Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Pixies (band)

Role / Field:

Pioneering American alternative rock band known for 'loud-quiet-loud' dynamics.

Born:

1986

Century / Era:

1986s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

The Pixies are an American alternative rock band formed in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1986. The original lineup consisted of Black Francis (vocals, rhythm guitar), Joey Santiago (lead guitar), Kim Deal (bass, vocals) and David Lovering (drums). The Pixies are associated with the 1990s alternative rock boom, and draw on elements including punk rock and surf rock. Their music is known for dynamic "loud-quiet-loud" shifts and song structures.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Francis is the primary songwriter; his often surreal lyrics cover offbeat subjects such as extraterrestrials, incest, and biblical violence. The Pixies' debut release was the mini-LP Come On Pilgrim (1987), followed by the albums Surfer Rosa (1988), Doolittle (1989), Bossanova (1990) and Trompe le Monde (1991). They disbanded in 1993. The Pixies found only modest success in the US, but were more successful in the United Kingdom and elsewhere in Europe. Their alternative rock sound influenced acts such as Nirvana, Radiohead, Modest Mouse, the Smashing Pumpkins and Weezer.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The Pixies' popularity grew after their breakup, leading to a 2004 reunion and sold-out world tours. Deal left in 2012, and was replaced with Kim Shattuck for their 2013 tour. She...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Aaron Swartz — Contemporary (Born in 1986) (1986): Pioneering programmer, activist, and hacktivist known for RSS, Markdown, and progressive organizing.
• Adolph Caesar — Contemporary (Died in 1986) (1986): Acclaimed American actor known for his deep voice and Off-Broadway staple status.
• Albert Szent-Györgyi — Contemporary (Died in 1986) (1986): Pioneering Hungarian biochemist, Nobel laureate for Vitamin C and muscle research.
• Alfredo Binda — Historical peer (Died in 1986) (1986): Pioneering Italian cyclist, renowned for five Giro d'Italia wins and multiple world titles.
• Amanda Bynes — Historical peer (Born in 1986) (1986): American retired actress known for Nickelodeon and teen comedies.
• Aaron Carter — Historical peer (Born in 1987) (1987): American singer and rapper known for teen pop stardom and enduring musical career.
• Alexander Gustafsson — Historical peer (Born in 1987) (1987): Swedish mixed martial artist known for his elite Light Heavyweight contender status in the UFC.
• Abdul Basit 'Abd us-Samad — Historical peer (Died in 1988) (1988): Renowned Egyptian Quran reciter, celebrated for his melodious and emotionally engaging style.
• Abdul Ghaffar Khan — Historical peer (Died in 1988) (1988): Pioneering nonviolent activist and founder of the Khudai Khidmatgar movement.
• A. J. Ayer — Historical peer (Died in 1989) (1989): Influential English philosopher known for logical positivism and emotivism.
• 1986 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1986

Frequently Asked Questions about Pixies (band)