Before evolving into a full-fledged punk band, Against Me! started as an acoustic solo project led by Laura Jane Grace, who began performing in Gainesville, Florida in 1997. By 2001, the band had expanded to include a full lineup and released the fan favorite album Reinventing Axl Rose in 2002, blending punk, folk, and country influences. Throughout the early 2000s, Against Me! maintained a relentless touring schedule and continued to release albums on indie labels before signing with Sire Records in 2005.
In 2012, Laura Jane Grace publicly came out as transgender, leading Against Me! to work on the critically acclaimed album Transgender Dysphoria Blues, released in 2014. The album marked a breakthrough for the band, reaching number 23 on the Billboard Top 200 chart. Following lineup changes, the band recorded the live album 23 Live Sex Acts in 2015 and released Shape Shift with Me in 2016, featuring a new permanent lineup.
