Youth Of Today was formed in 1985 by Ray Cappo (vocals) and John Porcelly (guitar). They wanted to start a Straight Edge band, at a time when almost all the old school Straight Edge bands were gone.



It wasn't easy to find a drummer to complete their band, so Ray and John were helped out by a friend from highschool: Darren Pesce.



In 1985 Youth Of Today recorded their debut EP for Positive Force Records: "Can't Close My Eyes". After touring for a while Darren left the band, and Tom Carroll (from Straight Ahead) replaced him on drums.



During Youth Of Today's second tour Tom left and Drew Thomas,

drummer of brotherband Crippled Youth, was asked to finish the rest of the tour. Drew Thomas also played on the first full-length Youth Of Today album, titled "Break Down The Walls" which was released by Wishing Well Records.