The Pixies

By Jeannette Madden
Contributing Writer

During the ten years after the Pixies ended their run they scattered: Frank Black [lead vocals] embarked on a solo career that produced ten albums. Joey Santiago [guitar] did session work and got into scoring television and film projects in L.A., while also recording two albums with wife Linda Mallari as The Martinis. Kim Deal [bass] put together the Breeders. Dave Lovering [drummer] gave up music and began a career as a professional magician.

But, each of the Pixies would feel the pull back to where they had exploded and showered ironic, blackly humorous, and unforgettable songs on a generation of fans and critics. It took twelve years but in late 2003 they made it.

And, everything changed.

The Pixies’ 2004 tour was quite simply a miracle. Once they were there, how could they not sound fabulous? If anything they were stronger than ever, despite their long hiatus. And, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the release of their third album, “Doolittle”, the Pixies launched a tour in October 2009, in which all the album’s songs and B-sides would be played

The Pixies will take a break from the 2011 Canadian leg of the Doolittle tour and play in Saint Paul’s Roy Wilkins Auditorium on April 24. Dave Lovering spent some time with the Reader talking about the tour, how the Pixies have changed in the last seven years and his feelings about his bandmates (it’s all good).

HIGH PLAINS READER: What made you decide to base this tour on “Doolittle”?

Dave Lovering: What had happened was just over two years ago we were on tour and “Doolittle” was approaching its twenty year anniversary and we thought “Let’s do that with a big production.”  So we planned it and that’s what we did and it’s one of the biggest productions we’ve done for the Pixies ever. It’s crazy and it’s going great. And the funny thing is we’ve been doing it like I said, over two years and in all actuality we should have been home by now [laughs]. But people still want to see us and are still going so we couldn’t be happier.

HPR: What’s it like to look back and see what happened and see where you are now?

DL: It’s amazing. Because back in the day, you didn’t know any better. Our escalation, if you can say that, or how we went from being a baby band out of Boston to record deals…you know, we got to tour the world and every album sold well, we had this growing fan base, incredible things. It was all great but that’s all we knew. You just take it as it comes. You don’t know anything but that. And then when 2004 hit and we did the reunion, that just took us by surprise because when we did our first show you’re seeing a sea of audience, I’d say seventy to eighty percent, of kids that weren’t even born or around when we initially came out but they know every word by heart…it blew us away then and it still blows me away to see the crowds now. Also, it’s like a whole different thing where more people want to see us and we’re getting bigger shows. So, I can see the difference just in that. We feel very fortunate and it’s amazing. We’re enjoying it.

HPR: It’s amazing how mentioning the Pixies, your music defines people’s good memories. That must be a really powerful thing. So, why don’t you tell me about each of you?

DL: Oh gosh, this should be interesting. I mean they’re all near and dear to me. Charles, or Black Francis, or Frank Black, is pretty much the songwriter. He’s a great guy, very smart, good songwriter. Then Joe, again, great guy, really smart and he’s a great guitarist. He comes up with things that I have no clue how he did. It’s the epitome. I think you can tell his guitar from anyone else. That’s what makes Joe special. Kim, I love Kim. She’s a great girl, she plays great bass. I think nowadays we’re playing better and I always say I can’t speak badly of Kim. I never would! I mean, we’re playing together so I can’t give her shit [laughs]. And me, I guess I’m the drummer who makes everyone laugh. Joe is more of a joker than I am though. He’s just brilliant.

HPR: What’s the future of the Pixies?

DL: It’s interesting because with the Doolittle tour going so many places it surprised us. We’re
still getting offers to take it places it hasn’t been. But again, we haven’t done any new material and I know without anything new we’re going to wear out. I don’t want to be opening for Blue Oyster Cult for the rest of our life.

HPR: That is SO funny. Or playing the county fair circuit.
DL: Yeah, that’s what I mean. So, basically, I love Blue Oyster Cult still but I don’t want to be there. We’ve been talking for years about doing something else. My fingers are crossed but only time will tell. I just know that if we decide to do something, it better be good.

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