Throbbing Gristle
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| Throbbing Gristle | ||
|---|---|---|
 Throbbing Gristle in 1978 (From left to right: Genesis P-Orridge, Chris Carter, Cosey Fanni Tutti, Peter Christopherson).
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| Background information | ||
| Origin | London, England | |
| Genre(s) | Experimental, Industrial | |
| Years active | 1975 – Present | |
| Label(s) | Industrial Records | |
| Associated acts |
Psychic TV, Coil, Chris & Cosey | |
| Website | http://www.throbbing-gristle.com/ | |
| Members | ||
| Genesis P-Orridge Peter Christopherson Cosey Fanni Tutti Chris Carter |
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Throbbing Gristle (formed on September 3, 1975, in London) is a British experimental music and industrial music group that evolved from the performance art group COUM Transmissions. The founding members of Throbbing Gristle were Chris Carter, Genesis P-Orridge, Cosey Fanni Tutti and Peter Christopherson (sometimes known as "Sleazy").
Contents |
[edit] Beginning
Their confrontational live performances and use of often disturbing imagery, including pornography and photographs of Nazi concentration camps, gave the group a notorious reputation. However the group always maintained that their mission was to challenge and explore the darker and obsessive sides of the human condition rather than to make attractive music. Throbbing Gristle pioneered the use of pre-recorded samples, and made extensive use of special effects to produce a distinctive, highly distorted background, usually accompanied by lyrics or spoken-word performances by Genesis P-Orridge.
In 1977 they released their debut recording, The Second Annual Report. Although pressed in a limited initial run of 786 copies on the band's own Industrial Records label, it was later re-released due to high demand.
[edit] End
Throbbing Gristle broke up in 1981, with founders Genesis P-Orridge and Peter Christopherson going on to form Psychic TV, whilst Cosey Fanni Tutti and Chris Carter continued to record together under the name of Chris and Cosey. Christopherson later went on to become half of the band Coil with fellow Psychic TV member John Balance.
[edit] TG live
Throbbing Gristle was noted for its live performances, which were often experimental and quite different from their pre-recorded work. In addition to studio albums, a large number of recordings of live shows were released.
[edit] Reunion: Part Two
Whilst together in Berlin, the band also finished recording their first studio album in almost 25 years. Titled Part Two. It was set to be released by Mute in September 2006 but has since been delayed for unknown reasons.
A 7-disc DVD set, titled TVG, is also scheduled to be released in 2007[1].
In March 2007 Side-Line announced the imminent release on 2nd April 2007 of the delayed release adding that a string of special live events would take place in 2007. [2]
[edit] Influences
Throbbing Gristle were influenced by the pioneering 60s experimental bands Fifty Foot Hose, The Velvet Underground, Can, and classical composers such as John Cage and La Monte Young.[citation needed]
[edit] Discography
During Throbbing Gristle's extensive career they have released numerous volumes of music including studio albums, live releases as well as box sets.
Primary and most notable releases:
- The Second Annual Report (1977)
- D.o.A: The Third And Final Report (1978)
- 20 Jazz Funk Greats (1979)
- Heathen Earth (1980)
- Greatest Hits (1980)
- In The Shadow Of The Sun (1981)
- Journey Through A Body (1982)
- CD1 (1979)
- The First Annual Report (LP/CD) 2001
- TG Now (LP/CD) (2004)
- The Taste Of TG (CD) (2004)
- Mutant TG (2xLP/CD) (2004)
- Part Two (CD) (2007 April 01)
[edit] Trivia
The group's name is Yorkshire slang for an erect penis (though 'throbbing gristle' could also refer to the heart). In an episode of the 1980s TV comedy programme Only When I Laugh, written by Yorkshireman Eric Chappell, the character Figgis, played by James Bolam, refers to a greyhound called Throbbing Gristle. It is unlikely the TV censors of the time were aware of the full significance of the reference when they approved the script.
They are a favorite band of a tug boat captain named the Chemist in David Masial's book 2182 KHz.
[edit] See also
[edit] Footnotes
- ^ TVG (Throbbing Gristle DVD set) announced for 2007. Retrieved on 2007-02-11.
- ^ Throbbing Gristle announce special live events to celebrate first new album in over 25 years. Retrieved on 2007-02-11.
[edit] Further reading
- RE/Search: Industrial Culture Handbook
- "Rip It up and Start Again: Postpunk 1978-1984", Simon Reynolds
- "Wreckers of Civilization: The Story of Coum Transmissions and Throbbing Gristle", Simon Ford, Black Dog Publishing, 2001
[edit] External links
- The official Throbbing Gristle site
- The best online Throbbing Gristle resource
- Interview with Throbbing Gristle, December 2002 (requires Flash)
- Official Coil site
- Another Coil site
- Genesis P-Orridge's official site
- Official site for Carter Tutti, CTI and Chris & Cosey
- Chris Carter's homepage
- Cosey Fanni Tutti's homepage
