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Pavement

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Band Timeline

1989

Formation of Pavement in Stockton, California

Pavement was formed in January 1989 by guitarists and vocalists Stephen Malkmus and Scott Kannberg, initially conceived as a studio project. Both musicians had experimented with the name previously but solidified the band with the addition of local Stockton musicians and recording engineer Gary Young, who also played drums on early recordings. Their debut EPs were lo-fi productions, including 'Slay Tracks: 1933–1969', 'Demolition Plot J-7', and 'Perfect Sound Forever'. Early comparisons were often drawn to the English post-punk band The Fall. The band avoided press and live performances initially, focusing on creating an underground buzz.
1989

Pavement's first live performance

Pavement performed live for the first time on December 14, 1989, on KDVS-FM, a college radio station in Davis, California. This performance included Malkmus, Kannberg, and drummer Jason Turner. Turner was introduced to the band after the early recordings but was soon replaced due to personality clashes with Malkmus. The band also added Bob Nastanovich as auxiliary percussion, a longtime friend and former roommate of Malkmus, bringing a unique dynamic to live shows.
1992

Pavement becomes a full-time band

By 1992, Pavement transitioned from a studio project to a full-time band with a steady lineup: Stephen Malkmus and Scott Kannberg on guitars and vocals, Mark Ibold joining on bass, Gary Young on drums, and Bob Nastanovich on percussion. The band started gaining more traction and attention in the indie rock scene, especially with support from influential figures like BBC radio DJ John Peel, bolstered by the British indie band The Wedding Present covering their track 'Box Elder'. This momentum set the stage for their debut full-length album release.
1992

Release of debut album 'Slanted and Enchanted'

Pavement released their first full-length album, 'Slanted and Enchanted', in 1992 to critical acclaim within indie music circles. The album featured the signature lo-fi sound blended with melodic and experimental songwriting that set them apart. It helped cement their reputation as an influential American indie rock band. The success of this release was notable given the band's independent label status and anti-mainstream ethos.
1994

Breakthrough with the album 'Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain'

In 1994, Pavement released their second album, 'Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain', which marked a shift towards a more polished and accessible sound without abandoning their indie roots. The album included the single 'Cut Your Hair', which gained some mainstream attention and became emblematic of 1990s alternative rock. This release boosted their profile and expanded their audience, although they remained loyal to independent labels like Matador Records.
1995

Line-up change and continued success

Following changes in the lineup with Steve West replacing Gary Young on drums in 1993, Pavement continued to build on their success with additional releases and tours. This period included their third album 'Wowee Zowee' (1995), which featured a diverse range of styles that received mixed but generally positive reviews. The band's distinctive approach and innovative sound during this time confirmed their status as cult favorites within the indie rock community.
1997

Release of 'Brighten the Corner' and evolving sound

Pavement released 'Brighten the Corner', their fourth studio album, in 1997. The album showed further evolution and maturity in their sound. Production was refined, and the album was well-received though it did not produce mainstream hits. By this time, Pavement had firmly established themselves as influential veterans of the American underground indie rock scene of the 1990s.
1999

Final album 'Terror Twilight' and disbandment

In 1999, Pavement released 'Terror Twilight', their fifth and final studio album before their initial breakup. The album was produced by Nigel Godrich, known for his work with Radiohead, and showcased a polished and more accessible sound, closing the band's decade-long recording career. Later that year, the band disbanded amid some acrimony as members pursued different projects, ending an influential chapter in indie rock history.
2010

Pavement reunion tour

After more than a decade apart, Pavement reunited in 2010 for a highly anticipated reunion tour. The tour was well-received by fans and critics alike, celebrating the band's influential legacy and bringing their music to a new generation. This reunion helped to reaffirm their status within indie rock and revitalize interest in their discography.
2022-2024

Ongoing reunion tours and resurgence

Following the 2010 reunion, Pavement embarked on another series of international tours starting in 2022 and continuing into 2024. These tours further highlighted the band's lasting appeal and their importance to the indie rock genre. The renewed activity has also contributed to ongoing recognition and celebration of Pavement’s contributions to music, influencing countless artists and maintaining a dedicated cult following.

Albums

pavement_1st_album
Slanted and Enchanted
14 tracks
1992
pavement_2nd_album
Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain
12 tracks
1994
pavement_3rd_album
Wowee Zowee
18 tracks
1995
pavement_4th_album
Brighten the Corners
12 tracks
1997
pavement_5th_album
Terror Twilight
11 tracks
1999
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Stephen Malkmus

N/A

Mark Ibold

1991

Scott Kannberg

N/A

Bob Nastanovich

1992

Steve West

1993

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Gary Young

N/A
1993

Story of Pavement

Pavement: The Indie Rock Pioneers Who Defined the '90s

Pavement, the legendary indie rock band, emerged from the fertile underground scene of Stockton, California in 1989. Formed by the enigmatic Stephen Malkmus (vocals, guitar) and the equally brilliant Scott Kannberg (guitar, vocals), the group quickly established itself as a force to be reckoned with, their sound a unique blend of slacker apathy, melodic hooks, and a distinctly "lo-fi" aesthetic.

Initially conceived as a recording project, Pavement eschewed mainstream media and live performances, opting to build a loyal following through their raw, independent releases. Their early work captured the zeitgeist of the era, resonating with a generation disillusioned with the polished gloss of mainstream rock.

As their career progressed, Pavement gradually evolved into a more polished, yet still undeniably unique band. Over a decade, they released five studio albums and ten EPs, solidifying their place as a cornerstone of the indie rock movement. Their influence extended far beyond the underground, reaching a wide range of musicians and spawning a legion of imitators.

While they never quite achieved mainstream superstardom, Pavement's impact on the music scene was undeniable. Their refusal to compromise their artistic vision and their commitment to independent music made them icons for a generation. They were also praised by influential critics like Robert Christgau and Stephen Thomas Erlewine, who hailed them as the best band of the '90s.

After a somewhat acrimonious split in 1999, Pavement reunited in 2010 for a highly successful tour, further solidifying their legacy and demonstrating their enduring influence. They returned to the stage in 2022-24 for another international tour, proving that even after all these years, their music still resonated with fans across the globe.

Pavement's music continues to be celebrated for its originality, its undeniable hooks, and its lasting impact on the world of indie rock. They remain one of the most influential and enduring bands to emerge from the American underground, forever leaving their mark on the '90s and beyond.

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