Siouxsie and the Banshees ( SU-zi-and-the-BAN-shees) were a British rock band formed in London in 1976 by vocalist Siouxsie Sioux and bassist Steven Severin. The Times called them "one of the most audacious and uncompromising musical adventurers of the post-punk era".
Initially associated with the punk scene, the band – including guitarist John McKay and drummer Kenny Morris – rapidly evolved to create "a form of post-punk discord full of daring rhythmic and sonic experimentation". Their debut single "Hong Kong Garden" (1978) became a high-charting release peaking at number seven in the UK Singles chart. Their debut album The Scream released soon after was met with widespread critical acclaim. Following membership changes, including the addition of guitarist John McGeoch and drummer Budgie, they changed their musical direction and became one of the most successful alternative pop groups of the 1980s. Their third album Kaleidoscope (1980) peaked at number 5 on the UK Albums Chart. With Juju (1981) which also reached the top 10, they became an influence on the emerging gothic scene.
The band made a breakthrough in North America with the multifaceted album Peepshow (1988), which received critical praise. With substantial support from alternative rock radio stations, they achieved a mainstream hit in the US in 1991 with the pop single "Kiss Them for Me". Siouxsie and the Banshees's other best-known songs include "Happy House" (1980), "Spellbound" (1981), "Cities in Dust" (1985) and "Peek-a-Boo" (1988). During their career, Siouxsie and the Banshees released 11 studio albums and 30 singles. The band experienced several line-up changes, with Siouxsie and Severin being the only constant members. They disbanded in 1996.
The band were post-punk pioneers. They have been cited as an influence by bands such as Joy Division, the Cure, U2 and Radiohead, Tricky and Jeff Buckley.
