Siouxsie & The Banshees

Biography

Siouxsie and the Banshees were formed in London in 1976 by vocalist Siouxsie Sioux (born Susan Ballion) and bassist Steven Severin, who met at a Roxy Music concert in 1975 amid dissatisfaction with the post-glam rock scene. They gained notoriety by performing an impromptu 20-minute improvisation of 'The Lord's Prayer' at the 100 Club Punk Festival on September 20, 1976, with borrowed musicians Marco Pirroni on guitar and Sid Vicious on drums, marking their chaotic entry into the punk scene as part of the Bromley Contingent. Initially punk-associated, the band evolved rapidly with guitarist John McKay and drummer Kenny Morris, releasing their debut single 'Hong Kong Garden' in 1978, which reached the UK top 10, followed by the critically acclaimed album The Scream, pioneering post-punk with daring rhythmic and sonic experimentation.[1][2][3][5]

The band's lineup shifted after Join Hands (1979), with McKay and Morris departing; they recruited drummer Budgie and guitarist John McGeoch (ex-Magazine), steering toward alternative pop success in the 1980s. Albums like Kaleidoscope (1980, UK #5), Juju (1981, top 10), and Peepshow (1988) showcased their influence on gothic rock, blending post-punk, darkwave, and pop elements, while 'Kiss Them for Me' (1991) became a US mainstream hit. Siouxsie and Severin remained the constants through 11 studio albums and 30 singles, despite changes, embodying an audacious post-punk spirit as praised by The Times.[1][4][5]

Disbanding in 1996 after two decades, Siouxsie and Budgie continued as The Creatures, a side project from the early 1980s, while Siouxsie launched a solo career in 2004 with Mantaray. Their legacy as post-punk pioneers shaped gothic rock, alternative scenes, and acts like Radiohead and The Smiths, who lauded McGeoch's contributions.[1][2][4]

Fun Facts

• Their debut performance at the 100 Club Punk Festival was a 20-minute improvisation on 'The Lord's Prayer,' incorporating snippets of 'She Loves You,' 'Twist And Shout,' 'Deutschland Uber Alles,' and 'Knockin' On Heaven's Door,' with Sid Vicious on drums and Marco Pirroni on guitar.[1][2][3][5]
• Siouxsie Sioux helped ignite the Sex Pistols' infamous Bill Grundy TV outburst by fielding unwanted advances from the host the night after their 100 Club debut.[5]
• The band's name 'Siouxsie and the Banshees' was decided the night before their first gig, inspired by a 1970 horror film, with Severin picking up bass for the first time.[3][5]
• 'Hong Kong Garden' featured a distinctive xylophone motif and was hailed by NME as featuring 'the most original, intoxicating guitar playing' heard in a long time.[1]

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Sex Pistols - early punk scene inspirations followed by Siouxsie and Severin as part of Bromley Contingent (early shows leading to 100 Club performance) [1975-1976]
• Roxy Music - initial meeting place for Siouxsie and Severin, glam rock influence (concert attendance sparking band formation) [1975]

Key Collaborators

• Steven Severin - co-founder and constant bassist (all albums 1978-1996) [1976-1996]
• John McKay - original guitarist shaping proto-goth sound (The Scream (1978), Join Hands (1979)) [1977-1979]
• Kenny Morris - original drummer (The Scream (1978), Join Hands (1979)) [1977-1979]
• Budgie - long-term drummer, later in The Creatures (Juju (1981) onward, The Creatures albums) [1979-1996, post-1996]
• John McGeoch - guitarist ex-Magazine, key to 1980s sound (Kaleidoscope (1980), Juju (1981), other 1980s albums) [1979-1982]
• Marco Pirroni - borrowed guitarist for debut performance (100 Club Punk Festival set) [1976]
• Sid Vicious - borrowed drummer for debut performance (100 Club Punk Festival set) [1976]

Artists Influenced

• Radiohead - praised John McGeoch's guitar work (general influence acknowledged) [1980s onward]
• The Smiths - praised John McGeoch's guitar work (general influence acknowledged) [1980s onward]

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia