By Jessica Miller
Renowned band 10,000 Maniacs is returning to Jamestown this coming Wednesday September 20 for the first Fall performance of their Revival Tour. This begins the first set of shows with new lead singer Leigh Nash and guitarist Matt Slocum assuming their roles after former singer Mary Ramsey and guitarist Jeff Erickson stepped down in July. Nash and Slocum may be recognized from their time as members of Sixpence None the Richer and their hit song “Kiss Me”.
10,000 Maniacs began in 1981 as the Jamestown band Still Life. The band lineup changed through-out the years and after a brief stint of the band name being Burn Victims, the band known as 10,000 Maniacs began to emerge. After the song “My Mother the War” became an independent single UK hit in 1983, the band toured Great Britain in 1983 and 1984. This helped attract US major label attention, which led to their 1987 album In My Tribe becoming a hit and establishing 10,000 Maniacs as a Billboard charting act.
The band enjoyed successes like performing at President Bill Clinton’s Inaugural Ball and a subsequent MTV Unplugged performance and album. Subsequent label changes and lineup changes throughout the years have kept 10,000 Maniacs active and involved in local and national music scenes.
The Fall leg of Revival will begin September 20 at Jamestown Community College’s Scharmann The-ater (525 Falconer St, Jamestown) at 7:30. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased on the band’s website (maniacs.com). Attendees can enjoy a blend of Sixpence None the Richer hits, classic 10,000 Maniacs hits, and “a few other surprises as well.”