Originally formed as Loud Fast Rules by guitarist Dan Murphy, bassist Karl Mueller and drummer Dave Pirner in 1981. The band found success as an independent recording artist for Twin/Tone records with Grant Young on Drums, and Pirner playing rhythm guitar. From 1984- 1989 Soul Asylum released 5 records on the Twin/ Tone records, and found a solid musical base on the collage radio circuit.

In 1989 the band was signed to A&M, but they found little success with their traditional audience, and failed to find many new fans.

Soul Asylum is a testimony to perseverance, they never gave up, and in 1992 signed to Columbia records. Their Album Grave Dancers union, was a multi-platnum success, the singles Shove, and Black gold got radio and MTV airplay, but it was the song Run Away train that launched them into a hit band. Shortly after the release of Grave Dancers, drummer Young left the band

1995's follow up to Grave Dancers union, Let your dim light shine really expanded the band musically. With the aid of their new drummer Sterling Campbell The album peaked at number 6 on Billboard, and the first single Misery did well making the top 20. However the second single, Promises broken fell flat.

The band Released Candy from a stranger in 1998. Sterling Campbell does appear on the record but has reportedly left the band on good terms. Although they have yet to regain the success they witnessed with Grave Dancers Union, Soul Asylum have proven themselves to be a top notch band, and continue to produce excellent music.

Written by Keavin Wiggins (Managing Editor)