Bangs is simultaneously a huge fan of rock and roll, a rock musician himself, and one of the most relentless critics of the genre. Bangs was born in Escondido, California in 1948. His father died when he was five years old after which his mother became a devout Jehovah's Witness. It is possible that Bangs' writing was influenced by this religious faith as it often exhibits a certain sincere righteousness although never about traditionally spiritual topics.