American indie rock band founded by step-sisters Kristin Hersh and Tanya Donnelly in 1981 in Newport, Rhode Island. The original line up was completed by bassist Elaine Adamedes and drummer Becca Blumen. By the time of their first single in 1984, David Narcizo had replaced Becca. Leslie Langston had taken over on bass by the release of their first "album", released on cassette only in 1985.
They then signed with 4AD, becoming the first American band to do so, recording three albums before Leslie left in 1990, to be replaced by Fred Abong on "The Real Ramona". In 1991, Tanya left to found Belly, bringing Fred with her.
Kristin continued the band as a three-piece, with Bernard Georges replacing Fred. They recorded 3 more albums for 4AD, "Red Heaven", "University" and "Limbo", before splitting in 1997 for financial reasons.
Kristin focused on her solo career until 2003 when they returned with another self-titled album, featuring Tanya Donnelly on backing vocals on 5 songs. Kristin's solo career continued, as well as 50 Foot Wave with Bernard.
Another Throwing Muses album, Purgatory/Paradise, arrived a decade later. Tanya supported the band on the subsequent tour and joined them for the second half of their set.
Two more albums followed, Sun Racket in 2020 and Moonlight Concessions in 2025, as Kristin continues to divide her time between Throwing Muses, her solo albums and tours and 50 Foot Wave.
