American rock band formed in Minneapolis in 1981 (originally as Loud Fast Rules). Long-running lineup: Dave Pirner (vocals/guitar), Dan Murphy (guitar, 1981-2012), Karl Mueller (bass, 1981-2005, died 2005), and various drummers. Initially associated with the early-1980s Minneapolis hardcore scene alongside Hüsker Dü and the Replacements.
Eleven studio albums starting with Say What You Will... (1984). Commercial breakthrough came with their seventh album Grave Dancers Union (1992), featuring "Runaway Train" (which won the Grammy for Best Rock Song). Mueller died of throat cancer in 2005; the band continued and released Hurry Up and Wait (2020) and Slowly but Shirley (2024).
