What Happened to Siouxsie and the Banshees?
Siouxsie and the Banshees, a highly influential British rock band formed in 1976, pioneered post-punk and gothic rock before disbanding in 1996. After a brief reunion in 2002, vocalist Siouxsie Sioux continued a solo career, while the band's legacy is maintained through ongoing reissues and the recent passing of original drummer Kenny Morris in 2026.
Quick Answer
Siouxsie and the Banshees officially disbanded in April 1996 after two decades, citing internal problems and issues with their record label. They reunited briefly for a tour in 2002. Since then, lead singer Siouxsie Sioux has pursued a successful solo career, including a return to live performances in 2023. The band's catalog continues to be reissued, with several releases between 2022 and 2025, and original drummer Kenny Morris passed away in January 2026.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline16 events
Formation and First Gig
Siouxsie Sioux and Steven Severin form Siouxsie and the Banshees and perform their first gig at the 100 Club Punk Festival in London, with Sid Vicious on drums and Marco Pirroni on guitar.
Debut Single and Album Success
The band releases their debut single 'Hong Kong Garden', which reaches number seven in the UK Singles Chart, followed by their critically acclaimed debut album 'The Scream'.
Morris and McKay Depart, Budgie and Robert Smith Join
Original drummer Kenny Morris and guitarist John McKay abruptly leave the band mid-tour. Budgie (Peter Clarke) joins as drummer, and Robert Smith of The Cure temporarily fills in on guitar.
Budgie Becomes Permanent, 'Kaleidoscope' Released
Budgie becomes a permanent member of the band. They release their third album, 'Kaleidoscope', which reaches number 5 on the UK Albums Chart.
The Creatures Formed, 'Juju' Released
Siouxsie Sioux and Budgie form their side project, The Creatures, releasing their first EP 'Wild Things'. The Banshees also release the influential album 'Juju', a key record in the emerging gothic scene.
'Dear Prudence' Becomes Biggest UK Hit
The band releases a cover of The Beatles' 'Dear Prudence', which becomes their biggest UK hit, reaching number 3 on the Singles Chart. Robert Smith leaves the band shortly before the release of 'Hyæna' in 1984.
North American Breakthrough with 'Peepshow'
Siouxsie and the Banshees achieve a breakthrough in North America with the critically praised album 'Peepshow' and the single 'Peek-a-Boo'.
'Kiss Them for Me' US Hit, Siouxsie and Budgie Marry
The single 'Kiss Them for Me' from the album 'Superstition' becomes a mainstream hit in the US, peaking at number 52 on the Billboard Hot 100. Siouxsie Sioux and Budgie marry this year.
Siouxsie and the Banshees Disband
After 20 years, Siouxsie and the Banshees officially disband, with Siouxsie citing issues with Polydor and internal problems.
Brief Reunion Tour
The band reunites for a short tour, featuring Siouxsie, Severin, Budgie, and guitarist Knox Chandler.
Siouxsie Sioux Releases Solo Album 'Mantaray'
Siouxsie Sioux releases her debut solo album, 'Mantaray', to critical acclaim, marking her continued career as a solo artist.
Siouxsie Sioux Returns to Live Performances
Siouxsie Sioux announces her return to the stage after a 10-year hiatus, headlining festivals and playing shows in the UK, Europe, and North America.
'Through the Looking Glass' Vinyl Reissue
The album 'Through the Looking Glass' is reissued on crystal clear vinyl with new artwork, continuing the band's catalog re-releases.
'All Souls' CD Reissue
The compilation 'All Souls' is released on CD in a limited edition, following its vinyl release in 2022.
Death of Kenny Morris
Original Siouxsie and the Banshees drummer Kenny Morris passes away at the age of 68 after a short illness.
Mojo Magazine Special Issue
Mojo magazine publishes a special Collector's Series issue dedicated to Siouxsie and the Banshees, highlighting their enduring influence.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Siouxsie and the Banshees emerged from the nascent London punk scene in 1976, formed by vocalist Siouxsie Sioux (Susan Ballion) and bassist Steven Severin (Steven Bailey). Their impromptu debut at the 100 Club Punk Festival in September 1976, featuring Sid Vicious on drums and Marco Pirroni on guitar, marked an audacious entry into music. Initially associated with punk, the band quickly evolved, developing a distinctive post-punk sound characterized by rhythmic experimentation and sonic daring.
Their debut single, "Hong Kong Garden" (1978), became a UK Top 10 hit, followed by the critically acclaimed album 'The Scream'. The band experienced numerous lineup changes throughout its history, with Siouxsie and Severin remaining the only constant members. A significant turning point occurred in September 1979 when drummer Kenny Morris and guitarist John McKay abruptly left mid-tour. Their replacements, drummer Budgie (Peter Clarke) and guitarist Robert Smith (of The Cure), helped shape the band's evolving sound. Budgie became a permanent fixture, and his creative partnership with Siouxsie also led to their side project, The Creatures, formed in 1981.
Throughout the 1980s, Siouxsie and the Banshees released a string of influential albums like 'Juju' (1981), which became a touchstone for the emerging gothic scene, and achieved their biggest UK hit with a cover of The Beatles' "Dear Prudence" in 1983. They gained significant traction in North America with 'Peepshow' (1988) and the single "Peek-a-Boo," followed by the mainstream US hit "Kiss Them for Me" from 'Superstition' (1991), which peaked at number 52 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The band officially disbanded in April 1996 after 20 years, with Siouxsie citing "the situation with Polydor" and "internal problems" as reasons. Siouxsie and Budgie continued with The Creatures until the mid-2000s, and the Banshees briefly reunited for a tour in 2002. Siouxsie Sioux launched her solo career with the album 'Mantaray' in 2007, which was critically well-received.
In recent years, the band's legacy has seen a resurgence through reissues. 'All Souls', a compilation curated by Siouxsie, was released in 2022. 'The Rapture' was reissued on double colored vinyl in 2023, and 'Through the Looking Glass' received a crystal clear vinyl reissue in October 2024. 'All Souls' also saw a limited edition CD release in October 2025. Siouxsie Sioux returned to the stage for live performances in 2023, headlining festivals and playing standalone shows in the UK, Europe, and North America, her first tour in 15 years. As of August 2026, there are no new Siouxsie or Siouxsie and the Banshees tour dates scheduled. Tragically, original drummer Kenny Morris passed away on January 15, 2026, at the age of 68 after a short illness. In July 2026, Mojo magazine published a special issue dedicated to Siouxsie and the Banshees.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Siouxsie and the Banshees made different choices?