Hardcore act founded in 1979 as TRUE SOUNDS OF LIBERTY the band would evolve into a straightforward near Glam Metal act by the late 80's before a full on return to their Punk roots. The band was led by JACK GRISHAM although the singer would often credit himself under various names including 'Jack Greggors'. The band had evolved out of Orange County Punk crew VICIOUS CIRCLE and debuted with the 'T.S.O.L.' EP on local label Posh Boy. Nationwide supports to the likes of the DAMNED and DEAD KENNEDYS elevated their profile for the full length 'Dance With Me' album. Frank Agnew, guitarist with THE ADOLESCENTS, would often join the band on tour. By now the band, complete with trademark white face paint, was such a draw it could sell out theatre venues in California. The band's vocalist had also become known for changing his surname with each successive release.

The band added keyboard player Bob Kuehn and drummer Todd Scrivener in 1982 for the 'Beneath The Shadows' album. Vocals were credited to Jack 'Delauge'. T.S.O.L.'s image was also heightened with their inclusion in the Penelope Spheeris movie 'Suburbia'. The following year T.S.O.L. underwent a radical line-up change with Grisham, Barnes and Kuehn departing. New enlistees were ex-HATED vocalist / guitarist Joe Wood and former JONESES drummer Mitch Dean as the band scored a new deal with the Enigma label. The band also pulled in former BAD RELIGION and WASTED YOUTH bassist Jay Bentley but within days Roche had reclaimed his position. Greggors meantime allied himself with CATHEDRAL OF TEARS with Bentley before joining TENDER FURY. Bentley would eventually rejoin BAD RELIGION.

The band's tenure with Enigma realised a further three albums as the band trimmed to a trio of Emory, Roche and Dean before a change to Restless Records for the 1988 live effort. During this period the 'Thoughts Of Yesterday' compilation was issued made up of T.S.O.L. and TENDER FURY songs. Roche and Emery fled the roost before recording of the next studio album 'Strange Love'. This album found T.S.O.L. utterly transformed into a typical Los Angeles Metal band with a line up of Wood, Roche, Dean and second guitarist Marshall Rohner and Emory founded THE JOYKILLER in 1995 with ex GUN CLUB bassist Billy Persons and drummer Chris Lagerborg for an eponymous album.

T.S.O.L teamed up with Thrash veterans SLAYER for a split single on the Sub Pop label in 1996. Grisham, Emory, Roche and Barnes settled their differences to tour as THE ORIGINAL T.S.O.L.

Tragically, after years of sustained substance abuse, Barnes died in December of 1999.

JACK GRISHAM was later to cut a solo album working with Jay Smith of THE DERITA SISTERS, bassist Billy Persons with THE JOYKILLER members guitarist Sean Greaves and keyboard player Ronnie King. Grisham also operated another act in parallel titled THE GO in union with ADOLESCENTS and T.S.O.L. guitarist Frank Agnew. Anarchy Music published a T.S.O.L. compilation comprising both archive and brand new tracks, entitled, 'Who's Screwin' Who? - 18 T.S.O.L. Greatest Non-Hits', in January 2005.