Swans is a band from New York, United States, active from 1982 to 1997, reformed in 2010, led by singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Michael Gira.
Marginally associated with the no wave scene at first, their original sound was slow and extremely heavy, with live performances that were often so brutal and physical that in a number of instances certain audience members were made ill, police were called and venues were shut down. This early physical sound is possibly best heard on the live album Public Castration Is A Good idea.
Genres
Members
19801990200020102020
Michael Giraguitar, piano, lead vocals, bass guitar, keyboard, originalKristof Hahnlap steel guitar, guitar, background vocals
Phil Puleobackground vocals, percussion, drums (drum set)
Larry Mullinsdrums (drum set), percussion, mellotron, vibraphone
Christopher Pravdicakeyboard, bass guitar
Dana Schechterelectric bass guitar, lap steel guitar, keyboard
Norman Westbergguitar
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Jarboekeyboard, organ, lead vocalsThor Harriskeyboard, percussion, drums (drum set), vibraphone
Clint Steeleacoustic guitar, electric guitar
Ted Parsonsdrums (drum set), percussion
Algis Kiyzsbass guitar
Vinnie Signorellidrums (drum set), percussion
Roli Mosimannpercussion, drums (drum set)
Jonathan Kanepercussion, drums (drum set)William Rieflindrums (drum set)
Harry Crosbybass guitar
Joe Goldringguitar, bass guitar
Ronaldo Gonzalezdrums (drum set)
Vudikeyboard, guitar
Anton Fierdrums (drum set)Jenny Wadebass guitar
Bob Pezzolaguitar
Daniel Galli-Duanisaxophone
Paul Wallfischkeyboard
Ivan Nahemdrums (drum set)
Bill Bronsonbass guitar
Thurston Moorebass guitarBen Frostsynthesizer, mellotron, guitar
Sue Hanelguitar
Yoyo Röhmdouble bass, keyboard, bass guitar
Virgil Moorefielddrums (drum set)
Jonathan Tesslerbass guitar, percussion
Dan Braunbass guitar
John Hooddrums (drum set)
Sami Kumpulainenbass guitar
Jason Asnesbass guitar
Fans
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Discography
1983
1984
1986
1986
1987
1987
1992
2012
2014
2016
2019
2023
2025
