American crossover thrash band formed in Houston, Texas in 1982 as D.R.I. — "Dirty Rotten Imbeciles." Long-running lineup centered on brothers Spike Cassidy (guitar, 1982-2018) and Kurt Brecht (vocals). Considered foundational to the hardcore-thrash crossover alongside Suicidal Tendencies and Corrosion of Conformity.
Nine studio albums starting with Dirty Rotten LP (1983). Best-known releases include Dealing with It! (1985), Crossover (1987, the album that effectively named the genre), and 4 of a Kind (1988). Spike Cassidy was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2008 and has periodically halted touring for treatment.
