Formed in 1980 in New York City, Even Worse was a seminal band that helped define the American punk/post-punk/no wave scene. Band members included Rebecca "R.B." Korbet (Vocals), Robert Weeks (Guitar), Eric Keil (Bass Guitar) and Jack Rabid (Drums). Other occasional members have included Thurston Moore and Tim Sommer. After the band disbanded, Jack Rabid founded The Big Takeover, Thurston Moore founded Sonic Youth and Tim Sommer formed Hugo Largo.

Other bands that were their contemporaries included Reagan Youth, Bad Brains, The Misfits and Kraut.