The Swans

Swans
Swans performing live in Warsaw in December 2010. From left to right: Christoph 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, United States
Genres	Experimental rock See musical style for details
Years active	1982–1997, 2010–present
Labels	Young God, Neutral, Homestead, Caroline, Uni/MCA, Invisible, Atavistic, Mute, Some Bizzare
Associated acts	Akron/Family, Angels of Light, The Body Lovers / The Body Haters, Jarboe, World of Skin, Sonic Youth, Ritual Tension
Website	swans.pair.com
Members	Michael Gira Christoph Hahn Christopher Pravdica Phil Puleo Paul Wallfisch Norman Westberg
Past members	See members section

Swans (/swɒnz/) are an American experimental rock band formed in 1982 by singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Michael Gira. One of few acts to emerge from the New York City-based no wave scene and stay intact into the next decade, Swans have become legendary for an incomparable sound which has transformed throughout their career and contributed to the development of genres such noise rock, post-punk, industrial and post-rock. Initially, their music was extremely harsh, incorporating more melody and intricacy following the 1986 addition of singer, songwriter and keyboardist Jarboe, who remained the band's only constant member except Gira and semi-constant guitarist Norman Westberg until their dissolution in 1997. Since 1990, all Swans records have been released through Gira's own label, Young God Records. In 2010, Gira re-formed the band without Jarboe, establishing a stable lineup of musicians which has released several albums to critical acclaim, touring worldwide. However, from 2017 following the tour in support of The Glowing Man, Gira will continue to record music under the Swans moniker "with a revolving cast of collaborators".

Michael Gira has repeatedly stated he took the moniker Swans as it described the sound he wanted best. Gira's summation of the name follows along the lines of: "Swans are majestic, beautiful looking creatures. With really ugly temperaments."

The earliest known lineup of Swans comprised Gira on bass guitar and vocals, Jonathan Kane on drums, Sue Hanel on guitar, Mojo on percussion and tape loops and either Thurston Moore, Dan Braun or Jon Tessler on the second bass guitar. Jon Tessler also played percussion and tape loops. Hanel's only recordings with the group are on the compilation Body to Body, Job to Job, but the ambiguous personnel credits do not make it clear on which songs she performed. Kane stated that "Sue was the most fearsome guitarist we'd ever heard in New York. She was unbelievable."