NARM Honors Brett Gurewitz

NARM GETS (BAD) RELIGION: Brett Gurewitz, founder of Epitaph Records and an original member of legendary punk group Bad Religion, will be the recipient of NARM’s Independent Spirit Award, given during the confab's Opening Session, May 9, at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel in L.A. "Brett personifies the independent spirit, inspiring countless punk and indie bands through his work in Bad Religion and helping many of them reach their full potential at Epitaph Records, including The Offspring, Rancid and NOFX," said NARM President and resident headbanger Jim Donio. "His creative entrepreneurship and commitment to thinking outside the box make him a strong player in today's music industry. We look forward to seeing what he does next." Past recipients of the honor include Rachelle and Joe Friedman, founders of J&R Music & Computer World in N.Y.; Don Van Cleave, formerly the President of the Coalition of Independent Music Stores (CIMS); and Tom Silverman, Founder and CEO of Tommy Boy Entertainment. (1/24a)