Pixies Embrace Nostalgia for Upcoming Album, Reflecting on Legacy

In an interview conducted ahead of their highly anticipated back-to-back performances at the Hollywood Palladium on June 20 and 21, 2025, Joey Santiago, guitarist of the iconic band Pixies, expressed the band's desire to reconnect with their roots as they prepare for their next album. This reflects a broader trend among legacy bands seeking to balance nostalgia with contemporary musical evolution.

The Pixies, formed in 1986, first gained prominence in the late 1980s and early 1990s with albums such as "Surfer Rosa" and "Doolittle," which have been hailed as seminal works in alternative rock. After a breakup in 1993, the band reformed in 2004, welcoming new bassist Emma Richardson into their lineup. Their ongoing journey has been marked by a continuous exploration of their musical identity, even as they face the pressures of modernity.

Historically, the band’s trajectory has been defined by a series of remarkable highs and lows. The release of their last studio album, "The Night the Zombies Came," in October 2024 marked a significant moment for the group, showcasing an evolution in Santiago's guitar work that he describes as reminiscent of his early days in music. According to Santiago, "It felt like a return to form, a chance to explore the sounds that shaped my childhood."

The upcoming performances at the Hollywood Palladium will include a full rendition of their 1991 album "Trompe Le Monde," a nostalgic nod that Santiago believes is essential for honoring both the band's legacy and their fans' expectations. "It’s great because there are songs in it that we hardly play," he noted, emphasizing the significance of revisiting their catalog.

However, as they prepare for these shows, the Pixies are also acutely aware of the challenges posed by evolving musical tastes and expectations from both their longtime fans and newer audiences. Santiago reflects, "In the grand scheme of things, it’s damned if you do, damned if you don’t. If we’re too different, we’re gonna get flack for it. If we make ‘Doolittle’ part two, we’re gonna get flack for it." This sentiment resonates with many legacy artists who grapple with balancing artistic integrity and commercial viability.

The Pixies' approach to their music has always been characterized by a blend of the old and the new. With a solid foundation in guitar-driven rock, the band continues to resist the temptation to chase fleeting trends in the music industry. Santiago maintains, "If you want guitar music, you can go to a few bands that will provide it, and we’re one of them." This steadfast dedication to their musical roots has allowed them to maintain a loyal following while also appealing to a younger demographic, aided by the viral nature of social media.

In recent years, the band has witnessed a resurgence in interest, particularly among younger listeners discovering their music through platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Santiago notes, "My kids are starting to get what I’m doing, and they hear their friends mention the Pixies, which is a great feeling. It shows that we continue to resonate across generations."

As the Pixies prepare for their upcoming performances and the release of their new album, they remain committed to the essence of their musical identity while navigating the complexities of a changing industry landscape. The outcome of this balancing act will not only shape their future but also influence the broader discourse on how legacy artists can thrive in the modern music scene. With a legacy that has stood the test of time, the Pixies’ journey reflects the ongoing dialogue between nostalgia and innovation in the world of music.