Contrary to popular belief, Frank Black, or rather Black Francis, did not actually exist prior to the Pixies. However, a man often confused for him did: Charles Michael Kittridge Thompson IV. Charles was “born alive” April 6, 1965 (despite his desire to have been conceived a decade earlier) in Boston (though some sources suggest Long Beach). Several years later, his family moved to Boston and the world of music would never be the same.

While attending U-Mass, Charles stayed in a dorm where a computer randomly chose his roommates. 1984: Charles’ roommate, as determined by a bunch of sand and refined metals was none other than Joseph Alberto Santiago – or Joey. Soon, the pair put an ad in the newspaper seeking someone with Husker Du/Peter, Paul, and Mary influences, and Black Francis appeared from the ether with Kim Deal and Dave Lovering.

Four albums and an EP later, the year was 1993. The Pixies, their work complete influencing hundreds of bands to come, went their separate ways and as quickly as Black Francis appeared, he faded back to black. Frank Black. But not before a move back to the west coast - he wanted to live in Los Angeles.

Frank’s solo career has been longer and provided far more diversity, musically speaking, than his career with the Pixies to the point that they’d not even be worth mentioning were they not so influential and inspirational to so many people… and reunited for a world tour in spring of 2004. From Show Me Your Tears, his latest album, all the way back down to the original self-titled “Orange” album, he’s gone from multi-tracked new-wave mayhem to classic rock to a distinctive country twang live to two track. Only one thing has remained consistent: the quality of the work is without a doubt top-notch.

Black Francis and Frank Black might have been representatives of a past with a large shadow and a future seeking the sun, but there was one final transformation to take place. The resolution of the light and the dark, the man and the myth, the present and the future and past: Frank Black Francis was born. The Pixies reunion, launched in proximity to a solo reworking of classic Pixies songs with the Two Pale Boys (Frank Black Francis) and a new Wave of Mutilation Best-Of and DVD, actually began in July of 2003 when Frank Black made a joke in a radio interview that the Pixies practiced together in some remote location and he thought maybe they'd reunite. Coupled with a joking news release to FrankBlack.Net from an official source (below), the media went nuts. Even CNN had news of a Pixies reunion on its ticker.

""Finally, as for the latest rumor (#398) that the Pixies are going to reunite for a tour (as mentioned by FB on London's Xfm radio)... here's the lowdown from the inside : The Pixies will get together later this year to record a new double album of Latvian children's lullabies, after which they will tour each and every country whose name begins with the letters Cz.""
The Pixies reunion took them from Minneapolis, through western Canada, to California, and then All Over The World. Due in part to pioneering a new live disc technique, it was the most successful tours of 2004. The band has several dates confirmed for 2005 and an album is rumoured to be in the works. While it is unclear exactly where this will take our hero in future adventures, we are certain of several things. A new Frank Black solo album (possibly even a double album or a double release) under the name of Honeycomb is slated for July 19 2005 and Cooking Vinyl/Sonic Unyon are looking at releasing a Frank Black Box Set. What of the Catholics? We don't know. Really. The official word is 'hiatus', so we all pray that we've not seen the end of them.

As far as side project go, well, he played at Bowie’s 50th birthday by request, he’s acting in an upcoming moving called “Low Budget Time Machine”, he’s covered ""Sugar Daddy” on the Hedwig & the Angry Inch tribute album, ""I'm Going Down"" for the upcoming Springsteen 12"" and reunited the Pixies over a decade after they faked their death. For starters. As well as an appearance on the ""X-Files"" soundtrack (Man of Steel) and the ""Powerpuff Girls"" (Pray for the Girls). And, though you’d have to strain to pick his voice from the rest, he provided background vocals on Alan Merrill’s Merrilly Christmas CD in 2000 (Let’s Think About It).

Now if you're wondering about Mr. Black's influences, you needn't look any farther than the lyrics in songs like I Want Rock & Roll. But, to appease you, he’s been known to drop names like Iggy Pop, Lou Reed, Pere Ubu, Husker Du, David Bowie, The Beatles, The Beach Boys, and The Velvet Underground, to name a few. Or take a look at his b-sides album, Oddballs. Names like Dylan, Springsteen, Daltrey, Strummer will greet you. But mostly, we like it when Frank Black is just “Trying to be Me”.

Frank actually pops by the forum from time to time. Originally under the alias “frankusblackus”, he has more recently returned and even taken questions (!) under the name “frnck blck”. And though he’s perhaps too busy with all his projects lately to post much, rest assured he is here. We are pleased beyond all reason to have him join us in the forums, taking questions, posting trivia, and holding court. What more could you ask for from your favourite musician?

	Monkey gone to Heaven		Rock
	Nadine		Alternative

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jerryjames13	11/2/2022 3:47:42 AM These borders can be of brick, colored concrete, stamped concrete, or even natural stone. grout pumping Anytime
Bob Elliott	3/16/2010 10:55:22 PM Love that dreamy version of "Monkey." Love the way you remain a creative force in the world. You are a light to me and I thank you...
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