Frank Black
Black Francis (born Charles Michael Kittridge Thompson IV on April 6, 1965) is an American singer, songwriter and guitarist. He is best known as the frontman of the influential alternative rock band Pixies, with whom he performs under the stage name Black Francis. Following the band's breakup in 1993, he embarked on a solo career under the name Frank Black. After releasing two albums with 4AD, he left the label and formed a backing band, Frank Black and the Catholics. He reformed the Pixies in 2004 and continues to release solo records and tour as a solo artist, having re-adopted his current stage name in 2007.
His vocal style has varied from a screaming, yowling delivery as lead vocalist of the Pixies to a more measured and melodical style in his solo career. His cryptic lyrics mostly explore unconventional subjects, such as surrealism, incest and Biblical violence, along with science fiction and surf culture. His use of atypical meter signatures, loud-quiet dynamics and distinct preference for live-to-two-track recording in his career as a solo artist give him a distinct style within alternative rock.
As frontman of the Pixies, his songs (such as "Where Is My Mind?" and "Debaser") received praise and citations from contemporaries, including Radiohead's Thom Yorke and Nirvana's Kurt Cobain. Cobain once said that "Smells Like Teen Spirit" was his attempt at trying to "rip off the Pixies". However, in his solo work and records with the Catholics, he received fewer popular and critical accolades.
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Acting
Movie
Sound City
as Self
2013
TV
Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!
as Self (voice)
2007
Movie
loudQUIETloud: A Film About the Pixies
as Himself
2006
Movie
Gigantic (A Tale of Two Johns)
as Self
2003
TV
NPR Tiny Desk Concerts
as Self
2008
TV
Seven Ages of Rock
as Self
2007
Movie
Placebo: Soulmates Never Die: Live in Paris 2003
as vocal / guitar
2003
Movie
Coachella
as Self - Pixies
2006
Movie
Unknown Brood
2016
Movie
Pixies: Gouge
as Frank Black
2004
TV
Lil' Bush
as Lil' Satan (voice)
2007
Movie
Freakscene: The Story of Dinosaur Jr.
as himself
2021
Movie
David Bowie: An Earthling at 50
as Self - Live on Stage with Bowie
1997
Movie
Pixies: Live at The Town & Country
as Black Francis
2004
Movie
Freaks, Nerds & Weirdos
as Self
1994
Movie
The Magnificent Tati
as Self
2009
Movie
Pixies : Live At The Paradise In Boston
2006
Movie
Pixies Acoustic & Electric Live
2006
Movie
Pixies - Acoustic : Live In Newport
as himself
2006
Movie
Pixies - Rock en Seine 2005
as Black Francis
2005
Movie
Pixies - Live at iTunes Festival
2013
Movie
Pixies - Olympia, Paris
as Self
2023
TV
Berlin Live
as Self - Performer
2011
Movie
Pixies - Sell Out
as Himself
2005