John Stabb

John Dukes Schroeder (July 12, 1961 – May 7, 2016), known professionally as John Stabb, was an American punk rock vocalist and frontman, best known as a founding member of the hardcore punk band Government Issue. He was also active in several other bands, including Betty Blue, The Factory Incident, Stabb, Stain, Emma Peel, Weatherhead, and History Repeated. Stabb was born in Washington, D.C., and raised in Rockville, Maryland, where he attended Colonel Zadok A. Magruder High School. In addition to his music career, he occasionally acted and was a freelance writer for Washington City Paper and Forced Exposure.

Stabb married long-time partner Mina Devadas on St. Patrick’s Day 2016 while staying at Holy Cross Hospital (Silver Spring). After a 112-day battle with stomach cancer, he died at a hospice in Rockville, Maryland, on May 7, 2016, at age 54.

John Stabb was renowned for his energetic stage presence and unique personality, which helped define the identity of Government Issue and the Washington, D.C. hardcore punk scene. In a 2015 interview, Stabb reflected on his career, stating: "I was the only one who could stand myself," highlighting his self-awareness and humor that endeared him to fans and fellow musicians.

Stabb was interviewed in Salad Days, a documentary chronicling the D.C. punk scene. He also participated in independent films such as Blood and Steel and performed at Cedar Crest Country Club events.

Stabb was a freelance writer for Washington City Paper and Forced Exposure, contributing articles and music commentary.