The Dictators are an American punk rock/hard rock band formed in New York City in 1972. Known for their acerbic and provocative approach in their music, the Dictators underwent several changes in their lineups. Its founding members included musicians Andy "Adny" Shernoff (bass, keyboards, vocals), Ross "The Boss" Friedman (lead guitar) and Scott "Top Ten" Kempner (rhythm guitar). At one point, the lineup included "Handsome" Dick Manitoba (vocals) and Mark "The Animal" Mendoza (bass). Throughout varying lineups, Shernoff, Friedman and Kempner have been constant members.
With albums like The Dictators Go Girl Crazy!, Manifest Destiny and Bloodbrothers, the Dictators did not initially have any commercial success outside the punk rock scene in the 1970s and courted some controversies, but later grew to be respected as one of the pioneers in punk rock with a strong cult following. Critic John Dougan said that they were "one of the finest and most influential proto-punk bands to walk the earth."