The band originally formed in 1981 under
the name Loud Fast Rules, with a lineup consisting of Dave Pirner, Dan Murphy, Karl
Mueller, and Pat Morley. Morley was replaced by Grant Young in 1984. The band
recorded three albums with Twin/Tone Records and two with A&M Records, with
little commercial success. In 1992, they released the triple-platinum album
Grave Dancers Union, featuring their Grammy Award–winning single "Runaway
Train". The band played at the inauguration of President Bill Clinton
early the next year. They also scored a platinum record with the album Let Your
Dim Light Shine three years later. In 1998 they recorded Candy from a Stranger.
Mueller was diagnosed with cancer in 2004, and the band organized a benefit
concert on his behalf. Mueller died a year later. In 2006 the band released The
Silver Lining. Their most recent effort is Delayed Reaction, released on July
17, 2012.
