Siouxsie & The Banshees

Siouxsie & the Banshees is a British rock band formed in London in 1976 by vocalist Siouxsie Sioux and bassist Steven Severin. The band is known for their innovative and influential sound that spans post-punk, gothic rock, and new wave. Over their career, they released several critically acclaimed albums and became pioneers in the alternative music scene. Here is a detailed overview of Siouxsie & the Banshees, including their formation, members, musical style, and discography:

Siouxsie & the Banshees. Formation

Siouxsie Sioux (real name Susan Ballion) and Steven Severin (real name Steven Bailey) formed Siouxsie & the Banshees after meeting in the early days of the punk scene at the 100 Club Punk Festival in London. Initially, they had no musical experience but quickly became a pivotal part of the emerging punk movement. They performed their first gig at the 100 Club in September 1976, and after a few lineup changes, they solidified their early sound.

Siouxsie & the Banshees. Members

Key Members:

1. Siouxsie Sioux – Lead vocals (1976–1996)
2. Steven Severin – Bass guitar (1976–1996)

Notable Members:

• Kenny Morris – Drums (1977–1979)
• John McKay – Guitar (1977–1979)
• Budgie – Drums, percussion (1979–1996)
• John McGeoch – Guitar (1980–1982)
• Robert Smith – Guitar (1982–1984; temporary member, also from The Cure)
• John Valentine Carruthers – Guitar (1984–1987)
• Martin McCarrick – Keyboards, cello (1987–1995)
• Jon Klein – Guitar (1987–1995)

Siouxsie & the Banshees. Musical Style

Siouxsie & the Banshees are known for their dark, atmospheric sound that incorporates elements of punk, post-punk, gothic rock, and new wave. Siouxsie Sioux’s distinctive voice and the band’s innovative use of guitar effects, unconventional song structures, and lyrical themes exploring the macabre and the surreal have set them apart. Their sound evolved over the years, incorporating a wider range of influences, including psychedelia, electronic music, and Middle Eastern sounds.

Siouxsie & the Banshees. Discography

Studio Albums

1. The Scream (1978) – Their debut album, a seminal work in the post-punk genre, featuring tracks like “Hong Kong Garden” and “Jigsaw Feeling.”
2. Join Hands (1979) – A darker, more complex album including “Playground Twist” and “Icon.”
3. Kaleidoscope (1980) – Marked a shift towards a more experimental sound, featuring “Happy House” and “Christine.”
4. Juju (1981) – A critically acclaimed gothic rock album with songs like “Spellbound” and “Arabian Knights.”
5. A Kiss in the Dreamhouse (1982) – Featuring lush, psychedelic arrangements with tracks like “Slowdive” and “Melt!”
6. Hyæna (1984) – Featuring “Dazzle” and “Swimming Horses,” with Robert Smith contributing guitar.
7. Tinderbox (1986) – Including “Cities in Dust” and “Candyman,” marked by a return to a more rock-oriented sound.
8. Through the Looking Glass (1987) – A cover album featuring interpretations of songs by other artists, including “Dear Prudence” (The Beatles) and “The Passenger” (Iggy Pop).
9. Peepshow (1988) – An eclectic album featuring “Peek-a-Boo” and “The Last Beat of My Heart.”
10. Superstition (1991) – Including the hit single “Kiss Them for Me” and “Shadowtime.”
11. The Rapture (1995) – Their final studio album, featuring “O Baby” and the title track “The Rapture.”

Compilations and Live Albums

• Once Upon a Time: The Singles (1981) – A collection of their early singles.
• Twice Upon a Time: The Singles (1992) – A follow-up compilation featuring later singles.
• Nocturne (1983) – A live album recorded at the Royal Albert Hall.
• The Seven Year Itch (2003) – A live album from their reunion tour.

Siouxsie & the Banshees. Legacy

Siouxsie & the Banshees are considered one of the most influential bands in the post-punk and gothic rock movements. Their innovative approach to music, combining dark, atmospheric soundscapes with Siouxsie Sioux’s powerful vocals, has inspired countless artists across various genres. They have been cited as an influence by bands and musicians such as The Cure, Joy Division, U2, Radiohead, and many more.

The band’s willingness to experiment with different sounds and styles while maintaining a cohesive and distinctive identity has earned them a lasting legacy in the alternative music scene. Siouxsie Sioux’s iconic presence and the band’s pioneering spirit have made them enduring figures in rock history, with their music continuing to resonate with new generations of listeners.