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{{about|the rock band||Belly (disambiguation)}}
{{about|the rock band||Belly (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox musical artist <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject_Musicians -->
{{Infobox musical artist <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject_Musicians -->
| name = Belly
| name = Belly
| image = Belly Sire Reprise.JPG
| image = Belly Sire Reprise.JPG
| caption = Belly in 1994
| caption = Belly in 1994
| image_size =
| image_size =
| background = group_or_band
| background = group_or_band
| alias =
| alias =
| origin = [[Boston]], [[Massachusetts]], United States<br>[[Newport, Rhode Island]], United States
| origin = [[Newport, Rhode Island]], United States
| instrument =
| instrument =
| genre = [[Alternative rock]], [[dream pop]], [[jangle pop]]
| genre = [[Alternative rock]], [[dream pop]], [[jangle pop]]
| occupation =
| occupation =
| years_active = 1991&ndash;96, 2016&ndash;present
| years_active = 1991&ndash;96, 2016&ndash;present
| label = [[Sire Records|Sire]], [[Reprise Records|Reprise]], [[Warner Bros. Records|Warner Bros.]], [[4AD]]
| label = [[Sire Records|Sire]], [[Reprise Records|Reprise]], [[Warner Bros. Records|Warner Bros.]], [[4AD]]
| associated_acts = [[L7 (band)|L7]], [[Throwing Muses]], [[The Breeders]]
| associated_acts = [[L7 (band)|L7]], [[Throwing Muses]], [[The Breeders]]
| website = {{URL|http://bellyofficial.com/}}
| website = {{URL|http://bellyofficial.com/}}
| current_members = [[Tanya Donelly]]<br/>Thomas Gorman<br/>Chris Gorman<br/>[[Gail Greenwood]]
| current_members = [[Tanya Donelly]]<br/>Thomas Gorman<br/>Chris Gorman<br/>[[Gail Greenwood]]
| past_members = Fred Abong
| past_members = Fred Abong
}}
}}


'''Belly''' is an [[alternative rock]] band formed in Rhode Island in 1991 by former [[Throwing Muses]] member [[Tanya Donelly]] (who was also in [[The Breeders]]). The original lineup consisted of Donelly on lead vocals and guitar, Fred Abong on [[Bass guitar|bass]], and brothers Tom and Chris Gorman on guitar and drums respectively.<ref name="NME">{{cite web|url=http://www.nme.com/news/belly/91351|title=Belly announce reunion 20 years after '90s split|last=Britton|first=Luke Morgan|date=February 9, 2016|publisher=''[[NME]]''|accessdate=February 9, 2016}}</ref> Although formed in Rhode Island, the band has long been claimed by the Boston music scene.
'''Belly''' is an [[alternative rock]] band formed in Rhode Island in 1991 by former [[Throwing Muses]] and [[The Breeders|Breeders]] member [[Tanya Donelly]]. The original lineup consisted of Donelly on vocals and guitar, Fred Abong on [[Bass guitar|bass]], and brothers Tom and Chris Gorman on guitar and drums respectively.<ref name="NME">{{cite web|url=http://www.nme.com/news/belly/91351|title=Belly announce reunion 20 years after '90s split|last=Britton|first=Luke Morgan|date=February 9, 2016|publisher=''[[NME]]''|accessdate=February 9, 2016}}</ref> Although formed in Rhode Island, the band has long been claimed by the Boston music scene.


All four original members knew each other from high-school on [[Aquidneck Island]], [[Rhode Island]] &ndash; the Gormans and Abong coming out of the [[Newport, Rhode Island|Newport]] hardcore scene (the Gormans having played in Verbal Assault, Abong in Vicious Circle). Shortly after the release of Belly's first album in 1993, Abong left the group and was replaced by [[Gail Greenwood]]. Donelly disbanded the group in 1996. In early 2016 the band announced it would reform for a run of reunion shows in the UK and the US that year. In 2017 Belly announced it was writing and recording material for an album Dove, due for release in the spring of 2018.
All four original members knew each other from high-school on [[Aquidneck Island]], [[Rhode Island]] &ndash; the Gormans and Abong coming out of the [[Newport, Rhode Island|Newport]] hardcore scene (the Gormans having played in Verbal Assault, Abong in Vicious Circle). Shortly after the release of Belly's first album [[Star (Belly album)|Star]], in 1993, Abong left the group and was replaced by [[Gail Greenwood]]. The group disbanded in 1996. In early 2016 the band announced it would reform for a run of reunion shows in the UK and the US that year. In 2017 Belly announced it was writing and recording material for an album Dove, due for release in the spring of 2018.
==History==
==History==
===1992–93: Formation and ''Star''===
===1992–93: Formation and ''Star''===
Line 47: Line 47:


===2016–present: Reunion===
===2016–present: Reunion===
On February 8, 2016, the band updated its official web site announcing its return with new music and announced a summer tour across United States and United Kingdom.<ref name="NME" /><ref name="Reunion">{{cite web|url=http://bellyofficial.com/|title=Belly Official Website|date=February 8, 2016|accessdate=February 9, 2016}}</ref><ref name="RS">{{cite web|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/belly-to-reunite-for-summer-tour-release-new-music-20160208|title=Belly to Reunite for Summer Tour, Release New Music|last=Spanos|first=Brittany|date=February 8, 2016|publisher=''[[Rolling Stone]]''|accessdate=February 9, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pitchfork.com/news/63421-belly-reunite-will-release-new-music-and-tour/|title=Belly Reunite, Will Release New Music and Tour|last=Minsker|first=Evan|publisher=[[Pitchfork Media]]|date=February 8, 2016|accessdate=February 9, 2016}}</ref>
On February 8, 2016, the band launched an official web site announcing a limited summer reunion tour with dates in the UK, Ireland and the US.<ref name="NME" /><ref name="Reunion">{{cite web|url=http://bellyofficial.com/|title=Belly Official Website|date=February 8, 2016|accessdate=February 9, 2016}}</ref><ref name="RS">{{cite web|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/belly-to-reunite-for-summer-tour-release-new-music-20160208|title=Belly to Reunite for Summer Tour, Release New Music|last=Spanos|first=Brittany|date=February 8, 2016|publisher=''[[Rolling Stone]]''|accessdate=February 9, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pitchfork.com/news/63421-belly-reunite-will-release-new-music-and-tour/|title=Belly Reunite, Will Release New Music and Tour|last=Minsker|first=Evan|publisher=[[Pitchfork Media]]|date=February 8, 2016|accessdate=February 9, 2016}}</ref>


In advance of the tour, the band performed two warm-up shows in their hometown of [[Newport, Rhode Island]] on July 8 and 9.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Marotta|first1=Michael|title=Super Connected: Belly to play first shows in 20 years this weekend in Newport|url=http://www.vanyaland.com/2016/07/06/super-connected-belly-play-first-shows-20-years-weekend-newport/|website=Vanyaland|accessdate=6 July 2016|date=6 July 2016}}</ref> These were Belly's first concerts since 1995.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Sheley|first1=Matt|title=Together again: Rock band Belly set to tour 20 years after breakup|url=http://www.newportri.com/newportdailynews/news/page_one/together-again/article_abc2f553-d095-542c-85e4-c02234f756fa.html|website=''[[The Newport Daily News]]''|accessdate=9 July 2016}}</ref> Two new songs, Human Child and Army of Clay were debuted on the tour, hinting that the band's sound was evolving while at the same time maintaining elements of the familiar Belly 'sound' of the past.
In advance of the tour, the band performed two warm-up shows in their hometown of [[Newport, Rhode Island]] on July 8 and 9.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Marotta|first1=Michael|title=Super Connected: Belly to play first shows in 20 years this weekend in Newport|url=http://www.vanyaland.com/2016/07/06/super-connected-belly-play-first-shows-20-years-weekend-newport/|website=Vanyaland|accessdate=6 July 2016|date=6 July 2016}}</ref> These were Belly's first concerts since 1995.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Sheley|first1=Matt|title=Together again: Rock band Belly set to tour 20 years after breakup|url=http://www.newportri.com/newportdailynews/news/page_one/together-again/article_abc2f553-d095-542c-85e4-c02234f756fa.html|website=''[[The Newport Daily News]]''|accessdate=9 July 2016}}</ref> Two new songs, Human Child and Army of Clay were debuted on the tour, hinting that the band's sound was evolving while at the same time maintaining familiar elements of the Belly 'sound' of the past.


Belly announced in July 2017 that they had begun recording their third album called ''Dove''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Belly Are Making Their First New Album in 22 Years|url=https://www.spin.com/2017/07/belly-band-new-album/|website=Spin|accessdate=19 September 2017|date=11 July 2017}}</ref> <ref name="pledgemusic.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/belly/updates/91815 |title=New Album: DOVE: ALBUM TITLE AT LAST!!|website=PledgeMusic.com|accessdate=1 December 2017}}</ref> On October 5, 2017, the band started a [[PledgeMusic]] campaign for the album, which is officially set to be released on April 6, 2018. <ref>{{cite web |title= Belly Announce Crowdfunding Campaign For First New Album in 23 Years |url= https://www.stereogum.com/1965965/belly-announce-crowdfunding-campaign-for-first-new-album-in-23-years/news/ |website=Stereogum |accessdate= 5 October 2017 |date=5 October 2017}}</ref> On October 28, 2017 the band released their cover of [http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/belly/updates/90241 Hushabye Mountain] as an exclusive download on Pledgemusic- their first new recording in over 20 years.
Belly announced in July 2017 that they had begun recording a third album, to be titled called ''Dove''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Belly Are Making Their First New Album in 22 Years|url=https://www.spin.com/2017/07/belly-band-new-album/|website=Spin|accessdate=19 September 2017|date=11 July 2017}}</ref> <ref name="pledgemusic.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/belly/updates/91815 |title=New Album: DOVE: ALBUM TITLE AT LAST!!|website=PledgeMusic.com|accessdate=1 December 2017}}</ref> On October 5, 2017, the band started a [[PledgeMusic]] campaign for the album, which is officially set to be released on April 6, 2018. <ref>{{cite web |title= Belly Announce Crowdfunding Campaign For First New Album in 23 Years |url= https://www.stereogum.com/1965965/belly-announce-crowdfunding-campaign-for-first-new-album-in-23-years/news/ |website=Stereogum |accessdate= 5 October 2017 |date=5 October 2017}}</ref> On October 28, 2017 the band released their cover of [http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/belly/updates/90241 Hushabye Mountain] as an exclusive download on Pledgemusic- their first new recording in over 20 years.


==Style==
==Style==

Revision as of 16:48, 1 February 2018

This article is about the rock band. For other uses, see Belly (disambiguation).
Belly
Belly in 1994
Belly in 1994
Background information
OriginNewport, Rhode Island, United States
GenresAlternative rock, dream pop, jangle pop
Years active1991–96, 2016–present
LabelsSire, Reprise, Warner Bros., 4AD
MembersTanya Donelly
Thomas Gorman
Chris Gorman
Gail Greenwood
Past membersFred Abong
Websitebellyofficial.com

Belly is an alternative rock band formed in Rhode Island in 1991 by former Throwing Muses and Breeders member Tanya Donelly. The original lineup consisted of Donelly on vocals and guitar, Fred Abong on bass, and brothers Tom and Chris Gorman on guitar and drums respectively.[1] Although formed in Rhode Island, the band has long been claimed by the Boston music scene.

All four original members knew each other from high-school on Aquidneck Island, Rhode Island – the Gormans and Abong coming out of the Newport hardcore scene (the Gormans having played in Verbal Assault, Abong in Vicious Circle). Shortly after the release of Belly's first album Star, in 1993, Abong left the group and was replaced by Gail Greenwood. The group disbanded in 1996. In early 2016 the band announced it would reform for a run of reunion shows in the UK and the US that year. In 2017 Belly announced it was writing and recording material for an album Dove, due for release in the spring of 2018.

History

1992–93: Formation and Star

Donelly named the band "Belly" because she thought the word was "both pretty and ugly."[2] The band played their first concert on March 14, 1992 at the 3's bar in their hometown of Newport, Rhode Island.[3]

The band's debut EP, Slow Dust (1992), made it to number one on the United Kingdom indie chart. Soon after, their single "Feed the Tree" made the Top 40 in the UK Singles Chart and their first album, Star (1993), hit number two on the UK Albums Chart.[4]

In the United States, the album was RIAA certified gold, largely based on the success of "Feed the Tree" on Modern Rock radio stations and MTV, where the video was featured as part of MTV's Buzz Bin videos and Alternative Nation video show for much of 1993. Two follow-up singles were released, "Gepetto" and "Slow Dog," but neither matched the initial success of "Feed the Tree." Belly was nominated for two Grammys in 1994: Best New Artist and Best Alternative Music Performance for Star. The album went on to sell over 800,000 copies in the US alone. On several early '93 tour dates in the US and the UK, former Throwing Muses member Leslie Langston lent a hand on bass.[5] In early 1993, they embarked on a 'joint headliner' tour with Radiohead. Following a short warm up tour of smaller venues in the UK also in early 1993, they embarked upon a larger tour where they were supported by the Cranberries.[citation needed]

1994–96: King and break-up

Just after the release of Star, bassist Fred Abong left and was replaced by Gail Greenwood. Greenwood was originally a guitar player in a Boston-area metal band before being recruited to play bass in Belly. The live sound of the band evolved to accommodate her style, with its shows featuring more electric guitar than before and less of the dreamy quality of its first album.

As a result, the group's next album, King (1995), was more rock and roll-oriented. The album's sales did not meet that of its predecessor, and the band was stuck between mainstream and underground acceptance.[4] King saw its numerous singles fail to sustain any significant airplay on Modern Rock radio. The videos for "Now They'll Sleep" and "Super Connected" received little airplay on MTV US outside of limited airings on 120 Minutes, although they were well received on MTV Europe. Belly appeared on the April 20, 1995 cover of Rolling Stone magazine. The band also performed "Super Connected" on the Late Show with David Letterman in June that year. It was one of the band's last major U.S television appearances.[6]

In the summer of 1995, Belly was one of the support bands for R.E.M. on their world tour, then finished out the year extensively touring the US with Catherine Wheel and Jewel as support acts.

In 1996, Donelly broke up the band. Speaking to Q, she explained the reasons behind her decision: "The first couple of years of Belly were a blast. Star was a big hit and we partied hard. But by the time we went to make King, there was a lot of negative stuff going on. King was a reaction to the bright shininess of Star and we weren't surprised when it didn't sell. I regret not making another Belly album, but at the time I thought, Screw it, I'm outta here."[7]

After the break-up Tanya Donelly started a successful solo career and has since released several solo albums.[4] Greenwood went on to stints in L7 and Benny Sizzler. In the 2000s she became (in Donelly's words) "a campaigner against urban sprawl in Rhode Island, so she ha[d] lots of council meetings to attend." The Gorman brothers began careers as commercial photographers based in New York City and at one time worked for the Rolling Stone magazine. Fred Abong eventually became a carpenter, as of 2007 he was "working in a high-end woodworking shop making fancy cabinets for rich people"[7], then went on to earn a PhD in philosophy.

2016–present: Reunion

On February 8, 2016, the band launched an official web site announcing a limited summer reunion tour with dates in the UK, Ireland and the US.[1][8][9][10]

In advance of the tour, the band performed two warm-up shows in their hometown of Newport, Rhode Island on July 8 and 9.[11] These were Belly's first concerts since 1995.[12] Two new songs, Human Child and Army of Clay were debuted on the tour, hinting that the band's sound was evolving while at the same time maintaining familiar elements of the Belly 'sound' of the past.

Belly announced in July 2017 that they had begun recording a third album, to be titled called Dove.[13] [14] On October 5, 2017, the band started a PledgeMusic campaign for the album, which is officially set to be released on April 6, 2018. [15] On October 28, 2017 the band released their cover of Hushabye Mountain as an exclusive download on Pledgemusic- their first new recording in over 20 years.

Style

Belly vocalist Tanya Donelly's voice has been described as having a "fiery spark" with a "sweet rasp in her throat,"[16] with a style described as "down to earth."[17] Her lyrics are rich with celestial, mythological and fairytale-like imagery.

Discography

Studio albums

Extended plays

  • Slow Dust (1992)[4]
  • Gepetto (1992)
  • Feed The Tree (1993)
  • Moon (1993)
  • Seal My Fate (1995)
  • Now They'll Sleep (1995)
  • Super-Connected (1995)
  • Sun (1995)
  • Belly Noise (2017)

Singles

Year Song Peak chart positions Album
US
[19] 		US Alt.[19] UK
[20]
1992 "Gepetto" — 8 49 Star
1993 "Feed the Tree" 95 1 32
"Moon" — — —
"Slow Dog" — 17 —
1994 "Are You Experienced?" — — — Stone Free: A Tribute to Jimi Hendrix
1995 "Super-Connected" — 35 — King
"Now They'll Sleep" — 17 28
"Red" — — —
"Seal My Fate" — — 35
"Sun" — — — Sun EP
"—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that region.

Compilation albums

  • Baby Silvertooth (1993) – Japanese release
  • Sweet Ride: The Best of Belly (2002)[4][18]

Songs contributed

  • Stone Free: A Tribute to Jimi Hendrix (1993) – "Are You Experienced?"
  • Generation X: Alternative Point of View (1994) – "Feed The Tree"
  • Just Say Roe (Just Say Yes Vol. 7) (1994) – "It's Not Unusual"
  • With Honors [Soundtrack] (1994) – "It's Not Unusual"
  • UMPF (1995) – "Now They'll Sleep"
  • Mallrats [Soundtrack] (1995) – "Broken"
  • Sharks Patrol These Waters (1995) – "White Belly"
  • This Is Fort Apache (1995) – "Star"
  • Tank Girl [Soundtrack] (1995) – "Thief"
  • Safe and Sound: A Benefit In Response To The Brookline Clinic Violence (1996) – "Think About Your Troubles"
  • A Bunch O' Hits: The Best Rock of the 90's, Vol. 1 (1996) – "Feed The Tree"
  • In Defense of Animals, Volume 2 (1996) – "Spaceman"
  • Twister [Soundtrack] (1996) – "Broken"
  • The Rolling Stone Women in Rock Collection (1998) – "Feed The Tree"
  • Intimate Portrait: Women in Rock (1999) – "Feed The Tree"
  • Out of Bounds: Journey Through Modern Rock (1999) – "Gepetto"
  • Double Shot: Pop Alternative (2000) – "Feed The Tree"

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Britton, Luke Morgan (February 9, 2016). "Belly announce reunion 20 years after '90s split". NME. Retrieved February 9, 2016. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  2. ^ "Belly". 4AD. Archived from the original on 2006-02-09. Retrieved October 14, 2014.
  3. ^ "Belly official Facebook Page". Facebook. Retrieved 8 August 2017.
  4. ^ a b c d e Strong, Martin C. (2000). The Great Rock Discography (5th ed.). Edinburgh: Mojo Books. pp. 73–74. ISBN 1-84195-017-3.
  5. ^ "Belly Biography". Retrieved Oct 26, 2012.
  6. ^ "Belly – RS 706 (April 20, 1995)". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 2007-03-04.
  7. ^ a b Stubbs, Dan (December 2007). "Where Are They Now? – Belly". Q Magazine: 35.
  8. ^ "Belly Official Website". February 8, 2016. Retrieved February 9, 2016.
  9. ^ Spanos, Brittany (February 8, 2016). "Belly to Reunite for Summer Tour, Release New Music". Rolling Stone. Retrieved February 9, 2016. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  10. ^ Minsker, Evan (February 8, 2016). "Belly Reunite, Will Release New Music and Tour". Pitchfork Media. Retrieved February 9, 2016.
  11. ^ Marotta, Michael (6 July 2016). "Super Connected: Belly to play first shows in 20 years this weekend in Newport". Vanyaland. Retrieved 6 July 2016.
  12. ^ Sheley, Matt. "Together again: Rock band Belly set to tour 20 years after breakup". The Newport Daily News. Retrieved 9 July 2016. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |website= (help)
  13. ^ "Belly Are Making Their First New Album in 22 Years". Spin. 11 July 2017. Retrieved 19 September 2017.
  14. ^ a b "New Album: DOVE: ALBUM TITLE AT LAST!!". PledgeMusic.com. Retrieved 1 December 2017.
  15. ^ "Belly Announce Crowdfunding Campaign For First New Album in 23 Years". Stereogum. 5 October 2017. Retrieved 5 October 2017.
  16. ^ Jude Rogers (17 November 2006). "Tanya Donelly, This Hungry Life". The Guardian. Retrieved October 14, 2014. ... her fiery spark and the sweet rasp in her throat haven't aged. Her allegorical songwriting, most famously showcased on Belly's 1993 hit Feed the Tree, ... {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  17. ^ Brooks Whitney (June 6, 1995). "That Cute-as-a-button Band Belly Is An Innie". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved October 14, 2014. Tanya's a regular girl, ... Tanya walked up to a microphone and burped into it. ... down to earth this 'in' band is. ... cute pop-rock band {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  18. ^ a b c "Belly Discography at Discogs". Discogs.com. Retrieved 2012-02-19.
  19. ^ a b "( Belly > Charts & Awards > Billboard Singles )". allmusic. Retrieved 2016-07-10.
  20. ^ "Belly Official Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 2016-07-10.
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