Suicidal Tendencies was founded in Venice, California, in 1981 by the leader and only permanent member, singer Mike Muir. Suicidal Tendencies is credited as one of "the fathers of crossover thrash".

Suicidal Tendencies rose to fame in 1983 when they released their self-titled debut album. The album unleashed the single "Institutionalized" and was one of the first hardcore punk videos to receive substantial airplay on MTV.In 1987, Suicidal Tendencies released a follow-up record, Join the Army. The album attracted the attention of Epic Records, who signed the band in 1988 and issued their third album, How Will I Laugh Tomorrow When I Can't Even Smile Today. This was followed by their next two albums which were also successful and both certified Gold. After releasing two more studio albums (The Art of Rebellion and Suicidal for Life), Suicidal Tendencies called it quits in 1995. However, they reunited in 1997 and are currently touring thoughout the United States.