Hickey was a "melodic" punk band that started in San Francisco's Mission District, the band recorded, released and distributed their own music. Elaborate and very personal artwork was the style used for the band's records.

Founding members Matty Luv (guitar) and Aesop (drums) were members of the Florida punk rock band, Fuckboyz. Bass player Chubby had previously been in Schleprock. Hickey recorded their first 7" EP, Us vs. Them within a month of forming, and released it soon after. The band quickly became a part of the Probe Records/zine scene which put them on a few good compilations.

"...for a small contingent of people they touched, they ignited a fire in their brains like nothing before or since. The Naked Cult Of Hickey is real. People say this band changed their life. Although their obscurity isn't because they never reached a large enough audience. Most people that heard them either hated them or thought they were stupid. Chances are if you listen to this, you’ll be unimpressed and wonder what all the fuss is about. But if your brain chemistry is aligned a certain way, you’ll understand why so many weird punks have that damn heart tattooed on their bodies."