Pixies are an American alternative rock band whose distinctive sound and influential career trajectory solidified their place as pioneers of the 1990s alternative rock movement. After signing with independent record label 4AD, Pixies released their debut mini-LP, ‘Come On Pilgrim,’ in 1987. This was quickly followed by their critically acclaimed first full-length album, ‘Surfer Rosa,’ in 1988, produced by Steve Albini, which achieved significant recognition in Europe and was later certified gold in the US. In 1989, the band released ‘Doolittle,’ produced by Gil Norton, becoming their first album to enter the Billboard 200 and a commercial success in the UK, reaching the top 10 of the UK Albums Chart.
Featuring notable singles like ‘Here Comes Your Man’ and ‘Monkey Gone to Heaven,’ the latter reaching the top 10 on the US Modern Rock Tracks, ‘Doolittle’ further cemented their influential sound and distinctive ‘loud-quiet-loud’ dynamic, profoundly impacting subsequent alternative rock bands including Nirvana. Pixies continued their prolific output, releasing ‘Bossanova’ in 1990, which peaked at number three in the UK, followed by ‘Trompe le Monde’ in 1991. The band supported U2 on their iconic Zoo TV Tour in 1992 before embarking on a hiatus announced by Frank Black in 1993, with members pursuing individual projects. A decade later, Pixies reunited in 2004 for a highly successful tour, grossing over $14 million in ticket sales.
This was followed by ‘Head Carrier’ in 2016 and ‘Beneath the Eyrie’ in 2019, which continued to deliver their signature sound to a dedicated global fanbase. Pixies further solidified their influential legacy with the release of ‘Doggerel’ in 2022. Their latest album, ‘The Night the Zombies Came,’ released in 2024, underscores their ongoing artistic output and enduring impact as pioneers of alternative rock.