The Pixies are return to Manchester this month with a new bass player/vocalist and the promise of new material.
Pixies fans were delighted in July when the band finally released their new single Bagboy that could be downloaded free from their website.
The single was the first original piece of music the band had announced in almost 10 years and fans from around the globe were glad to have something new to sink their teeth into.
Most fans familiar with Pixies will be aware that not only do the band seldom release new music, but also that they rarely tour.
The last time Pixies played live was in 2011 and their last European tour was in 2009. Pixies last stop in Manchester occurred in 2005, meaning that many local fans will have waited seven years for their return.
There was another change for Pixies this summer as original band member Kim Deal abruptly announced she was leaving the band in June.
Her replacement, Kim Shattuck, is joining the band for the European tour. Deal’s decision to ‘move on’ was announced on the band’s Facebook page and she has since started a solo career.
While no reason was given for Deal’s leaving, the band’s history is marred by abrupt departures and break-ups since their formation in 1987. An infamous split in 1993 meant all members went their separate ways until a reunion tour in 2003.
The rumblings that more future releases are on the horizon may be the most attractive quality of the forthcoming tour. The music scene has been taken by storm by the rumours of more fresh tracks that the band will release over the next 15 months.
This music, coupled with cemented favourites such as Where is my Mind, Here Comes Your Man, and Hey, may mean the latest tour will be something different for fans who have waited patiently for their return.
Pixies play at the O2 Apollo Manchester on November 21.
Picture courtesy of Simon Fernandez, with thanks.
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