(Love and Peace Dude,[4] later Laughing as People Die[5]) was an American funk metal band formed in 1989 in Bakersfield, California.

From 1989 to 1992, the member line-up was James "Munky" Shaffer, Reginald "Fieldy" Arvizu, David Silveria and Richard Morrill.

The ad description stated that they were a "funk, thrash, metal groove band looking for a drummer.

Richard's mother Donna allowed the entire band plus 2 roadies to live with her in a 2 bedroom apartment in Burbank CA.

[11] After one of their shows, a local and drumming protege of Gene Krupa known as Arthur Von Blomberg was positioned as manager.

[12] After the group was kicked out of their original studio for not paying the rent on time, they quickly found another practice space in Santa Monica, California.

"[17] While looking for a new singer, they heard Jonathan Davis singing for the alternative metal band Sexart.

[19][20] The band continued on through Shaffer, Arvizu, and Silveria, who soon added Jonathan Davis as lead singer and Brian Welch as another guitarist.

[21] Bassist Reginald Arvizu, (now known better as "Fieldy") released a solo album entitled Rock'n Roll Gangster on January 22, 2002.

[23] Fear and the Nervous System is currently one of James Shaffer's (now known by band members as "Munky") side projects, formed in 2008.

had a short revival, when Morrill began playing with a new line-up that included Derek Campbell (guitar), Andy Serrano (drums) & Jason Torres (drums), Troy Sandoval (bass) & Kevin Guariglia (dj) in Denver, CO.

The group recorded a 5 track demo, that was never officially released, but was posted on the band's social media pages.

The group considered themselves to be a "funk, thrash metal groove band" when they posted an ad in a Bakersfield newspaper.

[8] Bradley Torreano from AllMusic noted that the band was "a far different beast than what its members would move on to," while also saying it incorporated "elements of funk into their thrashy stew.

[7][27] The group is considered to have launched the careers of three members of the nu metal band Korn.

"[28] Korn has influenced bands such as Slipknot, Saliva, Breaking Benjamin, Cold, and Flyleaf.