Decision to break up

In late 1980, the Teen Idles decided to break up, mostly because Grindle had fallen out with Nelson. Grindle’s new girlfriend, a born-again Christian , disapproved of the band, causing Grindle to question his role. Tensions between Grindle and Nelson, who was an outspoken atheist, escalated until Grindle decided to quit. Their last show was on November 6, when they opened for SVT at the 9:30 Club . It was a key event for the popularity of all-ages shows—where alcohol was not for sale, and thus no age restriction for admission. Previously, at the Mabuhay Gardens in California, the band was allowed entry to the club only after big “X”s were drawn on their hands—this showed that they were under the legal drinking age . The Idles suggested this to 9:30’s management, and vowed that if youths were caught drinking, the club could ban them. The management agreed; the Teen Idles’ final show passed without incident.