Government Issue (often just GI) was an American hardcore punk band (although some people consider them straight edge due to singer John Stabb's abstinance from drugs and alcohol during his time with the band) originating from the Washington, D.C. scene, formed in 1980 and were on Dischord Records. Many early songs were straightforward hardcore, clocking in at under the one minute mark, but they later progressed into a more melodic song-focused outfit (citing The Damned as key to gaining this catchy sound) and often with lyrics critical of the short-sighted behavior of the scene they aided in creating.
Given the long running nature of the band, many participants in the DC hardcore scene had gone through G.I.'s membership. Government Issue featured Brian Baker of Minor Threat, as well as Mike Fellows of Rites of Spring and many others.
The G.I.s became one of the longest-running bands in the DC hardcore scene. After numerous line-up changes, the band broke up in 1989. Vocalist John Stabb...
Created by dipity
on Jan 24, 2008
Last updated: 03/10/10 at 04:52 PM
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