McRad originated in the 1980s as a hardcore outfit rooted in speed punk, much like Bad Brains, while also exploring metal, reggae, and jazz. Their profile rose sharply on the West Coast skate circuit, even though the group had formed in Philadelphia. In 1982, shortly after Bones Brigade visionary Stacy Peralta helped secure sponsorship for skater Chuck Treece, Treece launched McRad alongside fellow skater Zeke Zagar. The band’s aggressive sound aligned with skate culture once Beware Records issued the debut album Absence of Sanity in 1987 and Powell Peralta placed several tracks on the soundtrack for the Savannah Slamma Contest. Peralta subsequently enlisted Treece to score the videos Ban This, Propaganda, and Public Domain. The last of these became a landmark street-skating release that brought the band widespread attention by pairing the songs “Weakness” and “McShred” with monochrome footage of young talents Ray Barbee, Steve Saiz, and Eric Sanderson launching ollies down staircases and over fire hydrants. As Treece’s professional skate career waned, McRad gradually dissolved. After Bad Brains vocalist H.R. departed in 1989, Treece tried out for the group; although he was not chosen, the attempt fostered an ongoing connection that led him to substitute for drummer Mackie Jayson on later dates. Following three tours with Bad Brains, Treece performed with Urge Overkill, Underdog, and the Mosquitoes, worked as a session player, and developed solo projects. The band resurfaced in 2007 with the album FDR, titled after one of Treece’s preferred Philadelphia skate sites.
