10,000 Maniacs were formed in 1981 in Jamestown, New York, and made their debut in 1983. Over their career, they have dropped nine albums, three of which won Platinum ratings from the RIAA. Their heyday coincided with the appearance of better-known bands such as R.E.M., The Cure, and The Smiths, and although 10,000 Maniacs never received the recognition of these groups, they are still popular.
They were known as Still Life when they first formed, but soon changed their name. They performed mostly covers, but as they played gigs and developed their style, they began to perform more of their own material.
Their career began to take off in 1984, when they were spotted and signed to Elektra Records. In 1985, they released “The Wishing Tree” to substantial critical acclaim, and “In My Tribe,” dropped in 1987, stayed on the Billboard 200 chart for 77 weeks. Their breakthrough came in 1989 when they released “Blind Man’s Zoo,” which climbed to No. 13 on the Billboard 200. The group has had many lineup changes, but they continue to innovate. A review says:
“Really enjoyed the Maniacs. Their music is fun and lively.”
10,000 Maniacs will be at the Mainstage Theatre, UB Center for the Arts, on October 19. When they schedule concerts like this, organizers will often use poster printing to create advertising for them.