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.
Originated as The Stab
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