Government Issue’s John Stabb Dead After Battle With Cancer

John Stabb, the frontman of the seminal Washington, D.C. hardcore band Government Issue, has died. The band revealed the news on Facebook. Earlier this year, he was diagnosed with stomach cancer and underwent chemotherapy. He was 54.

John Schroeder got his long-term nickname from his band the Stab. Stabb and some of his bandmates in the Stab became Government Issue. Their debut 7″ EP, Legless Bull, was released by Dischord in 1981. G.I. put out several records throughout the 1980s before breaking up in 1989. The band’s lineup changed several times, but Stabb was a consistent member of the band. They reunited on and off over the past couple decades. Stabb also played in bands like Betty Blue and the Factory Incident. He also released some solo material.

When Stabb was diagnosed with cancer, a GoFundMe page was set up to help cover the cost of treatment. A benefit concert featuring Thurston Moore, J. Robbins, and GIVE! was scheduled tonight at the Black Cat in Washington, D.C. It will take place as a memorial. “Our hearts go out to his wife Mina,” wrote the band. “Rest in Power, brother, there will never be another.”

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