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Screaming Trees
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Screaming Trees were an American rock band formed in Ellensburg, Washington, in 1984 by vocalist Mark Lanegan, guitarist Gary Lee Conner, bassist Van Conner, and drummer Mark Pickerel. Pickerel was replaced by Barrett Martin in 1991. Screaming Trees became known as one of the pioneers of grunge along with Melvins, Mudhoney, U-Men, Skin Yard, Soundgarden, Green River, and Malfunkshun, among others. Although widely associated with grunge, the band's sound incorporated hard rock and psychedelic elements.[citation needed]

Key Information

After releasing a string of EPs and albums in the 1980s on independent labels, Screaming Trees signed with Epic Records in 1990. They released their major label debut album in 1991, Uncle Anesthesia, which spawned their first charting single "Bed of Roses". After Martin replaced Pickerel on drums, Screaming Trees released their most successful album in 1992, Sweet Oblivion. "Dollar Bill" became a minor radio hit, but the lead single "Nearly Lost You" vastly increased the band's popularity as it peaked at No. 5 on the Modern Rock Tracks Chart, No. 12 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks Chart, No. 50 on the UK Singles Chart, and No. 96 on the ARIA Chart.

After an extended hiatus and various recording sessions, the band's follow-up album was eventually released in 1996, entitled Dust. Although the lead single "All I Know" peaked at No. 9 on both the Modern Rock Tracks and Mainstream Rock Tracks charts, the album did not match its predecessor's success. After difficulties in recording another album, the band announced their official breakup in 2000. Their aborted album from the late 1990s was later released in 2011 as Last Words: The Final Recordings. Lanegan died aged 57 on February 22, 2022. Van Conner died aged 55 on January 17, 2023.

History

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1984–1989: Formation and early releases

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The Conner brothers formed Screaming Trees with Mark Lanegan and Mark Pickerel in 1984 in Ellensburg, Washington, a small town a little over 100 miles from Seattle.[5][6] The band was drawn together in high school by an interest in punk, garage, and classic rock.

The band rehearsed at the Conner family's video rental store and recorded their demo tape Other Worlds in the summer of 1985 with Steve Fisk at Creative Fire recording studio in Ellensburg. It was initially distributed by the independent label K Records. Other Worlds then got a wider release through the independent label, Velvetone Records (also based out of Ellensburg).[5] In 1986, they released their debut full-length album, Clairvoyance, also on the Velvetone label.[5] Musically, the album combined psychedelic rock and hard rock with the band's aforementioned influences.[5] With Fisk's help, the LP caught the attention of Greg Ginn, and the band were signed to SST Records.

In 1987, the band released their second LP, and their first for SST, Even If and Especially When.[5] After the release of the album in 1987, the band began working the American indie circuit, playing shows across the US with other SST bands such as Firehose and Meat Puppets.[5] In early 1988, Screaming Trees collaborated with the indie pop band Beat Happening on the EP Beat Happening/Screaming Trees. Screaming Trees' next album, Invisible Lantern, was released later on in 1988. SST also decided to re-release Other Worlds that same year. Screaming Trees then released the album Buzz Factory in 1989. While attempting to tour behind Buzz Factory, SST had difficulties in releasing the album. By the tour's conclusion, the band became frustrated and departed from the label.[7]

Towards the end of 1989, Screaming Trees briefly became a part of the roster for the prominent independent label Sub Pop. The label released the band's EP Change Has Come in December 1989. Half of it was produced by Fisk and the other half was produced by Jack Endino. Drummer Pickerel later described the EP, in his own opinion, as "our best recorded moment".[8]

1990–2000: Major label years

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In 1990 the band signed a major label contract with Epic Records.[7] The band released their fifth full-length album the following year, and first for a major label, Uncle Anesthesia.[5] The album was produced by Terry Date and Soundgarden vocalist Chris Cornell[5] and included the single "Bed of Roses", which gained considerable airtime on alternative rock radio stations and peaked at No. 23 on the Modern Rock Tracks Chart. The single was the first Screaming Trees release to chart. Although Uncle Anesthesia sold better than their previous efforts, the band remained a cult act.

After the release of Uncle Anesthesia Van Conner went on hiatus from the band, choosing to tour as bass player for Dinosaur Jr. instead, with Donna Dresch filling in for him during Screaming Trees performances. Late in 1991, Nirvana's Nevermind became an unexpected commercial success, opening the gates for the rest of the Seattle scene.

Screaming Trees in 1992

Barrett Martin replaced previous drummer Pickerel and the new lineup recorded Sweet Oblivion in 1992.[5] Sweet Oblivion was the band's breakout album and included the hit single "Nearly Lost You". The video for "Nearly Lost You" became an MTV and alternative radio hit in the fall of 1992, thanks to its inclusion in the soundtrack for the film Singles. "Nearly Lost You" peaked at No. 5 on the Modern Rock Tracks Chart, No. 12 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks Chart, No. 96 on the ARIA Chart, and No. 50 on the UK Singles Chart,[9] making it the band's first single to chart outside the United States. "Dollar Bill" was also released as a single and it peaked at No. 28 on the Modern Rock Tracks Chart and at No. 40 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks Chart. Overall, Sweet Oblivion sold a total of 300,000 copies in the United States.[5]

Screaming Trees were chosen by Nirvana band leader Kurt Cobain to appear on the final day of the Reading Festival in the United Kingdom on August 30, 1992, which Nirvana headlined.[10][11] Screaming Trees also played at the Roskilde Festival in Denmark in 1992 which Nirvana headlined as well.[12] The band supported Sweet Oblivion with a year-long tour, during which tension developed among the members. After the tour was finished, the group took an extended hiatus. During that time, Lanegan recorded his second solo album, Whiskey for the Holy Ghost, which was released in 1994.[7] The following year, Lanegan was featured as a guest vocalist in the Barrett Martin (alongside Layne Staley and Mike McCready) side project Mad Season. Lanegan co-wrote and sang on two songs. Mad Season would only release one studio album because of Staley's deteriorating health and the 1999 death of bassist John Baker Saunders. Mad Season attempted to reform with Lanegan on lead vocals, changing the band's name to "Disinformation", however the project never got off the ground. In 2013 Mad Season released a deluxe version of their debut album, including three songs from the Disinformation sessions with new lyrics and vocals by Lanegan.

In early 1995, Screaming Trees toured Australia for the only time as part of the Big Day Out festival, before beginning work on their follow-up to Sweet Oblivion. Following one stillborn attempt at the album, the band hired producer George Drakoulias, who had previously worked with the Black Crowes and the Jayhawks. The resulting album, Dust, was released in 1996, nearly four years after its predecessor. The album peaked at No. 134 on the Billboard 200 Chart, No. 32 on the UK Albums Chart,[9] and No. 39 on the RPM Top 100 Albums Chart. Dust gained favorable reviews while the singles "Sworn and Broken" peaked at No. 76 on the UK Singles Chart and "All I Know" peaked at No. 9 on both the Modern Rock Tracks and Mainstream Rock Tracks charts; however, the album ultimately did not match the sales of Sweet Oblivion. After the release of the album, Josh Homme, formerly from Kyuss, was hired as rhythm guitarist.

Following the Dust tour in the United States, Screaming Trees took another hiatus for Lanegan to begin his work on his third solo album, Scraps At Midnight, which was released in 1998.[5] The band headed back into the studio in 1999 and recorded several demos including the song "Ash Grey Sunday" and shopped them around to labels, but no label was interested.[citation needed] The band played a few surprise shows in early 2000 to try to gain a label's attention but they were unsuccessful. They did however release the song "One Way Conversation" on the Musicblitz Records internet label. In 2000, after a concert to celebrate the opening of Seattle's Experience Music Project, the band announced their official breakup.[5]

Final album and deaths of Lanegan and Van Conner

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On June 22, 2011, it was announced that an unreleased album that Screaming Trees recorded in 1998 and 1999 would finally see the light of day. Titled Last Words: The Final Recordings, the album was mixed by Jack Endino and Martin. It was released digitally on Martin's self-owned label Sunyata Productions on August 2, 2011, with CD and vinyl versions released in the following months.[13]

In 2021, when asked about his time with Screaming Trees, Lanegan replied, "It's kind of like looking back at grade school. I definitely have fond memories and it's really how I learned to sing — through trial and error, with those guys."[14] Lanegan died on February 22, 2022, at his home in Killarney, Ireland.[15]

Gary Lee Conner revealed on January 18, 2023 that Van Conner had died aged 55. He had previously been in a coma due to stomach surgery, followed by contracting COVID-19. It was reported that pneumonia had ultimately led to his death.[16]

On Black Friday 2023, Wrong Turn to Jahannam: Live From Egg Studio 1991 was released. It consisted of an in-studio rehearsal session by the band which was unreleased up to that point. Dan Peters of Mudhoney played drums on the recording as it was during his brief time in the band as a touring member.

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Mark Lanegan released a solo album in May 2001 entitled Field Songs. Also in that year, he became a member of the alternative rock group Queens of the Stone Age with Homme. Lanegan recorded two albums as one of the group's three vocalists before leaving the group in late 2005. His sixth solo album Bubblegum was released in 2004 and became his best-selling album and his first solo album to chart.[citation needed] He went on to work with Greg Dulli in the Gutter Twins and the Twilight Singers. Lanegan also received critical acclaim for his albums with Isobel Campbell, one of which, Ballad of the Broken Seas, was nominated for the 2006 Mercury Music Prize.

Gary Lee Conner started the bands the Purple Outside and Microdot Gnome as the vocalist. He has also done session work with other musicians. In 1999, he released the single "Grasshopper's Daydream/Behind the Smile" on Sub Pop, which featured his former bandmates Homme and Pickerel along with his brother Van as producer. Gary Lee later released four solo albums between 2016 and 2021.

Initially, Van Conner turned his efforts to his side-project Gardener with Aaron Stauffer (formerly of Seaweed, and later VALIS). In 2001, he contributed to Lanegan's album Field Songs. Van has produced and contributed to several other projects over the years, including Kitty Kitty, VALIS, Gardener, and Gary Lee's Sub Pop single "Grasshopper's Daydream/Behind the Smile". Van's band VALIS released several recordings between 2002 and 2012.

Barrett Martin became a touring member for several bands after the breakup of Screaming Trees, including Stone Temple Pilots and R.E.M., and has released two solo albums with limited success. He later contributed to Lanegan's solo album I'll Take Care of You and the album Rated R by Queens of the Stone Age. He later became the drummer for Tuatara and also the drummer/vocalist in The Minus 5. Martin contributed playing drums on two albums by Nando Reis, a Brazilian musician: Para Quando O Arco Irís Encontrar O Pote de Ouro (2000) together with Peter Buck from R.E.M., and A Letra A (2003).[17] In 2019, Martin formed the supergroup Silverlites (featuring Peter Buck, Rich Robinson, and Joseph Arthur) and released their self-titled debut in 2024.[18]

Almost immediately after departing from Screaming Trees in 1991, Mark Pickerel formed the band Truly alongside Robert Roth, original Soundgarden bassist Hiro Yamamoto, and Chris Quinn. Truly released their debut EP Heart and Lungs in 1991, followed by Quinn's departure shortly after. The band stayed as a trio and they released two full-length albums plus a compilation, followed by a hiatus in 1998.[19] Pickerel also played drums on three of Lanegan's solo albums throughout the 1990s. Pickerel released his debut solo album in 2006, Snake in the Radio. He eventually followed it up with three additional solo albums.

Members

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Touring members

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Timeline

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Discography

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Main article: Screaming Trees discography

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Screaming Trees

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from Grokipedia
Screaming Trees was an band formed in , in 1984, consisting of vocalist , guitarist , bassist , and drummer , and is recognized for its contributions to the genre during the . The band initially drew from neo-psychedelic and influences before evolving into a prominent act in the scene, blending raw energy with introspective lyrics. In their early years, Screaming Trees released several independent albums on labels like Velvetone and , starting with their debut in 1986 on Velvetone, which showcased a sound rooted in the underground. The group signed with in 1990, marking a shift with the album in 1991, their first major-label release that introduced a more polished aesthetic while retaining psychedelic elements. Lineup changes followed, with drummer replacing Pickerel and the band briefly featuring touring guitarist , solidifying their lineup for subsequent recordings. Screaming Trees achieved their greatest commercial breakthrough with in 1992, which peaked at No. 141 on the and featured the hit single "," propelled by inclusion in the Singles soundtrack. Their 1996 follow-up continued this momentum, reaching No. 134 on the chart and earning critical praise for its mature songwriting amid the band's internal struggles with addiction and lineup instability. Despite these successes, the group disbanded in 2000 after a final tour, having never fully escaped their status as underdogs compared to peers like Nirvana. The band's legacy endures through Lanegan's influential solo career and collaborations, as well as posthumous recognition following his death in 2022 at age 57 and Van Conner's passing in 2023 at age 55. Screaming Trees remains a foundational act in history, celebrated for bridging psychedelic roots with the era's raw emotional intensity.

History

Formation and early releases (1984–1989)

Screaming Trees were formed in 1984 in , by vocalist , guitarist , bassist (Gary Lee's brother), and drummer . The band emerged from the Pacific Northwest's underground scene, drawing initial influences from 1960s , , and punk, which shaped their raw, experimental sound. later reflected on their early affinity for , noting it as a primary influence during the band's formative years. The group's first recordings were made at the local Velvetone Studio using basic four-track equipment. In 1985, they self-released the cassette-only EP Other Worlds on Velvetone Records, featuring primitive, lo-fi tracks that highlighted Lanegan's developing vocal style. This was followed in 1986 by their debut full-length album, , also on Velvetone, where producer helped refine their neo-psychedelic approach, allowing Lanegan to discover a deeper, more resonant singing voice. Impressed by Clairvoyance, SST Records founder Greg Ginn signed the band in 1986, marking their entry into a prominent indie punk label. Their SST debut, Even If and Especially When, arrived in 1987, expanding on their psychedelic roots with denser arrangements and garage-infused energy. In 1988, Invisible Lantern followed, which Conner described as their most psychedelic album from the era, recorded on eight-track with buried rhythms emphasizing swirling guitars and atmospheric textures. The period culminated in 1989 with Buzz Factory, their first 16-track recording, blending heavier riffs and evolving song structures that hinted at the grunge direction to come.

Major label breakthrough (1990–1996)

In 1990, following success on college radio with their independent releases, the Screaming Trees signed a contract with , transitioning from indie labels like SST to a major label platform. This move positioned them among the early acts to secure major-label support amid the rising wave. Their Epic debut, , arrived in March 1991, co-produced by 's , who brought a cleaner production style that highlighted Mark Lanegan's gravelly vocals and the band's roots. The album's lead single, "," marked their first chart entry, reaching No. 23 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and gaining airplay on alternative radio. sold moderately, peaking outside the top 100 on the , and the band supported it with tours alongside acts like and Nirvana, solidifying their place in the scene. Shortly after the album's release, original drummer Mark Pickerel left the band in 1991 due to creative differences and the rigors of touring, prompting the addition of Barrett Martin, formerly of Skin Yard, who injected a more dynamic rhythm section. Martin's debut with the group came on Sweet Oblivion, released in September 1992 and recorded in Los Angeles with producer Don Dixon. The album refined their sound further, blending grunge energy with '60s-inspired hooks, and achieved breakthrough visibility when the single "Nearly Lost You" appeared on the soundtrack to Cameron Crowe's film Singles. The track peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard Alternative Airplay chart and No. 12 on the Mainstream Rock chart, while follow-up "Dollar Bill" reached No. 12 on Alternative Airplay. Sweet Oblivion climbed to No. 141 on the Billboard 200, selling in excess of 300,000 copies and becoming the band's commercial high point to date, bolstered by extensive U.S. and European tours. After a hiatus marked by solo projects— including Lanegan's —the band reconvened for , released in June 1996 and produced by in New Orleans. The album captured a mature evolution, incorporating and folk elements amid the band's growing personal struggles with substance issues. It debuted at No. 134 on the and No. 5 on the Heatseekers Albums chart, with singles "All I Know" hitting No. 9 on and "Sworn and Broken" reaching No. 26. earned critical praise for its songcraft and Lanegan's raw delivery, though sales stalled below 200,000 units amid shifting post-grunge trends; the supporting tour, including dates, highlighted their live prowess but underscored internal tensions that would later contribute to their decline.

Decline, breakup, and later activities (1997–2000)

Following the release of Dust in 1996, Screaming Trees embarked on an extensive tour in 1997 to promote the album, performing across with high-energy sets that included tracks like "Nearly Lost You" and "All I Know." However, the band's momentum began to wane as internal tensions escalated, exacerbated by frontman Mark Lanegan's ongoing struggles with heroin addiction, which led to tour cancellations, including the remainder of their 1996 Oasis support dates after Lanegan fell ill in . These issues contributed to a decline in cohesion, with guitarist later reflecting on the strained dynamic: "Me and Lanegan didn’t get along, I know that, but we did make some great music together." Attempts to record a follow-up album faltered due to persistent personal and creative conflicts from 1998 into 2000, including disputes between the Conner brothers—guitarist Gary Lee and bassist Van—and Lanegan's unilateral decisions on band matters. Sessions at Stone Gossard’s studio yielded demos, but progress stalled as Lanegan prioritized his solo career, releasing Scraps at Midnight in 1998 and I'll Take Care of You in 1999. The band's final live performance took place on June 25, 2000, at Memorial Stadium in Seattle. The group entered an indefinite hiatus by late 1999, with no new label secured and mounting frustrations leading to the official breakup announcement in 2000. Van Conner cited family dynamics and individual pursuits as key factors, noting that he had temporarily quit before being persuaded to return, only for the band to dissolve amid unresolved tensions. In the immediate aftermath, members pursued separate paths: Lanegan continued his solo work, while Gary Lee Conner and Van Conner explored side projects, marking the end of Screaming Trees as a performing entity.

Post-breakup projects and member deaths (2001–present)

Following the Screaming Trees' breakup in 2000, frontman Mark Lanegan established a highly regarded solo career, releasing eleven studio albums between 1990 and his final one, Straight Songs of Sorrow (2020), which drew from his memoirs and explored themes of addiction and recovery. He also joined Queens of the Stone Age as a full-time member from 2002 to 2005, contributing vocals to albums like Songs for the Deaf (2002), and formed the Gutter Twins with Greg Dulli in 2003, releasing Saturnalia (2008). Lanegan collaborated extensively with artists including Isobel Campbell on three albums starting with Ballad of the Broken Seas (2006), Soulsavers on multiple records, and appeared on tracks by Moby and UNKLE. In 2020, he published the memoir Sing Backwards and Weep, detailing his struggles with heroin addiction during and after the band's era. Guitarist largely withdrew from music for about a after the split but resumed in the with solo releases under his name and the alias The Microdot Gnome, blending and elements. His projects include the 2010 album The Microdot Gnome, followed by Unicorn Farm (2018) and Dimensional Hitchhiker (2022), the latter featuring original compositions recorded over years. He has also overseen reissues of early Screaming Trees material, such as expanded editions of rarities, maintaining the band's archival legacy. In 2025, announcements were made for 40th anniversary vinyl remixes, remasters, and merchandise releases to celebrate the band's legacy. Bassist Van Conner maintained a lower profile post-breakup, contributing bass to Lanegan's Field Songs (2001) and briefly playing with Dinosaur Jr. in the mid-2000s before health issues limited his activity. Drummer Barrett Martin, who joined in 1991, continued a diverse career in world music and rock; he co-founded the instrumental group Tuatara (active into the 2010s), released solo albums like Future (2020), and authored books including The Greatest Band That Never Was on Screaming Trees (2023). In 2024, Martin formed the supergroup Silverlites with R.E.M.'s Peter Buck, Black Crowes' Rich Robinson, and singer Joseph Arthur, debuting the single "Don't Go (Don't Stay)." In 2025, Silverlites announced their first UK shows. That year also saw a tribute concert for Lanegan in London, featuring Homme, Depeche Mode's Dave Gahan, and others performing his catalog, as well as a reissue of the band's debut album Clairvoyance with previously unreleased outtakes. Lanegan died on February 22, 2022, at age 57 in , ; no was publicly disclosed. Van Conner passed away on January 17, 2023, at age 55 in , due to following an extended illness, including complications from stomach and a liver . Gary Lee Conner and Barrett Martin remain active, with the surviving members occasionally reuniting for archival releases and tributes honoring the band's influence.

Musical style and influences

Core elements and evolution

The Screaming Trees' musical style was fundamentally anchored in and , featuring distorted guitars, pulsating bass lines, and the brooding baritone vocals of frontman , which lent a dark, introspective edge to their compositions. This core sound drew from influences, emphasizing raw energy and psychedelic textures over polished production in their initial years. From their formation in 1984 through the late , the band's output reflected a primal, experimental phase, with albums like (1986) and Even If and Especially When (1987) showcasing fuzzy, reverb-heavy riffs and lo-fi aesthetics that evoked the underground scene's raw ethos. As they transitioned to major-label releases in the early , their style evolved toward a heavier, more structured grunge framework, incorporating sludgy riffs and blues-infused hooks while retaining psychedelic undercurrents. The 1992 album exemplified this shift, blending gritty with melodic accessibility, as heard in tracks like "Nearly Lost You," which highlighted tighter songwriting and broader sonic dynamics. By the mid-1990s, particularly on (1996), the Screaming Trees further refined their evolution into a mature fusion of , , and folk elements, achieving a classic-rock poise with orchestral touches and introspective lyrics that marked a departure from their earlier abrasiveness. This progression demonstrated a linear refinement, where the band steadily enhanced their foundational psychedelic roots with grunge's intensity and mainstream polish, positioning them as a pivotal force in alternative rock's development.

Key influences from psychedelic and grunge scenes

The Screaming Trees drew significant inspiration from the movement of the 1960s, particularly the underground scenes emerging from and , which shaped their raw, experimental early sound. Guitarist emphasized the impact of English psychedelic acts alongside the LA psych revival, noting that these elements, combined with punk and new wave, formed a core part of the band's foundation during their formation in 1984. This neo-psychedelic approach is evident in their debut album (1986), where swirling guitar textures and hazy atmospheres echoed the era's garage-psych vibe, setting them apart from the more straightforward punk bands of the . Vocalist also contributed to the band's psychedelic leanings through his admiration for and new wave acts with psych-infused edges, such as , whose 1980 album Subculture deeply influenced him; he was obsessed with it in 1985 during the recording of Clairvoyance and lifted lyrical elements from the title track. Lanegan's deep, brooding delivery often evoked the introspective mysticism of 1960s psych icons like , blending it with a darker, more grounded tone that foreshadowed their evolution. This influence persisted into later works like (1992), where psychedelic undertones provided a to the heavier riffs, creating a hybrid sound that described as rooted in the "psychedelic underground music of the sixties." From the scene, the band absorbed the raw energy of punk and precursors, which were foundational to grunge's development in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Emerging from , just east of , Screaming Trees were influenced by the regional DIY ethos and aggressive sonics of acts like The Melvins and Green River, helping propel their shift from pure psych experimentation to a grittier, riff-driven style. Bassist highlighted punk influences such as the Minutemen's , whose basslines informed his playing, while the broader wave—characterized by distorted guitars and themes of alienation—amplified their edges, as seen in albums like Buzz Factory (1989). noted how this immersion in the " " transformed their neo-psychedelic base into a marquee grunge outfit by the mid-1990s.

Legacy

Impact on alternative rock and grunge

Screaming Trees emerged as key pioneers in the movement, forming in , in 1984 and contributing to the genre's foundational sound well before its mainstream breakthrough in the early . Alongside bands like the and , they helped shape grunge's raw aesthetic through their early releases on , blending punk energy with psychedelic elements drawn from 1960s influences. This pre-Seattle positioning allowed them to influence the broader scene, providing a template for the heavy, distorted riffs and introspective lyrics that defined grunge. The band's evolution from neo-psychedelic roots to polished marked a significant impact on , with vocalist Mark Lanegan's gravelly, soul-infused delivery adding emotional depth to the genre's often aggressive style. Albums such as (1992) exemplified this shift, incorporating grubby garage-rock grit, brown-acid , and heavy riffing that helped formulate grunge's sonic palette. Tracks like "Nearly Lost You" from the Singles soundtrack further embedded them in the alternative rock zeitgeist, bridging underground experimentation with commercial accessibility during grunge's peak. Their legacy endures in through Lanegan's subsequent collaborations and the band's influence on acts, emphasizing melodic over pure distortion. As one of the marquee outfits of the era, Screaming Trees demonstrated how regional sounds could mutate into mainstream alt-rock, inspiring later artists in stoner and scenes despite their relative under-the-radar status compared to peers like Nirvana.

Posthumous recognition and tributes

Following the band's dissolution in 2000, Screaming Trees received posthumous recognition through the release of archival material that captured their final creative efforts. In 2011, drummer Barrett Martin unearthed and restored tapes from the band's 1998–1999 recording sessions at Studio Litho in Seattle, which had been self-financed after their dismissal from Epic Records. These sessions, produced by Martin, yielded the album Last Words: The Final Recordings, a 10-track collection featuring contributions from guests Peter Buck of R.E.M. and Josh Homme of Queens of the Stone Age. Released digitally on August 2, 2011, via Sunyata Records, with physical editions following on October 18, the album offered a raw glimpse into the band's unpolished, psychedelic-tinged sound during their waning years, though it received mixed critical reception for its incomplete nature. The deaths of key members further amplified the band's legacy through widespread tributes from the music community, underscoring their influence on and . Vocalist Mark Lanegan's passing on February 22, 2022, at age 57, prompted immediate homage from peers including , who expressed "deepest respect" for him. Bassist and co-founder Van Conner's death on January 17, 2023, at age 55, elicited similar responses, with former drummer honoring him on social media and Soundgarden's highlighting the band's foundational role in . A landmark tribute occurred on December 5, 2024, at London's Roundhouse, in an event titled " – A Celebration," held shortly after what would have been Lanegan's 60th birthday. The star-studded concert featured performances of Screaming Trees tracks like "" and "Shadow of the Season," alongside Lanegan's solo material, by artists including , of , of , of , of , and of . Organized by Lanegan's collaborators, the evening celebrated the band's enduring impact, with Homme and others emphasizing Lanegan's as a defining force in rock. In 2025, the induction of into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame further contextualized Screaming Trees' contributions to the scene, with tributes noting their shared foundational influences. Despite these honors, the band has not yet been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, where they became eligible in 2011; advocates continue to cite their role in bridging and as grounds for future recognition.

Band members

Core and former members

The Screaming Trees were founded in Ellensburg, Washington, in 1984 by vocalist Mark Lanegan, guitarist Gary Lee Conner, bassist Van Conner (Gary's brother), and drummer Mark Pickerel, who formed the original lineup and recorded the band's first four studio albums. Pickerel departed in 1991 amid internal tensions, after recording the band's debut major-label album Uncle Anesthesia but before its release and touring, leading to a brief period of lineup instability that included temporary contributions from drummers such as Dan Peters of Mudhoney. After the release of in 1991, took a hiatus to tour as bassist with , during which filled in on bass for select performances. joined as the permanent drummer in 1991, solidifying the core quartet that achieved the band's commercial peak with albums like (1992) and (1996). This lineup remained stable until the band's breakup in 2000, following internal conflicts and Lanegan's struggles with addiction. During a brief 1988 hiatus, when temporarily left the band, bassist filled in for select recordings and performances. Tragically, two core members have since passed away: Lanegan died on February 22, 2022, at age 57 from natural causes at his home in , , after a long battle with health issues stemming from addiction; Van Conner died on January 18, 2023, at age 55 from following an extended illness. and have pursued separate projects post-breakup, with no full reunion occurring as of 2025.
MemberInstrumentYears ActiveNotes
Lead vocals, rhythm guitar1984–2000Founding member; died February 22, 2022. Contributed to songwriting throughout.
Lead guitar, backing vocals1984–2000Founding member; primary songwriter alongside Lanegan and .
Bass, backing vocals1984–2000 (with breaks in 1988 and 1991)Founding member; died January 18, 2023. Key collaborator in early psychedelic sound.
Drums, percussion1984–1991Original drummer; played on debut albums Clairvoyance through Buzz Factory. Later formed Truly with .
Drums, percussion1991–2000Joined post-Pickerel; elevated the band's rhythmic complexity on major-label releases. Also in Mad Season.

Touring and session contributors

Throughout their career, the Screaming Trees occasionally augmented their core lineup with touring musicians during periods of lineup flux or to enhance live performances. In 1988, while bassist Van Conner was temporarily sidelined and working with Dinosaur Jr., punk bassist Donna Dresch filled in on bass for select live dates, including performances documented in fan footage from that year. Later, following the release of their 1996 album Dust, the band recruited Josh Homme—fresh from Kyuss—as rhythm guitarist for their final tours, contributing to the group's live energy during the late 1990s European and U.S. outings amid growing internal tensions. Session contributors appeared sporadically across the band's recordings, often adding texture to their psychedelic rock sound. On the 1996 major-label album Dust, Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready provided a searing solo on "Dying Days," while Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers keyboardist Benmont Tench contributed organ, electric piano, mellotron, and piano on several tracks, including "All I Know" and "Make My Mind," helping to infuse the record with atmospheric depth. Producer George Drakoulias also added percussion throughout. The posthumously released Last Words: The Final Recordings (2011), drawn from 1998–1999 sessions, featured R.E.M.'s Peter Buck on acoustic and 12-string electric guitars across multiple tracks, alongside Homme's rhythm guitar on "Crawlspace," marking some of the band's final studio efforts before their 2000 breakup. Earlier albums like Sweet Oblivion (1992) and Uncle Anesthesia (1991) relied primarily on the core members, with minimal external input beyond production teams.

Discography

Studio albums

The Screaming Trees released seven studio albums between 1986 and 1996, beginning with independent efforts on small labels and evolving toward a more polished and sound after signing with in 1991. Their early work, produced during the band's formative years in , emphasized swirling guitars, Mark Lanegan's baritone vocals, and influences from , while later albums incorporated heavier riffs and broader production to align with the scene's rise. These recordings captured the band's progression from underground obscurity to modest commercial success, with marking their commercial peak. A 2025 reissue of includes outtakes.
Album TitleRelease YearLabel
1986Velvetone Records
Even If and Especially When1987
1988
Buzz Factory1989
1991
1992
1996
Clairvoyance, the band's debut, was a raw collection of psychedelic tracks recorded in a home studio, featuring fuzzy guitars and echoing vocals that evoked 1960s influences like and , though it received limited distribution and attention outside local circles. Even If and Especially When expanded on the debut's hazy sound with more structured songs and experimental elements, including backwards tapes and reverb-heavy production, earning praise for its atmospheric depth within the scene but remaining a favorite due to SST's niche reach. Invisible Lantern refined the band's psychedelic edge with darker, more intense riffs and Lanegan's brooding lyrics, blending garage punk energy with folk undertones; critics noted its cohesive vision as a step forward, though sales were modest. The Buzz Factory marked a transitional phase, incorporating heavier distortion and grunge precursors amid internal tensions, with tracks like "Ivy" showcasing Gary Lee Conner's intricate guitar work; it was well-regarded for its raw power but highlighted the band's growing frustrations with indie constraints. Uncle Anesthesia, their major-label debut, shifted toward cleaner production under Chris Corman's guidance, featuring hits like "Bed of Roses" that charted modestly and introduced a more accessible alternative rock sound, receiving positive reviews for bridging their indie roots with mainstream appeal. Sweet Oblivion built on that momentum with psychedelic-tinged anthems, including the single "," which gained traction via film soundtracks; the album's blend of hooks and atmosphere was lauded for its maturity, peaking at No. 141 on the . Dust, the band's final studio album, delivered polished rock with bluesy undertones and orchestral touches on tracks like "," achieving their highest chart position at No. 134 on the ; reviewers highlighted its haunting quality and the band's steady evolution toward grace amid personal struggles.

Compilations, EPs, and singles

The Screaming Trees issued five extended plays across their independent and early major-label phases, often serving as bridges between full-length albums and highlighting their raw, psychedelic-tinged rock sound. These EPs, released between 1985 and 1991, featured concise collections of tracks that captured the band's experimental edge and growing cohesion, with labels like Velvetone, SST, , and Epic providing platforms for their initial breakthroughs.
TitleRelease YearLabelNotes
Other Worlds1985VelvetoneDebut EP with five tracks, including the title song blending garage and .
1989Four-track EP emphasizing the band's shift toward heavier riffs.
Beat Happening / Screaming Trees1988Collaborative EP with ; includes tracks like "Polly Pereguin" performed by members of both bands.
Bed of Roses1991EpicPromotional EP tied to , featuring the charting single.
Something About Today1991EpicFive-track EP with covers and originals, showcasing production polish.
The band released two primary compilation albums in 1996, coinciding with the peak of their commercial visibility and serving as retrospective overviews of their catalog. Anthology: SST Years 1985-1989, issued by , collected 21 tracks from their independent era on that label, emphasizing formative psychedelic and punk influences across EPs and albums like and Buzz Factory. Ocean of Confusion: Songs of Screaming Trees 1989-1996, released by , compiled 17 selections from their major-label output, including hits from , , and , to capitalize on grunge-era nostalgia. Post-breakup archival releases include Weird Things Happening (Ellensburg Demos 1986-1988) (2024, self-released, compilation of early demos) and Live at Egg Studios (2023, self-released, live album).
TitleRelease YearLabelNotes
Anthology: SST Years 1985-19891996SST21 tracks from early SST releases; highlights pre-major label evolution.
Ocean of Confusion: Songs of Screaming Trees 1989-19961996Epic17 tracks from Epic era; includes radio staples like "Nearly Lost You".
Weird Things Happening (Ellensburg Demos 1986-1988)2024Self-releasedCompilation of early demos.
Live at Egg Studios2023Self-releasedLive album recorded in studio.
Screaming Trees' singles discography spans over a dozen releases from 1985 to 1996, with early independent 7" vinyl efforts giving way to Epic-backed promotions that achieved alternative rock airplay success. Initial singles like "Ivy" (1985, Velvetone) and "Smokerings" (1987, SST) established their underground presence, while major-label outputs focused on album tracks with B-sides and remixes to broaden appeal. Representative examples include "Nearly Lost You" from Sweet Oblivion, which reached No. 5 on Billboard's Modern Rock Tracks chart in 1993, driven by its inclusion in the Singles soundtrack, and "All I Know" from Dust, peaking at No. 9 in 1996 and underscoring the band's grunge-era momentum. Other key singles like "Dollar Bill" (No. 28 Modern Rock, 1993) and "Shadow of the Season" from Sweet Oblivion further solidified their chart impact without crossing into mainstream pop territory, though the latter did not chart on Modern Rock Tracks.
TitleRelease YearAlbum/SourceLabelChart Peak (Modern Rock Tracks)
Ivy1985Non-albumVelvetoneN/A (independent)
Smokerings1987Even If and Especially WhenSSTN/A
Bed of Roses1991EpicNo. 23
Nearly Lost You1992EpicNo. 5
Dollar Bill1993EpicNo. 28
Shadow of the Season1993EpicN/A
All I Know1996EpicNo. 9

References

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