Brendan Kelly

Brendan Kelly is a Chicago-based punk rock lifer best known as the bassist and co-vocalist of The Lawrence Arms, the beloved trio he’s been slugging it out with since 1999. With a signature raspy bark and a knack for blending self-deprecating humor with existential dread, he’s become a staple of the DIY punk scene through relentless touring and albums like *Oh! Calcutta!* and *Metropole*. Beyond The Lawrence Arms, Kelly keeps busy with side projects like The Falcon (a punk supergroup with members of Alkaline Trio and Rise Against) and his solo work, including the 2018 album *Wasted Potential*, which leans into his folk-punk storytelling roots. Recent collaborations like "Parting Gift" and tracks such as "Split the Tip" show him riffing on his trademark themes of burnout, resilience, and Midwestern grit, all delivered with the unpolished charm of a dive-bar philosopher. Whether he’s shouting over distorted chords or strumming an acoustic guitar, Kelly remains a working-class poet for the PBR-and-cigarettes crowd.