Shows: 562
Earliest: Dec 31, 1975
Latest: Jul 18, 2023
[
WikiPedia] Pere Ubu is an American rock group formed in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1975. The band had a variety of lineup changes, with singer and songwriter David Thomas remaining the sole constant. In 1975, they released their debut single 30 Seconds Over Tokyo, and later their debut album The Modern Dance in 1978. After several more releases they disbanded in 1982, only to reform in 1987. Thomas remained active, recording and touring until his death on April 23, 2025.
Their work drew inspiration from avant-garde music, garage rock, performance art, and the Rust Belt of the American Midwest. Despite their association with the art punk and post-punk scene, Thomas rejected the punk rock label; he described the band as "avant-garage" and "just a rock band".
Their single "Waiting for Mary" peaked at number 6 on the Alternative Airplay charts on June 17, 1989. Pere Ubu have been cited as an influence by artists such as Joy Division, Pixies, Hüsker Dü, the Breeders, Henry Rollins, Guided by Voices, R.E.M., Sisters of Mercy, Thomas Dolby, Julian Cope (Teardrop Explodes), Six Finger Satellite, Mission of Burma and Peter Murphy (Bauhaus).