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.
History
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. The band's second performance was shut down midway by the police. 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. Government Issue's next show, in November of that year on a bill with T.S.O.L. at the 9:30 Club, was Baker's last as bassist. Dischord Records reissued Legless Bull in 2002 while Dr. Strange released Strange Wine: Live at CBGB August 30th, 1987 in 2003, consisting of live recordings and studio tracks remastered by Tom Lyle. 2005 saw the release of the DVD Live 1985.
On July 17, 2007 John Stabb was assaulted by five men near his home and required extensive facial reconstruction surgery. To help him and then-wife Mika Ackerman pay for his medical bills and lost wages, a benefit concert was held on September 23, 2007 which featured a reunited lineup of Stabb, Tom Lyle, and Brian Baker, joined by drummer William Knapp, performing as "Government Re-Issue". A portion of the proceeds from the 2007 Riot Fest concert were donated to Stabb to pay for his medical bills, as well as to J. Robbins, whose son had been diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy. In 2009 DC-Jam Records released The Punk Remains the Same, an EP of live Government Issue tracks recorded in 1982 and 1983.
Government Issue reunited a second time for a performance in Washington, D.C. on December 11, 2010. The show, which included local bands The Goons & Set to Explode, featured the band's final lineup of Stabb, Lyle, Robbins, and Moffett, and was a benefit to raise medical funds for a local GI Fan Steve 'Stereo Faith.' McPhereson After the final reunion show, Stabb said "Government Issue is a group again, and it was so much fun playing Damaged City Fest 2014, we decided to just keep it going." The band continued in 2015, playing the Bad Ass Weekend festival in Houston that February and a five-date tour of the Southeastern United States in October and November, including a performance at The Fest. Stabb died of stomach cancer on May 7, 2016 at the age of 54.