10,000 Maniacs

10,000 Maniacs was formed in Jamestown, NY, in 1981 by singer Natalie Merchant and guitarist John Lombardo. The group gigged extensively and recorded independently before signing with Elektra and releasing their debut in 1985. Co-founder Lombardo left the band in 1986, and they continued as a quintet, releasing three more albums. After 1992's Our Time in Eden had finished its run on the charts, Merchant announced that she was leaving for a solo career. The remaining 10,000 Maniacs decided to continue performing, adding the folk-rock duo John & Mary (original member Lombardo and violinist/vocalist Mary Ramsey). The new lineup released two albums before parting ways. ~ William Ruhlmann, Rovi