The Dead Boys, a pivotal band in the early American punk rock scene, burst onto the scene with their debut album Young Loud and Snotty in 1977. Drawing inspiration from raw and ferocious acts like Iggy & the Stooges, the Dead Boys' unapologetically aggressive sound and confrontational stage presence made them a cult favorite among punk enthusiasts. Despite initial mainstream resistance, the band's reputation as a fiery live act was solidified with the release of Return of the Living Dead Boys in 1986, showcasing their enduring impact on the punk rock landscape.

Originating from Cleveland and evolving from the proto-punk group Rocket from the Tombs, the Dead Boys' journey was marked by lineup changes and clashes over musical direction. Their confrontational style and refusal to conform to industry expectations ultimately led to their dissolution in 1979. However, their legacy lived on through various post-breakup projects and a resurgence in the 2010s, culminating in the release of a reimagined version of their classic debut album, Still Snotty: Young Loud and Snotty at 40, in 2017.