D.O.A. is a Canadian punk rock band from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. They are often referred to as the “founders” of hardcore punk along with Black Flag, Bad Brains, Angry Samoans, The Bags, Germs, Negative Trend, and Middle Class. Their second album Hardcore ’81 was thought by many to have been the first actual reference to the second wave of the American punk sound as hardcore.
Singer/guitarist Joey “Shithead” Keithley is the only founding member to have stayed in the band throughout its entire history, with original bassist Randy Rampage returning to the band twice after his original departure. D.O.A. has often released music on Jello Biafra’s Alternative Tentacles Records, and they have released an album with Biafra on vocals titled Last Scream of the Missing Neighbors.
D.O.A. is known for its outspoken political opinions and has a history of performing for many causes and benefits. Its slogan is “Talk Minus Action Equals Zero.” The band’s lyrics and imagery frequently advocate anti-racism, anti-globalization, freedom of speech, and environmentalism.
Founder Joe Keithley is also the founder of Sudden Death Records which has released music by D.O.A. and several other bands including Pointed Sticks and Young Canadians.