X-Cops

X-Cops formed in New York City in 1984 with John Joseph on vocals and guitar, Sean Kennedy on bass, and Joey "Chicago Joe" Mezzapelle on drums. Their name came from the police code for a homicide, which set the tone for their confrontational approach. They put out their first album in 1985 and followed it with records like "5-0" in 1986 and "Bad Cop! Bad Cop!" in 1987.

Their songs often dealt with police violence and social issues. "5-0" became a particularly pointed anthem about police brutality, while tracks like "Zipper Pig" and "Your Mother" carried their raw, aggressive style. They built a following through constant touring, even when their shows faced pushback from audiences or authorities.

The band's lineup stayed fairly consistent, with Joseph and Kennedy as the core members through most of their run. They released "Anarchy in the U.S.A." in 1992 and kept playing until they disbanded in 2002. Their music, blunt and unpolished, connected with listeners who appreciated its directness and refusal to soften its edges.