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Saturday, May 23, 2009
12th anniversary of the tragic death of Tim Taylor
The story of Brainiac is one of the most tragic stories in independent rock history.
12 years ago today, May 23rd, Brainiac front-man Tim Taylor was killed in a car accident driving home from a late night at the studio.
The tragedy ended the promising career of one of the most important, influential, and groundbreaking bands to come out of Dayton.
The band was in the process of recording their fourth album and was about to sign a major label deal with Dreamworks in 1997 when Taylor’s young life was suddenly cut short.
The electro-punk rockers, who were famous for the insanity of their live performance, had spent two summers on Lollapalooza and put out three records including the 1995 Touch and Go release Hissing Prigs In Static Couture.
More importantly the band was quickly becoming the “most exciting outfit of the post-grunge era,” according to All Music Guide magazine.
Guitarist John Schmersal has since began the successful electro-pop band Enon, but there will never be another Brainiac.
Dave Doughman of famed Dayton band Swearing at Motorists posted a blog on his myspace today honoring Tim Taylor. (www.myspace.com/swearingatmotorists)
The blog reads: “I cannot believe it has been 12 years since Timmy’s death on May 23, 1997. Swearing At Motorists would not exist if not for Timmy’s moral support.
Brainiac are the greatest band to ever come from Dayton, Ohio, and in my opinion were the greatest live band i have ever witnessed. the early shows were 25 minutes of insane musical bliss, like a train coming off the tracks.
Their records were groundbreaking, their music was unlike anything else being released at the time, and still sounds fresh and exciting today.
If you have never heard Brainiac, or it has just been awhile since you gave them a listen, please spend some time today with a Brainiac record or mp3.”
Earlier this year an archive of Brianiac live material was discovered by local Brainiac superfan, Bryan Seitz. Seitz spent countless hours searching out lost Brainiac footage. He has created the Brainiac Live Archive Page displaying his findings. Among these is a rare John Peel Session from 1995.
Also visit the Brainiac fan page at www.myspace.com/brainiacfanpage to hear a sample selection of songs from the band.
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