Reagan Youth

Genre:Hardcore Punk,Anarcho Punk


Reagan Youth is an American punk rock band formed by singer Dave Rubinstein (Dave Insurgent) and guitarist Paul Bakija (Paul Cripple) in Queens, New York in early 1980. They were pivotal in introducing the style of hardcore punk to the East Coast punk scene, but have also been identified as a part of the peace punk movement. As strident radical anarchists, their name is a play on Hitler Youth.
Their initial career lasted until 1990, and singer Rubinstein committed suicide three years later following a series of tragic events. In 2006, Bakija reformed the band with bassist Al Pike, drummer Javier Madriaga, and several new members.

An important group in the New York/New Jersey hardcore scene, they performed regularly at CBGB and toured the U.S. extensively, often with other early punk bands such as the Dead Kennedys, Bad Brains, and The Misfits. Beastie Boys and Rancid,[citation needed], among other significant successful punk rock and alternative rock groups, have cited Reagan Youth as an influence. NOFX mentions Reagan Youth in their 2003 song, "Franco Un-American".

Rubinstein and Bakija attended Forest Hills High School, the same as that of the Ramones, when they formed their band. After rehearsals under the name Pus with a varying rhythm section, the group changed its name to Reagan Youth shortly before playing its first gig on August 22, 1980, with bassist Andy Bryan (Andy Apathy) and drummer Charlie Bonet (Charlie Tripper). Reagan Youth quickly gained a following and were soon playing the punk clubs of Manhattan. Bakija's physics teacher shaved his head at CBGB's one night and after that became associated with the band, hauling equipment in his Dodge Dart.After the band recorded a four-song demo in 1981, Bryan was replaced by Al Pike. Bonet departed soon after; after the band briefly rehearsed with Rubinstein filling in on drums, Steve Weissman joined full time. They signed to the R Radical imprint.