Formed in the late 1970s in Athens, Georgia, the band Pylon is one of the pioneers of the 1980s alternative rock scene in the United States. With a sound influenced by punk rock and associated with styles such as post-punk, new wave, jangle pop, and funk rock, the group did not achieve the same commercial appeal as fellow Georgians such as The B-52’s and R.E.M., but they built a loyal fan base, driven by R.E.M., who frequently cited it as a key influence.
The project began in 1978 with guitarist Randall Bewley and bassist Michael Lachowski. Drummer Curtis Crowe, who lived upstairs from the studio, joined the duo after hearing them rehearse. The following year, vocalist Vanessa Briscoe Hay rounded out the lineup. All four members were art students at the University of Georgia.
Fred Schneider and Kate Pierson of The B-52’s attended one of the quartet’s early shows and helped launch their career by introducing them to a manager. In 1979, Pylon released their debut single, “Cool,” on the DB Records label. Next came the albums Gyrate (1980) and Chomp (1983). By the end of that year, however, worn out and after facing a cold reception while opening for U2, the band members decided to call it quits.
In 1985, R.E.M. recorded a version of “Crazy,” a track from the group’s second album, and released it as the B-side of the single “Driver 8.” The recording was also included on the compilation Dead Letter Office (1987).
Pylon officially resumed activities in 1989, opening dates on the tour for the album Green, from R.E.M., and releasing their third album, Chain (1990). With Bewley’s departure in 1991, the group broke up once again.
The band reunited in 2004 for a series of performances. The career of Pylon came to a definitive end in 2009, following Bewley’s death from a heart attack.
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