On this day, 8 September 1990, Sonic Youth 8 Sept 1990 American rock band Sonic Youth played Cardiff University.
Formed in New York City in 1981. Founding members Kim Gordon (bass, vocals, guitar), Thurston Moore (guitar, vocals) and Lee Ranaldo (guitar, vocals) remained together for the entire history of the band,
Sonic Youth emerged from the experimental no wave art and music scene in New York before evolving into a more conventional rock band and becoming a prominent member of the American noise rock scene. Sonic Youth have been praised for having "redefined what rock guitar could do" using a wide variety of unorthodox guitar tunings while preparing guitars with objects like drum sticks and screwdrivers to alter the instruments' timbre. The band was a pivotal influence on the alternative and indie rock movements.
After gaining a large underground following and critical praise through releases with SST Records in the late 1980s, the band experienced mainstream success throughout the 1990's and 2000's after signing to major label DGC in 1990 and headlining the 1995 Lollapalooza festival. The band disbanded in 2011 following the separation and subsequent divorce of Gordon and Moore with their final live shows taking place in Brazil.
The members have since asserted that the band is finished and will not reunite.
Setlist
Tom Violence
Eric's Trip
Cinderella's Big Score
Stereo Sanctity
Kill Yr Idols
Tunic (Song for Karen)
Dirty Boots
The Bedroom
(I Got a) Catholic Block
Mary-Christ
Kool Thing
Encore:
White Kross
My Friend Goo
Titanium exposé