Originally founded in Jamestown, NY 10,000 Maniacs is an alternative rock band that has operated with various lineups since its formation 1981 under the name Still Life. After releasing its debut album Secrets of the I Ching, in 1983, the band began its most critically and commercially acclaimed period, with vocalist Natalie Merchant at the helm. After four more albums, including 10,000 Maniacs' most renowned effort, 1989's Blind Man's Zone, Merchant parted ways with the group despite the national attention it was earning. As it had done many times before, the band recovered with a new lead singer and went on to release Love Among the Ruins and The Earth Pressed Flat, in 1997 and 1999 respectively. 10,000 continues to move forward with original members Dennis Drew and Steve Gustafson leading the way.
