The first line-up of the early 80s hardcore band the Adolescents, from Fullerton, Orange County, California, USA, comprised Frank Agnew (rhythm guitar), Rikk Agnew (lead guitar), Casey Royer (drums, vocals), Tony "Montana" (vocals) and Steve "Soto" Rodgers (bass, vocals). Tony formed the band, enlisting the Agnews and Royer, who were all formerly members of Social Distortion. Rikk Agnew had, in addition, formerly played with several Los Angeles bands including the Detours, while Rodgers had been part of Agent Orange. Following a flirtation with Posh Boy Records (the "Amoeba" single, of which only 15 copies were pressed), the band's debut emerged on Frontier Records in 1981. Immediately afterwards, the band collapsed. Rikk Agnew went on to release a solo album for Frontier the following year, which largely consisted of songs written for the intended second Adolescents album. Afterwards, he played with both Christian Death and TSOL. The Adolescents re-formed for reunion gigs in 1986 and effectively became an active unit once more. Brats In Battalions, released on the group's own label, included guitarist Alfie Agnew deputizing for brother Frank on a powerful punk/metal hybrid. The line-up switched for Balboa Fun*Zone, but the songwriting of the remaining original members, Rikk Agnew and Steve "Soto" Rodgers, was seen to its best advantage. It was followed by a live album drawn from concerts recorded five years apart. Agnew's second solo effort, credited to Rikk Agnew's Yard Sale, featured his returning two brothers, Alfie and Frank. The Adolescents finally called it a day in 1989, though further reunions are probably not out of the question given the band's previous record.
