Home > Blogs > Battle of the Band > Archives > 2007 > May > 23 > Entry
10th anniversary of the tragic death of Tim Taylor
Some say that the story of Brainiac is one of the most tragic stories in independent rock history.
10 years ago today, May 23rd, Brainiac front-man Tim Taylor was killed in a car accident driving home from a late night at the studio.
The tragedy ended the promising career of one of the most important, influential, and groundbreaking bands to come out of Dayton.
The band was in the process of recording their fourth album and was about to sign a major label deal with Dreamworks in 1997 when Taylor’s young life was suddenly cut short.
The electro-punk rockers, who were famous for the insanity of their live performance, had spent two summers on Lollapolooza and put out three records including the 1995 Touch and Go release Hissing Prigs In Static Couture.
More importantly the band was quickly becoming the “most exciting outfit of the post-grunge era,” according to All Music Guide magazine and many others.
Guitarist John Schmersal has since began the successful electro-pop band Enon, but there will never be another Brainiac.
I have to credit Swearing at Motorists front-man Dave Doughman for tipping me off to the tenth anniversary of Taylor’s death.
In an attached blog on myspace.com/swearingatmotorists, Doughman proclaims that “Swearing at Motorists would not exist if it wasn’t for Timmy’s moral support.”
He also asks fans to “please spend some time today with a Brainiac record or mp3.”
Visit myspace.com/brainiacfanpage to hear a sample of their music and read more about their history.
Permalink | | Categories: Dayton Local Music
