Pixies.- Live at VPRO Studios 1988 (full show)

[@roelthierie368]

In '88, I stumbled upon this on TV, and instantly fell for Kim Deal. The Pixies became my obsession. Soon, I had a Marshall amp, a Stratocaster, and was jamming with several bands. Decades later, I still turn to "Surfer Rosa" and "Doolittle" weekly. They're like time machines, taking me back to a time when the world seemed full of promise. We were young, wild, and convinced we could conquer anything and that the future belonged to us.

[@jackominty3633]

"Surfer Rosa" and "Doolittle" are not time machines. They're bone machines 🦴🦴🦴🦴

[@roelthierie368]

@@jackominty3633 🤣🤣🤣

[@blameitonyaboi]

I was going to say this was the peak of their powers but freakin Doolittle isnt even out yet. What an amazing band.

[@xiscogg]

Nothing like the two first years of a rock band playing live.

[@nigelalicetufnelbowie3899]

Dee Dee Ramone Is there a copy existing of 'The Purple Tape', basically a demo tape consisting of songs from Come on Pilgrim and Surfer Rosa, most unfinished. There was so many songs, too many to fit on CD at the time. So the remainder was put on the latter, slightly reworked under the supervision of Albini. He would put them in a room with only lockers so any feedback from guitars amplified would bounce off the other end, echoing thereafter.

[@roflolo]

Young and raw

[@buttermellow6667]

I saw them in 2016 and they were still awesome !

[@xiscogg]

@@nigelalicetufnelbowie3899 Wow, didn't know that. Some bands have many things to say at the beginning. Of course, they still have something to say after a while, but, you know, the first two-three years... I don"t doubt you can still enjoy them live, but the rawness and freshness of late '80s....!!!

[@jaredwhite571]

Well said! Brilliant performance. The band influenced so many bands afterwards.

[@edwardormsby1515]

These guys should so be in the Rock and Roll hall of fame...there's not 1 90's band not influenced be the Pixies

[@seelow12]

Even with their old stuff they are still so unique

[@floepiejane]

Fug that shit. HoF is bunk

[@x-vector7245]

Absolutely, without Pixies no Take That is what I say.

[@alexisgonzales9026]

Pixies, Ministry and Jane's Addiction launch the 90s and influenced every band around..

[@joepermenter7228]

Green Day was around in the 80's and have never once claimed The Pixies as an influence.

[@stoonybridge]

0:00 Bone Machine 4:43 Gigantic 8:00 River Euphrates 11:20 Where Is My Mind 14:35 I've Been Tired Best band in the history.

[@thisaintmyrealname1]

indeed

[@mowfomowfo7994]

there's lots and lots of great bands out there but alongside rem,the pixies are the greatest rockband ever,oh my golly!!!!(except their album "head carrier" is really not great.)

[@1337owers]

Replacements?

[@BlueHopi144]

u don't know Calexico yet .......

[@judeodom2428]

They influenced so many people.

[@Trainy2]

Kim was so adorable with her childlike enthusiasm. Her smiling and positivity while singing such depraved lyrics always created such an interesting juxtaposition, like she was a fallen angel or something.

[@cheothegeo2742]

Trainy she looked like an angel too

[@OrvilleRickenbacker]

You two are kid didlers for sure

[@olivermahoney3429]

Whilst Joey stands there emotionlessly.

[@Trainy2]

Joey always looked like he was concentrating so hard on playing.

[@andresguzmanheim9204]

So adorable👍🏻💥

[@Gabriel-fj2es]

Imagine being a teen and watching this in 1988, years before the alt rock explode. When metal, glam and 'cheap' pop was in all the TOP charts. They were ahead of their time.

[@pjc4425]

Alt/Progressive was very popular during 80s college scene leading to MTV 120Minutes1986. Pixies, Toad , B52s , Sonic Youth, Iggy Pop , Social Distortion etc. long list of talent filled that 1986 MTV late night slot taking it into 90s. Very cool time in music history to say the least. Was it shocker? Not really. So much talent in 80s merged together @ the end. 1991 Teen Spirit was the tipping point.

[@65neu52]

@@pjc4425 Yup! Noisy Alternative experimental underground guitar-based rock bands had been around and getting attention long before Pixies. Pixies just developed an important extension of that aesthetic. Even Jesus and Mary Chain released Psycho Candy in 1985, for example - and that was before MTV’s 120 Minutes existed.

[@ChristopherGray00]

@@65neu52 i would say pixies are more of the pioneers of the "grunge" sound, it is a part of alt rock but it implements very heavy gnarly riffs which i think is from heavy metal influence.

[@iancrause1856]

They were f-king mind blowing. There were loads of way out bands at the end of the 80s and they were all a minority concern, commercially speaking. A friend at the time celebrated taking his school finals by going to see Tad supported by Mudhoney at a pub on Pentonville Road in London. Bottom of the bill were Nirvana.

[@kidkique]

Why do you think they were on TV? It was already popular... You obviously weren't around back then so stop making statements about it

[@liarcheckmate]

This is a treasure. I've never seen such raw but intelligible footage of The Pixies. Kim Deal. Wow.

[@BlueHopi144]

saw them the year after in Belgium and in 1990 - unbelievable gigs

[@broken1394]

Saw them 5 months before this. Joey's geetar. Woooh woo.

[@lewisbarrah8804]

Frank is an absolutely incredible writer and musician. His voice and songs have carried me most of my life.

[@xiscogg]

He is also an amazing 2nd gutarist

[@olivermahoney3429]

He can't half holler

[@stevengottlieb3449]

And orchestrator and performer and producer and leader.

[@reinaldolahojadelsur]

Frank es un ARTISTA espectacular!

[@valley_robot]

I have held joeys guitar , he left it in Manchester uk , it was returned to him , he was very happy

[@cooperzilkenat3220]

They were all so cute back in the day.

[@stuarthunt4606]

In my opinion, the greatest live performance of Gigantic ever.

[@melsialiaj]

Nailed the River Euphrates. One of the cleanest, yet most complex and well executed versions ever.

[@samosteller999]

Pixies are like a unique huge boom thunderlightning in the history of pop-rock. Nothing and no other music compares!

[@neiloshodges2816]

What a gloriously demented band they were.

[@lucianomachadocom]

23 years old for Black Francis. Just kids playing 3 of the most classics ever. One of the greatest bands of all time. \m/

[@fuzzydunlop7928]

Jesus christ, he was 23 here? I thought he was in his 30's. lol

[@JhonNye96]

He's looks 30

[@Petfal]

"What does your mother think about your music?" "She's very, very proud, yeah?"

[@dz-]

man, I can't get enough of that rhythm guitar on "I've been tired"

[@DustyCustard]

After analysing Black Francis's sweat patterns, I conclude the original order of songs played in this set is: 11:20 Where Is My Mind 4:43 Gigantic 8:00 River Euphrates 0:00 Bone Machine 14:35 I've Been Tired

[@bedwarsgb4523]

You’re a scientist, man!

[@kainiindustries4687]

1:34 KIM FIGHTING WITH CAMERA GUY

[@HoodeloodumGAME]

I'm pretty sure she was just moving his cable or whatever

[@albertovillafana574]

HAHAHAHA

[@philiom7724]

That guy is sticking his camera as close as possible to Kim's face numerous times throughout the show. Im sure it was annoying for her. She does a great job like always though.

[@bpm9295]

that looked like flirting to me...

[@Brokenface]

12:08 basically fooling with the cameraman😂

[@TeaSea-]

David Lovering is a magical drummer

[@vargaso]

David Loverling is a seriously underrated drummer.

[@ejomo11]

I read somewhere that he was heavily influenced by Neil Peart. So that should tell us something about what his understanding of what good drumming should sound like. I am really glad that he brought that kind influence into The Pixies. He wasn't just a typical punk or post punk drummer. He was technical, but very musical at the same time. So yes, I agree, he is a seriously underrated drummer. And IMHO, an extremely important part of what made The Pixies sound so unique and powerful.

[@TheFilmsKaper]

true true, the drumming in surfer rosa is just perfect

[@caseykearin6310]

He's a competent drummer, very tasteful, plays what the songs need. But he lacks raw power. His ability to really slay a kit was never there, maybe that's not what this band needed.

[@BlueHopi144]

thats not what they needed - u answered your own question lol

[@burgessurgessurgesofknowle2937]

Casey Kearin What utter bollocks? "His ability to slay a kit was never there"? This isn't a heavy metal band buddy? He is a phenomenal drummer. I'd love to know what makes you qualified to try and belittle his drumming technique? He is perfect for this band! I wouldn't want any other drummer/"kitslayer" in his place.

[@logdizza]

Joey Santiago, good lord that man wails! One of the greats

[@fuzzydunlop7928]

Big ups to everyone involved in organizing, filming and presenting this - ya'll captured lightening in a bottle on film and I'm here from a future generation thanking you for it mightily!

[@CHagen-eb8ql]

I was there (yes I am very old) and I was instantly hooked (and in love with Kim). I am looking forward to their new album, their new single 'Um Chagga Lagga' sounds great!!

[@eero4516]

C. van der Hagen What do you think about the album now when it's released?

[@mowfomowfo7994]

life long pixies fan here,but i coulnd't listen to a single song for longer than 30 seconds,too bad.

[@mowfomowfo7994]

hahaha

[@johnsydjimi]

My mother was an early fan as well, and she is also Dutch. She bought Surfer Rosa on cassette when it was released (I still have it) and she used to play it in the kitchen while she was cooking. Maybe that's why I like the Pixies so much, I've been listening to their music since I was in my mother's stomach.

[@jenniferwininger4970]

We're all in love with Kim, still

[@Antanix]

River Euphrates is an iron fist in a velvet glove. Great.

[@adam4-dotz349]

At the risk of inviting a, 'Seriously is that your comment?'....Kim looks like a hot Trekkie Cosplayer in her red top-absolutely stunning!....Pixies, like Siouxsie and the Banshees, are Seriously underrated/ignored in Rock's supposedly rich lexicon....Is so good to see them here, in '88, when they were @ their peak (and all still friendly and talking to each other!)....Respect due from an Old Goth in the UK.....Ps-Kim Deal, I love you 😍 xxxx Pps-'River Euphrates' is one of the best tracks EVER written, IN THE HISTORY OF ROCK MUSIC!

[@odiumimbues]

just the fact they do river euphrates so well live blows me away.

[@johannesbackx3368]

I still remember this performance on the television when I was 22 years old! I liked them immediately!

[@eduardorivera508]

David Lovering is such an underrated drummer.

[@olivermahoney3429]

He is totally kickass

[@sorrie2986]

On behalf of the Dutch, I would like to apologise for the audience. We had really no idea of the sheer genius on stage.

[@stoonybridge]

You should not apologize for the audience that didn't realize how lucky they are to see the Pixies at 1988, But be happy and proud that your country and government made it possible for this rare - excellent document to exist.

[@stoonybridge]

and also David said

[@ytubeanon]

your apology is grudgingly accepted, just don't let it happen again ok

[@waskozoids]

I did, actually...

[@euromaldito]

Neither the US in 1987, they were bigger in UK/Europe at that time

[@EclecticoIconoclasta]

Here you can see how ahead of their time they were in their sound. They sounded so 90s already in 1987. Kurt was just starting Nirvana then

[@benibbotson2014]

That's because pixies influenced the whole of the 90s alt scene

[@ChristopherGray00]

kurt's demo for skidrow was already out by 1987 and if you listen to the tape it basically is already punk/grunge with heavy metal influence, yes the pixies were a great pioneer but it's not true that the pixies are what started nirvana.

[@cobb_thedrummer]

You folks might but be ready for that but you’re kids are gonna love it!

[@mrjimbo8250]

River Euphrates like I've never heard it before - amazing! These guys are just stupid good

[@HuBo-x1c]

Still remember this show on Dutch Tele in 88. I immediately understood they were genius.

[@antifolkhero]

Excellent quality video and audio for 1988! Well done VPRO Studios.

[@steve_22xy]

great close ups of their playing

[@obcbeatle]

Whoo hoo, doesn't get much better than this, the Pixies at their peak, that Les Paul and Telecaster complimenting each other, the bass groovin' underneath, what a great band!

[@nicolasmrn]

4:09 most adorable moment of Black Francis EVER

[@miguelpereira7934]

88 live with this sound quality ...thank you Sir for the upload....

[@matthewlacey5307]

10.23 that riff that Francis plucks out of nowhere in river euphrates would be tbe basis of a whole new great song. Amazing songsmiths

[@Mondamoser]

THIS EXACTLY!

[@paulvickers7441]

I remember discovering them in 1991, I’d totally missed their entrance being young but what a wonder they were. Nothing ever comes close to them, they are untouchable… in a permanent way

[@edwardormsby1515]

Kim Deal the most beautiful Goddess that ever walked the earth

[@vargaso]

Goddammit they were so great. My youth. I want to go back. Ha.

[@thisaintmyrealname1]

the screams in Bone machine are on point!!! great fucking band

[@Mike58128]

3:57 Are we all just gonna ignore Kim effort to explain song lyrics?

[@mixery212]

First time I watch this show. Love the format! So 90s. So lovely in the 2020s.

[@SapphicTwist]

Fucking mindblowing. Nothing before or since compares...

[@jezza10181]

Perfecto

[@brantub]

huh this might be my favourite recorded set from back in the day

[@PlanetC64]

Woah! Thank u so much for this TIME MACHINE

[@ukulelelab4219]

awesome performance

[@MrJohancampo]

I love them screaming so much.

[@MrJohancampo]

They made the end of the 80's so exciting.

[@MrRobison94]

They were so innovative that every other grunge/alternative band took heavy notes on.

[@arifaygenov4358]

Kim Deal is, and I cannot stress this enough, the absolute fucking cutest

[@stivdaniel5572]

So amazing. I loved every second of this...By far the best KZbin Pixies video! That’s Black Francis; not Frank Black. A distinction to me.

[@hedrick5286]

Gigantic is one of my favorite songs.

[@christophegauducheau9027]

For me it s a legend group from france respect

[@Gonzalo_Sala]

So cool Kim Deal on second voice :P

[@ireniodourado3386]

Que!!! Banda maravilhosa,curto muito Iré 🙋🙏☮️🇧🇷🎸💯😛🌼🌎Obrigado o velho e imortal Rock and Roll aí não deixe o Rock in Roll morrer,pela contaminação sonoro e de muito mau gosto enfim apresente as novas gerações o bom gosto musical e cabeça ah! Eles por favor gente!!!!kkkkkk😢

[@hux2000]

90% of the crowd are stunned into submission. They just can't handle the full extent of the cool on the stage.

[@AlexanderKnollwood]

I was 4 and in some Chicago preschool while this was being broadcast somewhere in Sweden. That blows my mind...oh, how I wish I could have had seeing this concert as a childhood memory somehow!

[@nogingerfool1]

2.54 as happy as happy can be , blinding performance , fantastic xx

[@101Volts]

You know what, the bass guitar starting up "Gigantic" sound like knocking on a door. Kim starts up the song, Frank starts the calls (lover calling...) Some of Frank's guitar parts around 6:08 sound like bottles bumping each other...

[@kurtwild9323]

Best rock band ever Period

[@silversurfer3636]

Whether you like them or not ( I love them, how could you not!) You can't deny the poetry and artistry. So ahead of their time. Inspiration for almost every 90's alternative band! Actual musicians with talent unlike 90% of popular music today!

[@ДенисКуранов-б5щ]

Шедевральная группа!

[@burrrrrrrrrrrrrrp]

One band to rule them all 🙇

[@yuvalgeva6242]

loving this absolutely ridiculous interview

[@cesar-yn7zm]

Músicas clássicas.. Álbum perfeito...(021 Rj )... Surfer.......Rosa.

[@ronenbo33]

they're amazing !

[@Malysha]

Awesome!!!!❤❤❤❤❤

[@gonzaloespinoza6741]

Diría que Frank Black tiene las voces de un esquizo desatado , que su voz suave y sus gritos tienen diferentes matices que la hacen maravillosa pero ,Kim , Joey y David son también importantes para crear una atmosfera de electricidad bellísima .

[@0525loki]

I saw Pixies in some dive bar back in the day and was instantly smitten with Kim Deal. She just had this amazing stage presence and insanely good voice. As much as I love the Pixies I’m glad Kim got her chance to make her own music.

[@BlackPrimeMinister]

I'm glad she made her own music too, but Kim in Pixies was so explosive.

[@iancrause1856]

I feel like I'm 15 again watching this. It's like being back in 1988.

[@artutitu9990]

Raw and beautiful

[@fenandosantos1644]

thanks for sharing!

[@generaciondesintoxicada2557]

Esto es una joya total!!!!

[@manurero4501]

I Love them

[@wilytyote]

I was talking to preachy-preach about kissy-kiss.

[@ericsanger4408]

My favorite part is the massive amount of reverb on the snare because that was the thing to do in the 80's.

[@arjanschrier1962]

Love it

[@zibro6379]

They were sooooo high...

[@ralphcupper]

absolutly absolute

[@shamblesx2801]

Glorious

[@damagedbug8848]

most darkest satirical happy band i ever heard

[@alejandrobolin5224]

Man, Pixies are never gonna be the same without Kim, she's just a darling. Her bass playing, her voice, her style, her personality. I don't have anything against Paz, you can tell she's having fun, but man, Kim is Kim, she's unreplaceble, is like if Kubrick's The Shining didn't had Jack Nicholson, you just can't do that, Nicholson MADE The Shining, Kim is like the same dude, Pixies without her is almost unthinkable

[@lewisbarrah8804]

I disagree. I think the talent was completely Frank black.

[@2000Doriyas]

And Santiago’s distinct guitar riffs

[@daeiwel666]

Yawn

[@johnsilva9139]

Stephen King hated Nicholson in the movie version of The Shining. Go figure.

[@BlackPrimeMinister]

@@lewisbarrah8804 Wrong. It's Kim's chemistry with Charles that makes it work. They are absolutely electric together, even if they hated each other.

[@blonieamw2998]

I played whatever was there when I opened yt

[@martynjones8560]

I don't think any band has come close to the perfection of composition of this band in the last 30 years. How sad is that?

[@EmeraldWoodArchives]

I used to have to buy VHS tapes of them back in 99 or 2000. This is fucking gold. Goddamn, they were cool.

[@kennerfee100]

Do you still have the tapes? Would be nice if you could digitize them, because there might be some content that could be not available on the internet.

[@ukulelelab4219]

River Euphrates is so kick ass

[@sexobscura]

Surely one their *BEST* songs. Definitely one of my faves

[@escobargameslatam]

this is that shit i love

[@ohhhahhh12]

i fucking love this, thanks for uploading!!

[@101Volts]

Anyone notice that in "Gigantic," Frank's playing parts that sound like glass bottles being tossed about? 6:08

[@braxtonyanthon3692]

Amazing

[@db4035]

So f***in' good!!!

[@KreepyJD]

Did you know that the smile of Kim Deal is a member of the band too?

[@yantojulianto1638]

MANNN, DAVID IS A FUCKINGG DRUM MACHINE

[@Mondamoser]

This River Euphrates performance is possibly the coolest thing I have ever seen in my life. Its fucking perfect. In fact from here at 9:42 i think they might actually be controlling the universe.

[@sixpie.]

Thanks ! Too bad the video was obviously zoomed from 4/3 to 16/9 (losing parts of the image in the process), then reduced again from 16/9 to 4/3 thus making the image looking too thin. Fantastic quality anyway. The Pixies were at the top of their game in 1988.

[@timsbrain99]

Is that why Black Francis looks so skinny?

[@chickenjunior]

that is the coolest drummer i've ever seen