing on their 2006 self titled album, which he also helped produce.[3][4]

Stevenson produced As I Lay Dying's 2012 album Awakened, the 2012 NOFX album Self Entitled[5][6][7] as well as Rise Against's seventh and ninth studio albums, The Black Market and Nowhere Generation, released July 15, 2014 and June 4, 2021 respectively.

One of Stevenson's most recent works was the production of Frenzal Rhomb's tenth studio album The Cup of Pestilence, released April 7, 2023.

  1. ^ Spurrier, Jeff. "DESCENDENTS HANG OUT IN NEVER-NEVER LAND", Los Angeles Times, January 5, 1986. Accessed January 10, 2008.
  2. ^ "ALL? No, the Mag Seven!". Alternative Press. October 14, 2005. Retrieved June 24, 2016.
  3. ^ Lemonheads full length, reissue due next year, Punknews.org, November 16, 2007.
  4. ^ Stevenson talks about next Lemonheads album, Punknews.org, August 21, 2007.
  5. ^ "NOFX reveal 'Self Entitled'". Punknews.org. July 19, 2012. Retrieved July 19, 2012.
  6. ^ "NOFX's new album named 'Self-Entitled'; pre-order live now". Alternative Press. July 19, 2012. Retrieved July 19, 2012.
  7. ^ "NOFX Announce New Album "Self Entitled"". Alter the Press!. July 19, 2012. Retrieved July 19, 2012.