Surgery was an American

noise rock Noise rock (sometimes called noise punk) is a noise-oriented style of experimental rock that spun off from punk rock in the 1980s. Drawing on movements such as minimalism, industrial music, and New York hardcore, artists indulge in extrem ...

band formed in 1987 by Scott Kleber, John Lachapelle, John Leamy and Sean McDonnell in Syracuse, New York, and released two full-length albums and two EPs before ending with the sudden death of singer Sean McDonnell.

History

Surgery was formed at Syracuse University in 1987. They released their debut EP "Souleater" on the short-lived Circuit Records in 1989 before releasing their full length debut '' Nationwide'' through

Amphetamine Reptile Amphetamine Reptile Records (or AmRep Industries) is a record label founded in 1986 by Tom Hazelmyer in Washington state. The label specializes in noise rock and also released '' Strap It On'', the debut album by alternative metal band Helmet w ...

, a label known for its noisy, abrasive acts, in 1990. The band released the EP '' Trim, 9th Ward High Roller'' in 1993, which presented tighter musicianship coupled more straightforward approach to their sound. With the help of

Kim Gordon Kim Althea Gordon (born April 28, 1953) is an American musician, singer and songwriter, best known as the bassist, guitarist, and vocalist of alternative rock band Sonic Youth. Born in Rochester, New York, she was raised in Los Angeles, Califor ...

, ''Trim'' found its way into the hands of

Atlantic Records Atlantic Recording Corporation (simply known as Atlantic Records) is an American record label founded in October 1947 by Ahmet Ertegun and Herb Abramson. Over its first 20 years of operation, Atlantic earned a reputation as one of the most ...

, who liked the band enough to sign them to the label. Through Atlantic, the band released their second album ''

Shimmer Shimmer may refer to: * ''Shimmer'' (play), a 1988 play by John O'Keefe * Shimmer (comics), a DC Comics super-villain * ''Shimmer'' (novel), by Eric Barnes * '' Shimmer Magazine'', or ''Shimmerzine'', a speculative fiction magazine * "Shimmer" ...

'' in 1994 with the intention of touring extensively to broaden their fan base. On January 7, 1995, McDonnell suffered a severe

asthma attack Asthma is a long-term inflammatory disease of the airways of the lungs. It is characterized by variable and recurring symptoms, reversible airflow obstruction, and easily triggered bronchospasms. Symptoms include episodes of wheezing, cou ...

and went into a comatose state. He was admitted to Brooklyn Hospital and died four days later.

Tom Hazelmyer Tom Hazelmyer (born 1965) is an American musician and printmaker. He is known as the founder and owner of the independent label Amphetamine Reptile Records as well as being the lead vocalist and songwriter for the band Halo of Flies. Biograph ...

, founder of Amphetamine Reptile Records and a close friend of McDonnell, felt that his excessive partying and active nightlife had contributed to his death. Feeling unable to continue, the remaining members of Surgery decided to part ways.

Discography

;Studio albums *'' Nationwide'' (1990,

) *''

'' (1994,

Atlantic The Atlantic Ocean is the second-largest of the world's five oceans, with an area of about . It covers approximately 20% of Earth's surface and about 29% of its water surface area. It is known to separate the "Old World" of Africa, Europe an ...

) ;EPs *''

Souleater ''Souleater'' is an EP by Surgery. It was released in 1989 through Circuit Records. Track listing Personnel ;Surgery *Scott Kleber – guitar *John Lachapelle – bass guitar *John Leamy – drums *Sean McDonnell – ...

'' (1989, Circuit) *'' Trim, 9th Ward High Roller'' (1993, Amphetamine Reptile)

References

External links

* * {{Authority control American noise rock music groups Amphetamine Reptile Records artists Musical groups established in 1987 Musical groups disestablished in 1995 Music of Connecticut Music of New York (state)