Pixies (band)

Pixies
The Pixies performing in 2023. From left: Joey Santiago, Black Francis, Paz Lenchantin, David Lovering
Background information
Origin	Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
Genres	Alternative rock indie rock noise pop punk rock surf rock
Discography	Pixies discography
Years active	1986–1993 2004–present
Labels	4AD Elektra Cooking Vinyl Spin Art Artemis Pixiesmusic PIAS BMG
Members	Black Francis Joey Santiago David Lovering Emma Richardson
Past members	Kim Deal Paz Lenchantin

The Pixies are an American alternative rock band from Boston, Massachusetts formed in 1986 by Black Francis (vocals, rhythm guitar, songwriter), 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. Francis is the primary songwriter; his often surreal lyrics cover offbeat subjects such as extraterrestrials, incest, and biblical violence. Their jarring pop sound influenced acts such as Nirvana, Radiohead, the Smashing Pumpkins and Weezer.

The Pixies achieved modest popularity in the US but were more successful in Europe. Their popularity grew after their breakup, leading to a 2004 reunion and sold-out world tours. Deal left in 2013, and was replaced by Kim Shattuck as a touring bassist. She was replaced that year by Paz Lenchantin, who became a full member in 2016. With Lenchantin, the Pixies recorded the albums Head Carrier (2016), Beneath the Eyrie (2019) and Doggerel (2022). Lenchantin departed in 2024, replaced by Emma Richardson, formerly of Band of Skulls. The ninth Pixies album, The Night the Zombies Came, was released in October 2024.