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==Background==
The 1980's1980s, all across the U.S. a faster stripped down version of punk called "Hardcore" was making its presence felt. From Los Angeles to Richmond , Virginia kids were forming bands, putting out [[Wikipedia:Zine|zines]], trading music cassette tapes and booking their own shows. At this time Hardcore was free of corporate sponsorship and major label distribution. Shows took place in any type of venue you could think of, from kitchens in homes to V.F.W. halls. These shows were promoted through word of mouth and hand made flyers. It was truly a music revolution, Hardcore challenged every accepted standard in society and the music business. Because of this it made little inroads into mainstream culture.
Pensacola was no exception, the roots of underground music in the city can be traced to two venues: the [[Handlebar]] and the [[McGuiganns Speakeasy]]. In the early 1980s this is where early punk and new wave bands first played, even alternative superstars R.E.M. played at McGuiganns. Eventually McGuiganns became [[the Mix]], and this is where the Hardcore scene in Pensacola grew out of.
From late 1984 to the fall of 1985 the Mix hosted weekly all ages shows, with sporadic gigs taking place at the Handlebar. Things were going great and there was always a gig to see and usually a party to attend afterwards. In the fall of 1985 the Mix was demolished after it was purchased by the [[Pensacola Glass Company]]. Two Matinee all ages shows took place @ at the [[Cinema Tavern ]] (known now as the [[Silver Screen]]) located behind [[University Mall]]. These shows were put on by [[Vik Kaos]], guitarist and vocalist of [[Maggot Sandwich]], and [[Darryl Sedgwick ]] of the [[Soundbox Record Store ]] (where [[Elvis Jones]] of [[East Hill CD]] got his start) after these gigs, all ages shows were not taking place in town any longer.
==Formation==
[[Steven Winfrey]] and a local aspiring artist by the name of [[Thomas Manning]] formed Hyperactive Youth near the end of 1984. HY could be found at local and out of town shows handing out flyers on different subjects involving politics and unity in the Hardcore scene. They also put out a short -lived zine called "Zero Expectations.". Other members of HY included Mike Wilder, Jim McKean . future N.C.S., Blount and Hollywood Hate guitarist [["Pensacola Bob (" Peterson) ]] and [[Tony Butler]].
In December 1985 [[Wikipedia:Suicidal Tendencies|Suicidal Tendencies ]] played at the Handlebar, this was probably the largest and most rowdy show to date in Pensacola, with an estimated 400 people in attendence. The [[Pensacola Police Department]] shut down the gig after 45 minutes. [[Wikipedia:Black Flag|Black Flag ]] kicked off the new year of 1986 at the Handlebar as well , but this show was very small.
Thomas Manning stepped forward and urged HY to perform an all ages gigs. The group, tired of traveling out of town to see gigs, approached Vik from Maggot Sandwich, who told them the basics and agreed to rent out his PA for the shows. Their first gig took place at the [[Metropolitan Community Church]] on [[Alcaniz Street]]. They booked regional bands Legion Of Decency (MS), Vomit Spots (Mobile) and Dispersion (Mobile). This show also was the debut gig for a local group called [[The Headless Marines]]. Only 50 to 70 attendees were expected, but over 300 showed up. The police arrived at the show, but were dissuaded from shutting it down. It was a great success, but the group was not allowed back.
