Swans (band)

Swans
Swans performing live in Warsaw in December 2010. From left to right: Kristof Hahn on lap steel, Michael Gira on guitar, Thor Harris on percussion, Chris Pravdica on bass guitar, and Norman Westberg on guitar. Phil Puleo is seated behind the drum kit.
Background information
Origin	New York City, U.S.
Genres	Experimental rock post-rock noise rock post-punk industrial neofolk
Discography	Swans discography
Years active	1981–1997 2010–present
Labels	Young God Neutral Homestead Caroline Uni/MCA Invisible Atavistic Mute Some Bizzare
Spinoffs	Angels of Light The Body Lovers / The Body Haters World of Skin
Members	Michael Gira Kristof Hahn Christopher Pravdica Phil Puleo Larry Mullins Dana Schechter
Past members	Dan Braun Bill Bronson Harry Crosby Anton Fier Daniel Galli-Duani Joe Goldring Ronaldo Gonzalez Sue Hanel Thor Harris Jarboe Jonathan Kane Algis Kizys Sami Kumpulainen Mojo Thurston Moore Virgil Moorefield Roli Mosimann Ivan Nahem Ted Parsons Bob Pezzola Bill Rieflin Yoyo Röhm Vinnie Signorelli Clint Steele Jonathan Tessler Jenny Wade Paul Wallfisch Norman Westberg Ben Frost
Website	younggodrecords.com

Swans are an American experimental rock band formed in 1981 by singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Michael Gira. One of the few acts to emerge from the New York City-based no wave scene and stay intact into the next decade, Swans have become recognized for an ever-changing sound, exploring genres such as noise rock, post-punk, industrial and post-rock. Initially, their music was known for its sonic brutality and misanthropic lyrics. Following the addition of singer, songwriter and keyboardist Jarboe in 1986, Swans began to incorporate melody and intricacy into their music. Jarboe remained the band's only constant member except Gira and semi-constant guitarist Norman Westberg until their dissolution in 1997.

In 2010, Gira re-formed the band without Jarboe, establishing a stable lineup of musicians which has toured worldwide and released four albums to critical acclaim.^[1] This iteration of the group performed its last shows in November 2017, ending the tour in support of its final album The Glowing Man.^[2] Since 2019, Gira has been touring and recording with Swans as "a revolving cast of contributors".^[2] The band's latest album, The Beggar, was released on June 23, 2023. Since 1990, all Swans records have been released through Gira's own label, Young God Records.