Siouxsie & the Banshees

Siouxsie and the Banshees were a British gothic rock band. Their musical career has also encompassed the punk and new wave genres, however.

Formation

The band was originally formed to fill an empty space on a bill at the first UK based 'international punk rock festival'. This show was organised by Malcolm McLaren at the 100 Club in London's Oxford Street on September 20th, 1976.

Related Topics:
UK - Punk rock festival - Malcolm McLaren - 100 Club - London - 1976

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The initial line up consisted of 'Bromley Contingent' members Siouxsie Sioux (real name Susan Janet Ballion), Steven Severin (aka Steve Spunker/Havoc), Marco Pirroni (later of Adam and the Ants and Rema Rema) and Sid Vicious (real name John Simon Ritchie), later of the Sex Pistols, on drums. On this occasion their set consisted of a lengthy and chaotic unrehearsed improvisation of "The Lord's Prayer", which also included lines from songs like "Knockin' On Heaven's Door", "Smoke On The Water" and "Twist and Shout".

Related Topics:
Bromley Contingent - Siouxsie Sioux - Steven Severin - Marco Pirroni - Adam and the Ants - Rema Rema - Sid Vicious - Sex Pistols - Drum - Lord's Prayer - Knockin' On Heaven's Door - Smoke On The Water - Twist and Shout

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"God it was awful" and "excruciating!" were two eye-witness accounts of their performance. This was not a unanimous view, however. A recording of the concert, though of relatively poor quality, demonstrates that the group gave a performance which commanded and repaid attention.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~