Artist description For over 20 years, 10,000 Maniacs have been entertaining audiences worldwide with their folk-pop alternative sound.

Music Style alternative, pop, rock

Musical Influences Fairport Convention, Joy Division, The Clash, Bob Marley, REM

Similar Artists Sixpence None The Richer, Natalie Merchant, The Sundays

Artist History FORMED: 1981, Jamestown, NY10,000 Maniacs (named after the low-budget horror movie 2,000 Maniacs) was formed in Jamestown, NY, in 1981 by singer Natalie Merchant and guitarist John Lombardo. Other members of the sextet were Robert Buck (guitar), Steven Gustafson (bass), Dennis Drew (keyboards), and Jerry Ausugstyniak (drums). The group gigged extensively and recorded independently before signing with Elektra and making The Wishing Chair in 1985. Cofounder Lombardo left the band in 1986, and they continued as a quintet, releasing the second album, In My Tribe, in 1987. This album broke into the charts, where it stayed 77 weeks, peaking at #37. Blind Man's Zoo, the 1989 follow-up, hit #13 and went gold. After 1992's Our Time in Eden had finished its run on the charts, Natalie Merchant announced that she was leaving for a solo career. MTV Unplugged was released a few months after her departure. The remaining 10,000 Maniacs decided to continue performing, adding the folk-rock duo John & Mary (original member Lombardo and violinist/vocalist Mary Ramsey). The new lineup released Love Among the Ruins in 1997 and the follow-up The Earth Pressed Flat in 1999.

Group Members Jerome Augustyniak, Robert Buck (deceased), Dennis Drew, Steve Gustafson, John Lombardo, Mary Ramsey

Instruments Guitars, bass, keyboards, drum, vocal, viola, violin, other efx, odd voice.

Albums The Earth Pressed Flat (1999), Love Among The Ruins (1997), MTV Unplugged™ (1993), Our Time In Eden (1992), Hope Chest (1990), Blind Man's Zoo (1989), In My Tribe (1987), The Wishing Chair (1985), Secrets of the I Ching (1983), Human Conflict Number Five EP (1982)

Press Reviews See archive on the website at http://www.maniacs.com/presskit/

Additional Info John & Mary CD's on Rykodisc are available exclusively at official website, www.maniacs.com: Victory Gardens (1991) and The Weedkiller's Daughter (1993)

Location Jamestown, NY - USA

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