Audiences can get their fists pumping and their vocal chords on the stretch this summer with Rise Against on their way to Big Day Out 2010.

Following in the punk rock protest tradition of Minor Threat, Black Flag, Rancid and Bad Religion, Chicago’s melodic hardcore heroes Rise Against has spent the last decade rocking and challenging audiences with their passionate and powerful anthems.

Singer/guitarist Tim McIlrath, bassist Joe Principe, drummer Brandon Barnes and guitarist Zach Blair use their music to highlight everything from the post-traumatic stress disorder of soldiers returned from war to the dog-eat-dog nature of modern society. They’re long-time supporters of animal rights and PETA. They’ve rocked the vote and backed Barack Obama during the last US Presidential election.

"It’s about reaching people, making them think and challenging their ways of thought, creating conversation and dialogue and putting new ideas forth for people to consider," McIlrath said. "And when you have a bigger fanbase, that’s even more fun to do, because all of a sudden your voice is louder."

Rise Against’s latest, fifth album, Appeal to Reason, has taken them further than ever before settling at a comfortable number three on the US charts. There can be no arguing that the band packs a punch, both politically and musically.

See Rise Against as they take to the stage at Big Day Out in 2010.

Rise Against will performing at the following:

Janaury 22 - Sydney Big Day Out

January 26 - Melbourne Big Day Out

January 29 - Adelaide Big Day Out

January 31 - Perth Big Day Out