 Hardy began his drumming career in the mid 1970s, occasionally filling in as substitute drummer for Los Angeles punk band The Weasels, as well as jamming and recording with musicians including Dean Chamberlain, The Skulls and opening up for many notable LA rock bands.During the 1980s he twice worked with Asylum Kids bassist and vocalist Dino Archon in bands named DV8 and Symbol Positive playing at Club Lingerie, Madame Wong's, and The Troubadour and on the Radio stage at the 1984 LA Street Scene.During the early 1990s, he fronted his own band Badge of Honor playing numerous live shows and had original songs featured on KLOS Radio "Best of Local Licks show".