Also known as G.I. Genres Hardcore punk | Origin Washington, D.C. Genre Hardcore punk | |
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Years active 1980 (1980)–1989 (1989) Associated acts Minor Threat, Rites of Spring, Jawbox, Burning Airlines, The Factory Incident, Office of Future Plans Past members John StabbMarc AlberstadtJohn BarryBrian GayBrian BakerTom LyleMitch ParkerRob MossMike FellowsJohn LeonardSteve HansgenSean SaleyJ. RobbinsPeter MoffettKarl HillS.Dwayne BrunerEvan Tanner Record labels Albums Complete History Volume O, The Fun Just Never Ends, Complete History Volume T, Legless Bull EP, Best of Government Issue | ||
Government issue plain to see
Government Issue was an American hardcore punk band from Washington, D.C. active from 1980 to 1989. The band experienced many changes in membership during its nine-year existence, with singer John Stabb as the only consistent member in an ever-fluctuating lineup that at various times included notable musicians Brian Baker, Mike Fellows, Steve Hansgen, J. Robbins, and Peter Moffett. Government Issue originated from the Washington, D.C. hardcore scene but added elements of heavy metal, new wave, and psychedelic rock on later records. Though this has caused the band to be sometimes overlooked in relation to other Washington, D.C. hardcore acts, their stylistic diversity made them influential to later punk rock groups. Government Issue performed occasional reunion shows in the 2000s and 2010s with various lineups, until Stabb's death from stomach cancer in 2016.
Contents
- Government issue plain to see
- Government issue strange wine giant records
- 19801981 Formation and debut
- 19811985 Lineup and label changes
- 19861989 Final lineup and breakup
- Post breakup activity and Stabbs death
- Style and influence
- Band members
- Studio albums
- Live albums
- Singles EPs
- Compilation albums
- Video albums
- Songs
- References
Government issue strange wine giant records
1980–1981: Formation and debut
Government Issue originated in 1980 as The Stab, from which lead singer John Schroeder derived his pseudonym John Stabb. As the members of The Stab drifted apart, Stabb and drummer Marc Alberstadt recruited guitarist John Barry and bassist Brian Gay, changing the band's name to Government Issue. They made their live debut at the two-day Unheard Music Festival in December 1980, but not as Government Issue: Alberstadt was sick and unable to perform, so the band invited guest players to fill in on both nights and performed under the name The Substitutes. The band's second performance was shut down midway by the police.
Government Issue's debut EP Legless Bull was recorded with this original lineup and released through local label Dischord Records in September 1981, after which Gay left to attend college and was replaced by Brian Baker of Minor Threat, who were on hiatus at the time. Baker later recalled that "Ian [MacKaye] and Jeff [Nelson] were gonna start something with Eddie [Janney] and John Falls, so I joined the DC band I liked the best who needed somebody — Government Issue. They were a great band, especially early on." Government Issue also contributed two tracks to Flex Your Head, Dischord's 1982 compilation album of D.C.-area hardcore punk bands.
1981–1985: Lineup and label changes
Lineup shuffles ensued as Barry left the band and Baker moved to guitar, with Tom Lyle joining in late 1981 as the new bassist. Baker later commented that his guitar style did not mesh well with the band's sound: "I wasn't a bass player and Government Issue was a chance to play guitar. They were better with John Barry on guitar but they were biggest when I was in the band. Their whole sound was his insane guitar playing, which I played nothing like. I played like Ace Frehley." The Stabb/Baker/Lyle/Alberstadt lineup of Government Issue recorded the Make an Effort EP, released in 1982 through Fountain of Youth Records. Baker then rejoined Minor Threat in early 1982, recalling that his departure "was amicable after John Stabb calmed down but everyone else understood and didn't have a problem."
