The Sourice brothers Eric and Christophe started in a small band called IVG : punk with French lyrics like "Travail famille patrie" (motto of the Vichy state). Les Thugs started in April 1983 with five members among which a lead singer Philippe Brix as in the previous band Stress. Rapidly, the band had four musicians (June 1983) : the singer and guitarist Eric, the other guitarist Thierry Meanard, the bassist Gerald Chabaud and the drummer Christophe. Pierre-Yves, the third Sourice brother, replaced Gerald after his decision to stop after the 1988 tour in Sardinia.

After their album I.A.B.F. on Alternative Tentacles in 1991, the band have released 3 or so albums on Sub Pop.