The Brian Jonestown Massacre

The Brian Jonestown Massacre

The Brian Jonestown Massacre is a San Francisco rock band formed in 1990. It is led by multi-instrumentalist and main songwriter Anton Newcombe, who remains the only member present since the beginning. The group has had more than 40 members over time, with a line-up built around frequent changes and recurring contributors.

Style and influences

The band’s sound draws on the psychedelic music of the 1960s and also incorporates shoegaze, jangle pop, garage rock and lo-fi elements. It is classified as neo-psychedelia and psychedelic rock.

Line-up and associated musicians

Founding members include Anton Newcombe, tambourine player Joel Gion and guitarist, bassist and vocalist Matt Hollywood. Other prominent members include Dean Taylor, Jeff Davies, Brian Glaze and Joel Gion. Current long-term members include Collin Hegna on bass, Frankie Teardrop on guitar and noise, and Dan Allaire on percussion. Other members listed include Miranda Lee Richards, Graham Bonnar, Hunter Crowley, Hákon Aðalsteinsson, Ricky Maymi and Ryan Van Kriedt.

Releases and label work

In 2005 the band releases the EP We Are the Radio on Newcombe’s label, A Records. The album My Bloody Underground follows in 2008 after the band issues rough recordings from the record for download through its website. A music video compilation DVD titled Book of Days also appears in connection with the album.

Collaborations and related projects

Several musicians move in and out of Newcombe’s orbit while continuing to work with him. Rob Campanella, a producer and engineer associated with Newcombe’s label work, contributes to many records and also plays keyboards and sometimes guitar on later European tours. Newcombe also joins the Dandy Warhols onstage at Lollapalooza in 2005. Songs by the band are adapted for the score of the independent film Four Eyed Monsters.