2021 marks the 40-year anniversary of the inception of 10,000 Maniacs. Founded in 1981 in Jamestown, NY, 10,000 Maniacs has weathered few personnel changes and is still anchored by 4 out of 6 of the original members: Steven Gustafson, Dennis Drew, John Lombardo and Jerry Augustyniack.  Founding lead singer, Natalie Merchant, left in 1993 to pursue a solo career and was replaced by back-up singer, Mary Ramsey, who proved to be a natural fit for the band vocally and added another dimension to the group with her prowess on viola.  Sadly, founding member, Robert Buck, passed away in 2000 and was replaced by his longtime guitar tech, Jeff Erickson.  For 10,000 Maniacs, it really is about keeping it all in the family. 

10,000 Maniacs has become recognized as one of the most enduring bands from the early "alternative rock" movement having released close to 20 albums.  Their critically acclaimed, break-out album, In My Tribe, was included in Rolling Stone Magazine’s "100 Best Albums Of The Eighties.”  In 1993, 10,000 Maniacs made their iconic performance on MTV's "Unplugged" and the released recording of that show would go on to sell millions of copies. All told the band has sold over 10 million albums, with 8 Billboard Hot 100 singles, and has made countless appearances on national TV, including Saturday Night Live, The Late Show With David Letterman, and more.  

Now after 15 months off the road due to the pandemic, it is time for 10,000 Maniacs to get back to doing what they love the most, which is sharing the stage together bringing their music to their fans, both old and new.  For the live experience, the band pulls from their entire catalogue and continue to earn rave reviews for their performances. Ramsey comments, “It will be a happy day when we all in the arts and everyday life can experience the freedom to breathe and be in a safe and nurturing environment. I am looking forward to being energized again by our amazing and loyal fans.” While Drew adds, “I’m thrilled to get out and play with my best friends again. I feel rejuvenated. Like Joni Mitchell sang ‘Don’t it always seem to go that you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone?’  I know what I have…a strong and loving family at home and a strong and loving, creative and exciting family on stage.  Here comes the sun.”

The time off the road has also given the band time to write new material, with a couple dozen new tunes in the works and the prospect of recording a new studio album. Gustafsonexpounds, “We had been on a steady diet of touring for about 10 years straight without much time off so It was a shock to be shut down completely.  We had been complaining about not finding the time to write and record songs together and the pandemic made that time for us.  Once the initial scare wore off, we slowly and safely started to gather together to write new material. That's been something I think we've all missed so it was fun to get back at it. We still have work to do but should have some new stuff in the fall of 2021.”

10,000 Maniacs includes: Mary Ramsey, lead vocals, viola; Steven Gustafson, bass guitar; Dennis Drew, keyboard; Jeff Erickson, guitar; John Lombardo, guitar; and Jerome Augustyniak, drums.