Better Than a Thousand

Better Than a Thousand was a hardcore punk band formed in 1997 by Ray Cappo, the lead vocalist of the influential punk band Youth of Today. Here are some facts about the band:

1. Formation and Lineup: Better Than a Thousand was formed by Ray Cappo after the breakup of Youth of Today. The band's lineup also included Graham Land on guitar, Ken Olden on bass, and Ken Ahrens on drums. Cappo's brother, Porcell, who was also a member of Youth of Today, joined Better Than a Thousand as a guitarist after the band's formation.

2. Album Releases: Better Than a Thousand released their debut album, "Just One", in 1997 on the Revelation Records label. The album featured fast-paced, energetic hardcore punk tracks with positive and socially conscious lyrics, reflecting Cappo's straight edge beliefs and the band's commitment to promoting unity and positivity within the punk scene. Better Than a Thousand followed up "Just One" with the release of their second album, "Value Driven", in 1999.

3. Influence and Legacy: Better Than a Thousand's music and message had a significant impact on the hardcore punk scene in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Their energetic live performances and empowering lyrics resonated with fans around the world, inspiring a new generation of punk musicians and activists. Better Than a Thousand's emphasis on unity, self-awareness, and social responsibility helped to shape the ethos of the straight edge and positive hardcore movements, leaving a lasting legacy in the punk community.

4. Subsequent Projects: After the dissolution of Better Than a Thousand, Ray Cappo remained active in the punk scene, forming the bands Shelter and Ray and Porcell. Graham Land went on to play in the bands Battery and Shelter, while Ken Olden pursued a career as a record producer and engineer. Despite their relatively short-lived existence, Better Than a Thousand's members continued to make significant contributions to the punk and hardcore genres through their subsequent musical endeavors.

5. Reunion Shows: Better Than a Thousand reunited for a series of shows in the early 2000s, delighting fans with their high-energy performances and infectious enthusiasm. The band's reunion shows served as a celebration of their legacy and a reminder of the enduring impact of their music on the punk community. Though they did not release any new material during their reunion, Better Than a Thousand's reunion shows provided fans with an opportunity to relive the excitement and intensity of