Pavement

Pavement's History

Pavement is an American indie rock band formed in Stockton, California, in 1989. The band consists of Stephen Malkmus (vocals, guitar), Scott Kannberg (guitar, vocals), Mark Ibold (bass), Steve West (drums), and Bob Nastanovich (percussion).

Pavement's history is characterized by their unconventional style and lack of commercial success during their initial run. Despite this, the band is known for their influence on the indie rock genre and their cult following. Their live concerts are a testament to their legacy as a band that broke the mold of what was expected of a rock band.

Pavement's early beginnings can be traced back to Stockton, California. The founding members, Stephen Malkmus and Scott Kannberg, met while attending the University of Virginia and soon began playing music together. The two moved to California and started playing shows around the San Francisco Bay Area.

The band's first album, Slanted and Enchanted, was released in 1992 to widespread critical acclaim. The album's lo-fi sound and Malkmus's inscrutable lyrics set the stage for the band's future work. Pavement's subsequent albums, including Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain and Wowee Zowee, continued to push boundaries and defy expectations.

Despite their critical success, Pavement struggled to gain mainstream popularity. Their unconventional sound and refusal to conform to the norms of the music industry made it difficult for them to gain widespread appeal. However, their loyal fanbase continued to grow as they toured extensively throughout the 90s.

Pavement's live concerts were as unconventional as their music. The band was known for their laid-back stage presence and unpredictable performances. Malkmus's onstage banter and Nastanovich's antics added to the band's charm and created a unique concert experience for fans.

Despite their lack of commercial success, Pavement's influence on the indie rock genre is undeniable. Their willingness to experiment and push boundaries paved the way for countless bands that followed in their footsteps.

In 1999, Pavement announced that they would be disbanding after the release of their album Terror Twilight. The band played a final series of shows in 2000, including a farewell concert in London's Brixton Academy. The band's breakup marked the end of an era for indie rock, but cemented their place in music history.

In recent years, Pavement has reunited for a handful of shows and festival appearances. These concerts have been highly anticipated by fans and serve as a reminder of the band's enduring legacy.

Tickets for Pavement's concerts are highly sought after by fans old and new. The band's cult following ensures that their shows sell out quickly, despite their lack of mainstream success. Fans can expect an unforgettable experience at a Pavement concert, complete with their trademark sound and unpredictable performances.

In conclusion, Pavement is a band that defies categorization and continues to influence the indie rock genre to this day. Despite their lack of commercial success, their live concerts are a testament to their lasting legacy and enduring appeal. Fans old and new continue to seek out tickets to their shows, ensuring that their influence will be felt for generations to come.

More About Pavement

Pavement gained a reputation for their energetic and unpredictable live shows. Although they were not commercially successful, they garnered a dedicated fan base and had a significant impact on the indie rock genre. Here are some of Pavement's most popular live songs.

1. "Cut Your Hair"

"Cut Your Hair" was Pavement's biggest hit and was the lead single from their 1994 album "Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain." The song is an upbeat, catchy tune with clever lyrics that poke fun at the music industry. "Cut Your Hair" became a staple of Pavement's live performances.

2. "Gold Soundz"

"Gold Soundz" is another beloved track from "Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain." The song features Malkmus's signature slacker vocals and memorable guitar riffs. "Gold Soundz" has become a fan favorite and remains one of Pavement's most popular songs.

3. "Range Life"

"Range Life" was the second single from "Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain" and was controversial at the time for its critical commentary on alternative rock peers The Smashing Pumpkins and Stone Temple Pilots. The song's catchy chorus and clever lyrics have made it a favorite at Pavement's live shows.

4. "Stereo"

"Stereo" was the opening track on Pavement's 1997 album "Brighten the Corners." The song's infectious melody and Malkmus's playful lyrics make it a crowd-pleaser at concerts. "Stereo" is also notable for its driving guitar riff, which has become one of Pavement's most recognizable hooks.

5. "Shady Lane"

"Shady Lane" was the lead single from "Brighten the Corners" and is one of Pavement's most popular songs. The track features a catchy chorus and upbeat instrumentation that is perfect for live performances. "Shady Lane" also showcases Malkmus's ability to craft clever lyrics that are both humorous and insightful.

Pavement was known for their improvisational approach to live performances, and many of their concerts featured extended jams and playful banter between band members. Fans of Pavement were drawn to the band's DIY ethos and their willingness to experiment with different styles and sounds.

If you're a fan of Pavement, you won't want to miss the opportunity to see their songs performed live. Tickets for concerts featuring Pavement's music are in high demand, and you'll need to act fast to secure your spot at one of these unforgettable live events. With their infectious melodies and clever lyrics, Pavement's songs are sure to provide a memorable experience for any indie rock fan.