About John Lombardo

John Lombardo was born on September 30, 1952 in Jamestown, NY. John Lombardo is infamous for being a founding member of the American alternative rock band, 10,000 Maniacs. He is also a member of the folk rock band, John & Mary

Beginning of Music

When John Lombardo was a student at SUNY Geneseo, the summer before his senior year he taught himself how to play guitar. When he returned to campus in the fall, he joined a band called Succotash. With this band he played a couple gigs around Geneseo to introduce him into the music world.

John Lombardo attended Geneseo as a double major in political science and speech communication. While studying there he worked as a DJ at WGSU where he played eccentric musicians of the time such as David Bowie.

Starting 10,000 Maniacs in Jamestown

After obtaining his masters degree from the University of Buffalo, John Lombardo returned to Jamestown and him and his friends formed the band 10,000 Maniacs in 1981. They named the band 10,000 Maniacs based on the movie “Two Thousand Maniacs”.

10,000 Maniacs Worldwide Fame

John Lombardo describes 10,000 Maniacs as a mix of folk rock with reggae. He believes the band became so popular because of the different sounds they mixed together to create unique music. 10,000 Maniacs was climbing the charts and producing hit music albums when John Lombardo left the band in 1986 to start the duo John & Mary. They released four albums together.

John Lombardo and Mary Ramsey rejoined the band in 1996 and they produced the song “Love Among the Ruins” with the cover of “More Than This” which reached number 29 on the Billboard chart.

Continuing the 10,000 Maniacs Legacy

10,000 Maniacs has been together for over 30 years and is continuing to write new music and engage with their fans. They continue to go on tour to keep providing their fans with their engaging and unique sound.