they refrain from consuming alcohol or using drugs. In addition to their support of animal rights, the band has voiced their support for Democratic and libertarian causes. During the 2004 United States presidential election, the band was part of Punkvoter, a political activist group, and appeared on the Rock Against Bush, Vol. 1 compilation. The Rock Against Bush project raised over $1 million for then presidential candidate John Kerry. During the 2008 presidential election, the band members endorsed Barack Obama. In a news bulletin in early 2009, the band stated: "Few things are more exciting than watching Bush finally release America as his eight year hostage." Vans shoes On May 23, 2007, Rise Against announced their endorsement of a new line of Vans shoes that would be "completely vegan in consideration to [their] animal rights efforts". In response to criticism spawning from rumors of Vans' use of sweatshops, Rise Against released a statement to address the matter on both their MySpace profile and website saying, Band members Current members Tim McIlrath – lead vocals (1999–present), rhythm guitar (2002–present) Joe Principe – bass guitar, backing vocals (1999–present) Brandon Barnes – drums, percussion (2000–present) Zach Blair – lead guitar, backing vocals (2007–present) Former members Dan Wleklinski – lead guitar, backing vocals (1999–2001), rhythm guitar (2000–2001) Kevin White – rhythm guitar, backing vocals (1999–2000, 2001–2002), lead guitar (2001–2002) Tony Tintari – drums, percussion (1999–2000) Todd Mohney – lead guitar, backing vocals (2002–2004) Chris Chasse – lead guitar, backing vocals (2004–2007) Timeline Discography The Unraveling (2001) Revolutions per Minute (2003) Siren Song of the Counter Culture (2004) The Sufferer & the Witness (2006) Appeal to Reason (2008) Endgame (2011) The Black Market (2014) Wolves (2017) Nowhere Generation (2021) References Notes Footnotes External links 1999 establishments in Illinois Hardcore punk groups from Illinois Fat Wreck Chords artists Interscope Records artists DGC Records artists Geffen Records artists Loma Vista Recordings artists Melodic hardcore groups Punk rock groups from Illinois Sony Music Publishing artists Musical groups established in 1999 Musical groups from Chicago Political music groups