Pylon

Pylon, a band from Athens, Georgia, may not have achieved the same level of commercial success as their peers R.E.M. and the B-52's, but their influence on the alternative rock scene of the '80s was significant. With their propulsive sound and distinctive vocals, Pylon's first two albums, Gyrate and Chomp, are considered essential records of the American independent rock era. Despite disbanding in the '80s, Pylon's legacy was solidified by their impact on bands like R.E.M. and a posthumous reformation in 1988.

Tragically, guitarist Randy Bewley passed away in 2009, but Pylon's music continued to be celebrated through archival releases like Pylon Live in 2016 and the expansive Pylon Box in 2020. Their influence on the Athens music scene and the broader American underground remains undeniable, cementing their status as key figures in alternative rock history.