Trip Shakespeare
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1980s |
| Headquarters | Minneapolis , United States |
| Products | Music albums and EPs |
Trip Shakespeare was a rock group originating from Minneapolis, Minnesota, active between the mid-1980s and early 1990s. The lineup featured musicians such as Dan Wilson and John Munson, who went on to establish the band Semisonic.
Origins
The formation of the band traces back to the early 1980s when Harvard English major Matt Wilson (guitar and vocals) connected with Harvard graduate student Elaine Harris (drums). Harris answered Wilson’s advertisement seeking a drummer with "wicked percussion hands."
Wilson and Munson had previously collaborated, although Wilson initially doubted Munson’s proficiency on bass. After Munson enhanced his skills, the group extended an invitation for him to join.
In 1986, drummer Tim Rowe became part of the ensemble but departed during the production of Applehead Man to join The Nietzsches. The name "Trip Shakespeare" originated from Matt Wilson’s original idea, "Kirk Shakespeare," which was modified by his bandmates. Dan Wilson joined the band after hearing their debut album in demo form.
Applehead Man
Their first album, Applehead Man, was self-produced and released in 1986, compiling all songs known to the band at that time. The title track stood out for its unique lyrical imagery.
Are You Shakespearienced?
With a full roster, the band released Are You Shakespearienced? in 1988 under Minneapolis-based indie label Gark Records. This album was recorded live without headphones and featured "Toolmaster of Brainerd," a track that merged local folklore with rock mythology, striking a chord with Minnesota’s cultural narrative.
Across the Universe
Trip Shakespeare signed with major label A&M Records in 1989. Matt Wilson remarked that A&M made significant investments, convinced of the band's potential for mainstream success.
Their 1990 release, Across the Universe, titled after a Beatles song, sought to create elaborate and grand compositions influenced by the Beatles, moving beyond straightforward rock. Critics lauded its combination of rock intensity and melodic appeal, highlighting songs like "Snow Days" and "The Crane." Despite this, the band felt artistic compromises weakened their intentions, and sales totaled approximately 33,000 units.
Lulu
Released in 1991, Lulu showcased a more polished artistic vision with intentional song arrangement and greater emotional resonance. Critics hailed it as a melodically intricate pop achievement. Although reviews were favorable, sales modestly increased to around 60,000 copies.
Volt
Following demo sessions for a covers project, uncertainty from A&M’s marketing team about how to position it led to the band being dropped. The covers collection was independently released as the Volt EP in 1992.
Part of Trip Shakespeare’s commercial difficulty stemmed from timing; their lush pop style contrasted sharply with the grunge movement dominating early 1990s charts. A&M executive Wayne Isaak observed that their sound was too pop-centric for the alternative music scene at that time.
Breakup
After releasing Lulu, Trip Shakespeare dissolved. The Wilson brothers and Munson continued working together on projects including The Flops and The Twilight Hours. Matt Wilson contributed to Semisonic’s recordings and occasionally performed Trip Shakespeare songs during Semisonic shows. Dan Wilson and Munson formed Pleasure, which later evolved into Semisonic. Elaine Harris relocated back to Boston but reunited with former bandmates for select performances years later.
Matt Wilson described the group's mission as crafting rare live moments that deeply moved audiences through ecstatic performances.
Reunion
On December 7, 2013, Trip Shakespeare came together once again during The New Standards' holiday concert, marking their first live appearance as a group in more than twenty years.
Honors and awards
Trip Shakespeare was honored with a star on the exterior mural of the Minneapolis venue First Avenue, a tribute reserved for performers who have sold out shows or made a significant cultural contribution. This accolade is regarded as one of the highest public recognitions in Minneapolis. Additionally, Dan Wilson and Munson received a star for their work with Semisonic.
Discography
- Applehead Man (Gark Records, 1986; reissued by Clean/Twin/Tone Records in 1998; re-released with bonus material by Omnivore Recordings in 2014)
- Are You Shakespearienced? (Gark Records, 1988; Clean/Twin/Tone Records reissue, 1998; Omnivore Recordings re-release including bonus tracks, 2014)
- Across the Universe (A&M Records, 1990)
- Lulu (A&M Records, 1991)
- Volt EP (Clean/Twin/Tone Records, 1992)