The Drop: Soul Asylum

The GRAMMY Museum is thrilled to welcome Dave Pirner and Ryan Smith of Soul Asylum to the Museum’s intimate 200-seat Clive Davis Theater for an evening celebrating the release of their album, Slowly But Shirley, with a discussion moderated by Matt Pinfield about their creative process, with a performance to follow.

Soul Asylum’s early indie success led to the band entering the major-label mainstream with 1988’s Hang Time, and its 1990 follow-up And the Horse They Rode In On, before achieving a platinum-level commercial breakthrough with 1992’s Grave Dancers Union (certified 3x platinum), and 1995’s Let Your Dim Light Shine. Grave Dancers Union featured the international hits “Runaway Train,” which won a 1994 GRAMMY as Best Rock Song, and “Black Gold,” while Let Your Dim Light Shine (platinum) spawned the hit “Misery.” After 1998’s Candy from a Stranger, Soul Asylum returned to action in 2006 with The Silver Lining, Delayed Reaction six years later, and 2016’s Change of Fortune. In April 2020 they released a new studio album, Hurry Up and Wait, and enjoyed fan and critical acclaim worldwide landing the band their highest Billboard Chart position since 1995’s Platinum-selling Let Your Dim Light Shine. That same year, Pirner also published the acclaimed Loud Fast Words, a book of his lyrics accompanied by commentary and essays about each Soul Asylum album and song.

ABOUT SLOWLY BUT SHIRLEY

The album’s title and cover pay homage to Shirley “Cha Cha” Muldowney, a pioneering drag racer who inspired Pirner in his youth. “When I was a kid, I loved drag racing,” he says. “And she was the first woman of drag race. It meant a lot to me that she was willing to stand up against all these men in racing. My manager called her up, and she gave us her blessing, which means a whole lot to me because she was a childhood hero.”

Slowly But Shirley opens with the powerful track “The Only Thing I’m Missing,” showcasing the band’s signature sound with a scorching guitar line and a buoyant tempo, setting the tone for the rest of the 11 tracks. The album flows effortlessly into the deeply introspective “High Road,” a single that took Pirner years to perfect. Its raw vulnerability and hook-laden chorus are quintessential Soul Asylum, embodying the spirit of resilience and evolution that defines the album. The song’s emotional weight is a clear standout, showcasing Pirner’s ability to capture personal struggles in an accessible, melodic way.

“Freak Accident” is an easygoing yet poignant track that Pirner performed live for years before finally recording it. Its reflective lyrics touch on the inevitability of human mistakes, underscored by an acoustic guitar sound. The track has quickly become a fan favorite and adds a lighter, yet still thoughtful, element to the album’s overall intensity. Delving into the more experimental side, Slowly But Shirley offers the psychedelic “You Don’t Know Me,” adding variety to the album’s sonic landscape. Groovy and textured, it pushes the band into unexpected territories, enriching the overall experience of the album and keeping listeners intrigued.

With Slowly But Shirley, Soul Asylum continues to explore the emotional highs and lows of life while honoring their legacy as one of Minneapolis’ most enduring rock bands. The album is a testament to their staying power, combining musical growth with the familiar grit and energy that has defined them for over four decades. “You come into the studio with everything you’ve learned from previous record-making experiences,” Pirner says. “That can’t help but guide you and make it a better, more efficient process.”

Soul Asylum’s legacy spans over four decades, highlighted by their breakthrough album, Grave Dancers Union, which went double platinum and featured the GRAMMY-winning hit, “Runaway Train.” Despite challenges and changes, the band has remained a vital force in the rock scene, continually evolving while staying true to their roots. Slowly But Shirley is a testament to their enduring spirit and creative prowess.

Member Check – In: 6:30pm

Nonmember Check – In / Doors: 7:00pm

Show Time: 7:30pm

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