Isocracy (band)
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Isocracy was a Berkeley-area punk band which predated Green Day and which was one of the key bands in the MRR/Gilman Street project. John Kiffmeyer (a.k.a. Al Sobrante) was the drummer who went on to form Green Day. The other members were Lenny (guitar), Martin (bass), and Jason Beebout (vocals) who went on to form Samiam. The group recorded an 11 song 7" vinyl "Bedtime for Isocracy" (L005) and they were also featured on (L011) "The Thing That Ate Floyd." Additionally, Isocracy's EP tracks were rereleased on (L293) "Punk Rock 7"s Volume 1." During their active years from 1986 through 1988, Isocracy was known for their wild performances where anything could happen. According to the book written about Gilman, Isocracy was one of the main bands who brought a new sense of positive anarchy to the punk scene. During this time in the mid 80s hardcore was the dominant musical style in the scene. Isocracy's live shows included playing in laudrymats and covering the audience with garbage and shredded paper. In this regard, Isocracy bridged hardcore punk with performance art. Green Day benefited from Sobrante's contacts he had made in the scene prior to their formation.
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