The Indie Rock Icon Kim Deal turns 63 today
Kim Deal is known for her work with the iconic alternative rock bands Pixies and The Breeders, her contributions to alternative rock and her role in shaping the sound of the late 20th and early 21st centuries
The Indie Rock Icon Kim Deal turns 63 today
The influential musician, singer, and songwriter, Kim Deal, best known for her work with the iconic alternative rock bands Pixies and The Breeders, was born Kimberley Ann Deal on June 10, 1961, in Dayton, Ohio.
Kim Deal grew up in a musical family and began playing instruments at an early age. She and her identical twin sister, Kelley Deal, shared a passion for music. Kim played the guitar and started writing songs during her teenage years. Deal’s early musical career began in the mid-1980s when she responded to an advertisement placed by Charles Thompson (later known as Black Francis) looking for a bassist for his new band. Despite having no prior experience with the bass guitar, Deal impressed Thompson and joined what would become the Pixies, under the pseudonym Mrs. John Murphy, after her then-husband.
Pixies, formed in 1986, quickly rose to fame in the alternative rock scene. Deal’s bass lines and backing vocals became a crucial part of the band’s sound. Their debut album, “Surfer Rosa” (1988), produced by Steve Albini, received critical acclaim and showcased Deal’s unique style. The follow-up album, “Doolittle” (1989), featured hits like “Here Comes Your Man” and “Monkey Gone to Heaven,” solidifying Pixies’ influence on the burgeoning alternative rock movement.
While still a member of Pixies, Deal pursued her own musical projects. In 1989, she formed The Breeders with Throwing Muses’ guitarist Tanya Donelly and her twin sister Kelley. Their debut album, “Pod” (1990), was well-received and highlighted Deal’s songwriting abilities.
Following the breakup of Pixies in 1993, Deal focused on The Breeders full-time. The band’s second album, “Last Splash” (1993), was a commercial and critical success, propelled by the hit single “Cannonball.” The album showcased Deal’s versatility and cemented her reputation as a leading figure in alternative rock.
After the success of “Last Splash,” The Breeders faced several challenges, including Kelley Deal’s struggles with addiction. During this period, Kim Deal formed another band, The Amps, releasing the album “Pacer” in 1995. The Breeders eventually reunited and released “Title TK” (2002) and “Mountain Battles” (2008), both of which received positive reviews.
In 2004, Deal rejoined Pixies for a series of reunion tours, delighting fans worldwide. Despite leaving the band again in 2013, she continued to work with The Breeders, releasing “All Nerve” in 2018, which was praised for its raw energy and return to the band’s roots.
Kim Deal remains active in the music industry, continuing to tour and record with The Breeders. She has also released solo material, including a series of 7-inch singles starting in 2013. Her work continues to influence new generations of musicians and fans, maintaining her status as an indie rock icon.
Kim Deal is known for her down-to-earth personality and dedication to her music, she has been open about the challenges she has faced, including struggles with addiction, and has emerged as an inspiring figure in the music world. Deal continues to reside in Dayton, Ohio, staying close to her roots and family. Her relationship with her twin sister Kelley remains strong, and the two often collaborate musically.
Kim Deal’s contributions to alternative rock and her role in shaping the sound of the late 20th and early 21st centuries, her innovative bass lines, memorable songwriting, and powerful performances have made her a beloved figure among fans and peers alike.
Watch the 1993 music video for “Cannonball” by The Breeders
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