Short Life Span, Big Influence

[guyinsf]

I'm trying to come up with a list of bands that didn't exist for that long, but became a big influence on other bands and became very popular in the mainstream beyong a small cult following.

Sex Pistols - They were around for what, 2 yrs at the most and had only one legit studio album but still a household name til this day.

Joy Divsion - I think their following could still be considered a cult following but it's probably the biggest cult following in all of NW music.

Blondie - Just dawned on me that they didn't last that long at all, peaking for only maybe 3 yrs (79-81) before they disbanded
and we all know their influence. I'm not counting their reunion of course.

Can anyone think of any other bands for this topic?

[Bitter Almonds]

Speaking strictly New Wave and New Romantic? Yazoo's ("Yaz" here in the US) songs are iconic songs of the 80s. I'd say Japan had a short lifespan, yet made, polished, and perfected New Romantic music.

Other short-lived bands: The Smiths and Bauhaus.

Seems like five years is the most they could attain before they imploded artistically.

[General Boy]

The Clash and The Modern Lovers.

[firefall]

British band Big in Japan-only one ep,but the start of some very important musicians like Ian Broudy,David Balfe,Budgie(Siouxsie and the Banshees).Also terrific punk rock.

[JeffK]

The Young Marble Giants only made one proper LP and existed for a short time but their influence cannot be denied. You could say twee pop starts here.

[JeffK]

It might not be fair to include Suicide since they're still an ongoing project but the tours they did supporting the Clash and Elvis Costello had a big influence on the UK music scene during the 80's. They were notoriously booed and bottled during their opening gigs but not everybody hated them and shortly after the UK music scene was full of synth-pop duo's and groups.

[oneno]

Blancmange, Japan was out for a relatively short time.

[schwenko]

[quote]Originally posted by guyinsf
[br]I'm trying to come up with a list of bands that didn't exist for that long, but became a big influence on other bands and became very popular in the mainstream beyong a small cult following.

Sex Pistols - They were around for what, 2 yrs at the most and had only one legit studio album but still a household name til this day.

Joy Divsion - I think their following could still be considered a cult following but it's probably the biggest cult following in all of NW music.

Blondie - Just dawned on me that they didn't last that long at all, peaking for only maybe 3 yrs (79-81) before they disbanded
and we all know their influence. I'm not counting their reunion of course.

Can anyone think of any other bands for this topic?




[/quote]

I would say Blondie was more like 75-83. Plus they regrouped in 2000 or so, and are currently active, not just a reunion.