Youth Brigade is a seminal American punk rock band formed in 1980 in Los Angeles, California, by brothers Shawn, Mark, and Adam Stern. Emerging from the thriving Southern California punk scene, Youth Brigade quickly established themselves as influential figures known for their fast-paced music, socially conscious lyrics, and strong DIY ethic. The Stern brothers initially became involved in the punk community by founding Better Youth Organization (BYO) in 1982, a collective and independent record label that aimed to unify the punk scene and promote youth empowerment. Their debut album, Sound & Fury (1983), became an underground classic, capturing the raw energy and ethos of the early 80s hardcore movement. Youth Brigade is known not only for their music but also for their relentless touring. Their cross-country 1982 tour with Social Distortion was famously documented in the punk film Another State of Mind, which provided an unfiltered look at the realities of DIY touring and life as a punk band. Despite several lineup changes and a brief hiatus in the mid-80s, Youth Brigade continued to record and perform throughout the decades. Albums like Happy Hour (1994) and To Sell the Truth (1996) showcased the band’s growth while retaining their punk roots. Their lyrics often tackle issues like social injustice, self-reliance, and the importance of community. The Stern brothers’ impact extends beyond Youth Brigade through their work with BYO Records, which helped launch and support many other punk bands, contributing to the longevity of the punk movement in the U.S. Today, Youth Brigade is widely respected as one of the foundational bands of the hardcore punk scene and continues to perform, staying true to their mission of promoting unity, independence, and youthful rebellion.