Reagan Youth

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. 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 an ironic word 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 and drummer Javier Madriaga, both former members, along with new singer Pat McGowan, who subsequently left the group in 2010.

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. The Beastie Boys and Rancid, 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".

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