Formed in Portsmouth, New Hampshire in 1981, The Queers are one of pop-punk's defining and longest-running acts. Fronted by vocalist and guitarist Joe Queer (Joseph P. King), the band pioneered a fast, infectious sound often described as "The Ramones meets The Beach Boys"—blending classic bubblegum-pop harmonies with raw, irreverent punk energy. Throughout a career spanning four decades, The Queers built a massive underground following with scene-shaping albums on Lookout! Records, including 1993's Love Songs for the Retarded and 1996's Don't Back Down. Known for high-octane live shows and unapologetic, buzzsaw-guitar hooks, they remain a foundational influence on modern pop-punk.