Government Issue

Government Issue
Members John Stabb (center) and Brian Gay (left) of Government Issue performing at the Wilson Center in April 1981
Background information
Also known asG.I.
OriginWashington, D.C., U.S.
Genres
Years active
  • 1980–1989
  • 2007
  • 2010
  • 2012
  • 2014–2015
Labels
Spinoffs
Past membersJohn Stabb
Marc Alberstadt
John Barry
Brian Gay
Brian Baker
Tom Lyle
Mitch Parker
Rob Moss
Mike Fellows
John Leonard
Steve Hansgen
Sean Saley
J. Robbins
Peter Moffett
Karl Hill
S.Dwayne Bruner
Evan Tanner

Government Issue was an American hardcore punk band from Washington, D.C., active from 1980 to 1989. During its nine-year run, the band went through frequent lineup changes, with vocalist John Stabb as the only constant member. At various times the group included notable musicians such as Brian Baker, Mike Fellows, Steve Hansgen, J. Robbins, and Peter Moffett.

Rooted in the Washington, D.C. hardcore scene, Government Issue later incorporated elements of heavy metal, new wave, and psychedelic rock into their sound. Although this evolution sometimes led them to be overlooked compared with other D.C. hardcore bands, their stylistic range proved influential for later punk rock groups. The band reunited for occasional shows with varying lineups, continuing until Stabb's death from stomach cancer in 2016.