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My Bloody Valentine

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Band Timeline

1983

Formation of My Bloody Valentine

My Bloody Valentine was formed in early 1983 by Kevin Shields and Colm Ó Cíosóig in Dublin, Ireland. The original lineup included vocalist David Conway, bassist Mark Loughlin, and guitarist Stephen Ivers. The band went through several early lineup changes before settling into a core featuring Kevin Shields on vocals and guitar, Colm Ó Cíosóig on drums, Bilinda Butcher on guitar and vocals, and Debbie Googe on bass. The band's name was inspired by a horror movie trailer, although Shields was initially unaware of its cinematic origin.
1988

Breakthrough with 'Isn't Anything' and Signing with Creation Records

After several earlier releases and changes in the lineup, My Bloody Valentine signed with Creation Records in 1988. They released their debut studio album 'Isn't Anything' in the same year, which was pivotal in establishing their signature distorted guitar sound and ethereal vocals. The album was critically acclaimed and became a landmark release in the emerging shoegaze genre, setting the stage for the band's subsequent influence on alternative and indie music scenes.
1991

Release of 'Loveless' and its Impact

In 1991, My Bloody Valentine released 'Loveless,' their second studio album, which is widely regarded as their magnum opus and a seminal work in the shoegaze genre. The album was the result of an extended and costly recording process spanning over two years and involving multiple studios and engineers. 'Loveless' showcased innovative guitar textures, non-traditional tunings, and meticulous production techniques led by Kevin Shields. Despite its critical acclaim and influence, the album's expensive production led to the band's dismissal from Creation Records shortly after its release.
1995-1997

Hiatus and Lineup Departures

Following the release of 'Loveless,' My Bloody Valentine faced difficulties in producing a follow-up album, leading to a period of inactivity. Bassist Debbie Googe and drummer Colm Ó Cíosóig left the band in 1995, followed by guitarist and vocalist Bilinda Butcher in 1997. During this time, Kevin Shields struggled with the pressures of completing new material, leading to the effective dissolution of the band by the late 1990s. This period marked the end of My Bloody Valentine's initial era and left fans awaiting a new studio album for over a decade.
2007

Reunion and Return to Touring

My Bloody Valentine reunited in 2007 after a decade-long hiatus. The band's return was marked by renewed interest and enthusiasm from fans and critics alike. This reunion led to the band embarking on various world tours, performing their classic material and reestablishing their presence in the alternative music scene. The reunion revitalized the band's legacy and set the groundwork for new creative outputs in the years to come.
2013

Release of Third Album 'm b v'

In 2013, My Bloody Valentine released 'm b v,' their first studio album in 22 years. The album was met with critical acclaim and praised as a worthy successor to their previous influential works. 'm b v' was self-released digitally and later in physical formats, showcasing the band's continued evolution in sound while retaining their signature style. This release was supported by extensive touring, marking a significant comeback and consolidation of My Bloody Valentine's status as pioneers within the shoegaze and alternative rock genres.

Albums

my-bloody-valentine_1st_album
Isn’t Anything
12 tracks
1988
my-bloody-valentine_2nd_album
Loveless
11 tracks
1991
my-bloody-valentine_3rd_album
m b v
9 tracks
2013
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Bilinda Butcher

2007

Lead vocals

Colm Ó Cíosóig

2007

Sampler

Debbie Googe

2007

Bass guitar

Kevin Shields

2007

Lead vocals

Bilinda Butcher

2007

Electric guitar

Kevin Shields

2007

Sampler

Kevin Shields

2007

Guitar

Colm Ó Cíosóig

2007

Drums (drum set)

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Tina Durkin

1984
1985

Keyboard

Debbie Googe

1983
1984

Bass guitar

David Conway

1983
1987

Lead vocals

Kevin Shields

1983
1997

Electric guitar

Lead vocals

Sampler

Colm Ó Cíosóig

1983
1995

Sampler

Drums (drum set)

Bilinda Butcher

1987
1997

Electric guitar

Lead vocals

Debbie Googe

1985
1995

Bass guitar

Story of My Bloody Valentine

My Bloody Valentine: Shoegaze Pioneers and Sonic Innovators

My Bloody Valentine, often stylized in all lowercase or abbreviated as MBV, are a legendary alternative rock band hailing from Dublin, Ireland. Formed in 1983, the band has remained a core unit since 1987, consisting of founding members Kevin Shields (vocals, guitar, sampler) and Colm Ó Cíosóig (drums, sampler), joined by Bilinda Butcher (vocals, guitar) and Debbie Googe (bass).

Widely recognized as pioneers of the shoegaze genre, My Bloody Valentine's signature sound is characterized by ethereal and hypnotic textures, achieved through dissonant guitar layers, subdued and androgynous vocals, and innovative production techniques that blurred the lines between instrument and effect.

Their journey to sonic prominence began with a series of early releases and lineup changes. After signing with Creation Records in 1988, they released a string of successful EPs and two landmark albums, Isn't Anything (1988) and Loveless (1991). The latter, considered their magnum opus and a cornerstone of alternative rock history, achieved critical acclaim but also marked a turning point for the band.

The album's extensive production costs, pushing the boundaries of sonic experimentation, led to their parting with Creation Records. In 1992, they signed with Island Records, accumulating a wealth of unreleased material, but largely retreated from the public eye.

By 1995, Googe and Ó Cíosóig left the band, followed by Butcher in 1997. The weight of following up Loveless proved too much for Shields, who, in his own words, "went crazy" in the years after.

A long-awaited reunion in 2007 saw them embark on a global tour, reintroducing their music to a new generation of fans. In 2012, they released the compilation EP 1988-1991, showcasing the evolution of their sound through their early years.

My Bloody Valentine's impact on alternative music is undeniable. Their sonic explorations, particularly on Loveless, continue to inspire and influence musicians across genres. They stand as a testament to the power of experimentation and the enduring impact of a sound that redefined the boundaries of rock music.

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My Bloody Valentine — Shoegaze Pioneers & Sonic Innovators - The Band Index