Soul Asylum Coming To Sioux Falls

A Minneapolis band that was part of a 'pre-grunge' sound that came out of the midwest before hitting globally with the smash hit 'Runaway Train' in the early 90's, is still going strong and coming to Sioux Falls in March.

Soul Asylum was just starting to make their mark as I was graduating from Minneapolis South High School in the early 1980's. It was a cool time to grow up in the Twin Cities musically because there were a couple different 'movements' breaking and both shared time at what is now a legendary institution: First Avenue in downtown Minneapolis.

One night we would go there and see Prince and his 'type' of bands like the Time, Vanity 6 and others. You'd go back the next night and see any number of amazing 'pre-grunge' bands like the Replacements, Husker Du or Soul Asylum.

I don't think any of us knew what to call the music we were hearing, but we all liked it a LOT. It was punk, hard rock, 1970's rock, a hint of country and an incredible stage show every time you saw them.

Soul Asylum was struggling to be heard nationally by the late 80's an lead singer Dave Pirner was experiencing hearing problems. The band was considering breaking up. But they played some acoustic shows in the early 90's which led to a new record deal and eventually the release of their most successful album and song, "Runaway Train" (see the video below)

From there, they played President Clinton's inauguration, and hit globally. They developed a friendship with movie writer and director Kevin Smith who was a longtime fan and contributed songs to his hit movies like 'Clerks' and 'Chasing Amy'.

The lineup has changed over the years, but Pirner and the band continue to record music and tour, releasing their 11th album last year titled 'Delayed Reaction'. According to their website, they're spending early 2013 in the studio recording more new music that they will bring with them to the Vault Nightclub here in Sioux Falls Friday March 22nd at 8pm for an all ages show.

Tickets go on sale this Friday at 10am at Ernie November on West 41st Street and through etix at this link.