10,000 Maniacs

10,000 Maniacs is currently touring the country to mark the 30th anniversary of its break-out album In My Tribe. The band is set to appear at Milwaukee PrideFest’s 30th anniversary on June 10. From left to right: Mary Ramsey, lead vocals, viola; Steven Gustafson, bass guitar; Dennis Drew, keyboard, vocals; Jeff Erickson,guitar, vocals; John Lombardo, guitar, vocals; and Jerome Augustyniak, drums.

Mary Ramsey had her work cut out for her.

The viola-playing singer/songwriter stepped into the spotlight in a big way to become the lead singer of 10,000 Maniacs following Natalie Merchant’s decision to go solo in the mid-1990s.

Ramsey now sings the established hits as she makes her own mark.

I spoke with Ramsey, who, along with the rest of 10,000 Maniacs, is performing June 10 at PrideFest Milwaukee.

Gregg Shapiro: Mary, you were already a visible member of 10,000 Maniacs’ circle, playing on 1992’s Our Time in Eden, before stepping into the lead vocalist role following Natalie’s departure. Do you think that helped with the transition?

Mary Ramsey: Absolutely. I got to know both Natalie and the band. John Lombardo and I had a duo called John & Mary that we formed in 1989. We were asked to open for (10,000 Maniacs’) Hope Chest Tour. That’s when I met everybody in the band. Natalie asked me if I would play strings and do some background vocals. It all evolved from that.

One of the things that set 10,000 Maniacs apart early on was its socially conscious song lyrics. The 1987 album In My Tribe, for instance, covered issues including child abuse, illiteracy, the environment and war, while 1989’s Blind Man’s Zoo touched on teen pregnancy and hazardous waste. What effect, if any, did that have on your interest in being involved with the band?

I certainly have interest in all those subjects. It was an even more comfortable fit because it was similar to my convictions and sensibilities. Having toured with the group for a number of years before I stepped into this role, it helped me to become familiar with the songs and lyrics.

10,000 Maniacs has a history of cover tunes. How was Roxy Music’s “More Than This” chosen for Love Among the Ruins?

I really loved Roxy Music. I brought up “More Than This” in passing. We started to play it and everybody’s parts fell into place. It felt like it worked. We worked with Fred Maher, who produced it, and he was such a great, natural talent. Geffen Records heard it and said, “Yes, this is going to work for us.” They released it and it sold well in terms of a single. We made a video at House on the Rock.

Wow! You actually got to experience House on the Rock?

Yes! If you look at our “More Than This” video, that’s where we filmed the whole thing. We worked with (director) Nancy Bardawil. We spent two nights there, because it’s open during the day. It’s an extraordinary place. It worked for the video shoot because it speaks for itself.

Playing Favorites is the band’s second live album.  Why was now the time to release another live recording?

We felt like the audience is part of the band in a way. To have their participation brought a new energy to our performance. It’s a way to share, chronicle our musical experience. We were doing a show in Jamestown at the Reg Lenna Theater. John Lombardo had these long lists of potential album titles. He thought Playing Favorites would work because of the play on words. We said, “OK, let’s go with that.”

Are there plans for a new studio recording soon?

Yes, we are working on some recordings. Right now, we’re pretty busy with touring. We’re going to Brazil and Buenos Aires in June. What we do is, find the time between our shows to record. We certainly plan to have a CD out this year.

10,000 Maniacs will be playing PrideFest Milwaukee in early June. What you are you most looking forward to about that show?

It’s a cause we all embrace. We played the Gay Pride Fest in Palm Springs a couple of years ago, which was really fun. A lot of good vibes and love in the air. We’re looking forward to the celebration.

Do you think there’s something that distinguishes the LGBTQ audience from others? 

I feel that there’s such a sense of camaraderie, bonding and open-mindedness, respect. Everyone is comfortable in their own skin. It’s seems like a peaceful, unifying vibe. That’s what I like to happen at every show.

The dance remix of “More Than This” made me wonder If you were aware of any drag performers including it in their act? Have you ever seen any drag artists doing you in their show?

I’d love it if they did. It would be great. We were on The RuPaul Show.

Was this when Ru had the talk show on VH1?

Yes. I got to sit on the couch and chat with RuPaul. I was so stunned by how beautiful she looked. It was a great experience. If somebody wants to do me in drag, I’d be so flattered!

(0) comments

Welcome to the discussion.

Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd,racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming anotherperson will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyoneor anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ismthat is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link oneach comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitnessaccounts, the history behind an article.