The Adolescents formed in January 1980 in Fullerton, CA by Steve Soto after he was booted from Agent Orange in December 1979. Original members were: Tony Cadena (vocals), Steve Soto (Bass), Frank Agnew (Guitar), John O'Donovan (Guitar), and Peter Pan (Drums). Both John & Peter left in June and were replaced by Rikk Agnew (Guitar) and Casey Royer (Drums), both formerly of Social Distortion & The Detours.

The Adolescents signed with Frontier Records in January 1981 and recorded the Blue Album the following month. From start to master, the album was done in four days. The album started hitting the stores in April. Rikk was relieved from the band just as the album was being released, and was replaced by Pat Smear (formerly of the Germs and destined for Nirvana & Foo Fighters).