MDC is an American punk rock band formed in 1979 in Austin, Texas, later relocating to San Francisco and now based in Portland, Oregon. Key figures in the early American hardcore punk scene, they were originally known as The Stains before adopting the name MDC, which most often stood for Millions of Dead Cops. The group is known for its fast-paced music and outspoken radical left political lyrics, which have made a strong impact within the punk community. Over the years, MDC has released music through the influential label Alternative Tentacles and was closely connected to the underground punk press, with vocalist Dave Dictor contributing to Maximumrocknroll in the 1990s. After a hiatus in the late 1990s, MDC resumed activity in 2000 with a renewed lineup.