Beefeater were a post-hardcore band from Washington. D.C., who were one of the mainstay acts of the Revolution Summer movement) spearheaded by many D.C. hardcore punk veteran musicians. The lineup was centered around vocalist/occasional guitarist Tomas Squip (ex-drummer of Red C), bassist Dug Birdzell (aka Dug E. Bird), and guitarist Fred “Freak” Smith. The band went through three drummers throughout their career, each one performing on a separate release.

They released two albums, Plays For Lovers and House Burning Down for Dischord Records, and a six-song 12" EP, Need A Job, through Bad Brains frontman H.R.’s Olive Tree label.

After Beefeater’s breakup, Squip and Birdzell formed Fidelity Jones, while Fred “Freak” Smith joined Strange Boutique and their final drummer, Kenny Craun, joined Texas punk band The Rhythm Pigs.

Fred “Freak” Smith was murdered in Los Angeles by a presently unknown assailant in August of 2017.