Ahead of Thursday night’s recordBar show, we reflect on Swans and their previous KC gigs

In the midst of a rainy Sunday afternoon in Kansas City, it seems fitting to reminisce on the renowned experimental rock ensemble, Swans, who are set to make their much-anticipated return to the city after a 12-year absence. With a history that dates back to the early 80s, the band has become infamous for their intense and electrifying performances which have left an indelible mark on their audiences and the music industry alike.

The anticipation crescendos as we count down the days to see them perform at the recordBar on Thursday night, a gig that promises to be as memorable as their previous ones. Over the years, we have seen stellar performances with various lineups and an evolution in their sound that has left audiences constantly intrigued and engaged.

Swans’ return to Kansas City

Driven by Michael Gira, Swans has always been defined by their refusal to be complacent, always pushing forward with a focus on playing current material. As Gira previously stated, the band is “Not interested in reliving the past, but thanks.” This approach has sparked a sense of anticipation and excitement among Kansas City fans, eager to witness what Swans has in store for them on Thursday night.

Gira’s rigorous commitment to his art and his refusal to conform to industry norms or expectations have put Swans in a league of their own. Known for their sonic exploration and relentless pursuit of originality, they have been lauded and criticized in equal measure, but have always left audiences with unforgettable experiences.

Swans’ performances in Kansas City and Lawrence: A Look Back

Throughout their three-decade-long journey, Swans have had 35 all-time members. Since their inception in 1982, the band has performed in Kansas City and Lawrence four times, each time bringing something fresh and new.

The first time was back in October 1989 at The Bottleneck in Lawrence, Kansas. Billy Smith, a talent buyer in the ’90s and current VIP Manager for Warner Music Group, recalled the night. “I had no expectations for what Swans were. I was expecting something acoustic and almost even folky. They had transitioned into something a lot different than what I remember seeing from early footage.”

The first show presented a softer, more melodic version of the band. Fast forward to January 19, 1997, when Swans returned to The Bottleneck with a lineup that included Phil Puleo on drums and percussion and Clint Steele on guitar.

The 1997 show was believed to be their last performance, and the audience was a mix of devoted long-time fans and new listeners eager to experience Swans’ live performance. As Kansas City local and seasoned Swans concert-goer, Wade Williamson recounted, “Everybody thought it was the last of the last, so you had the old guard, and then you had all the kids that had never seen them before at the same time there.”

In another seven-year leap, Gira’s other project, Angels of Light, performed in Kansas City for the first time. Known for their neofolk influence, they provided audiences with a different kind of musical experience. According to local music businessman, Darren Welch, “Angels of Light, to me, is really a good era of Michael Gira’s music. It’s different from Swans, in a way.”

After an 11-year-long hiatus, Swans made their grand return to Kansas City in 2012, performing at the Beaumont Club. The performance left fans in awe; their music was said to be a “baseball bat made of air” by Mike Alexander, a frontman for local KC group, Hipshot Killer.

The 2024 Chapter of Swans in Kansas City

As we look forward to the upcoming show on Thursday night, fans can anticipate another immersive performance by Swans. The 2024 lineup includes drummer Larry Mullins and bassist Dana Schechter, both of whom have previous experience working with Gira. According to Billy Smith, Dana mentioned that the set will “run close to three hours at maximum volume.”

No matter whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer, make sure to mark your calendar for an unforgettable night of music with Swans at the recordBar this Thursday. After all, as Darren Welch suggests, “If you’re a fan, you kind of stay a fan and always want to know what he’s up to and follow along the whole time.”