Beck

Musical Guest:

1/11/97
1/9/99
12/4/99
2/15/03
4/16/05

Bio:

Enigmatic indie figure Beck burst onto the music scene with the song “Loser.” Though largely derided as a one-hit wonder, Beck went on to prove his critics wrong by producing a number of critically acclaimed albums since, with another set for release in the fall of 2006.

Beck’s background, to some at least, may seem as enigmatic or as strange as his music. His mom is a visual artist while his father is a musician – both are Scientologists, as is Beck.

Before hitting the major leagues with “Loser,” Beck traveled extensively and often performed as a “busker” – a street musician – as both a way of earning money and honing his craft.

Returning to Los Angeles, he gained a small following in the local underground scene, a following that earned him the attention of producer Carl Stephenson and Bong Load Custom Records, a Los Angeles-based indie label. Beck soon made a deal with Geffen Records, which released his first mainstream album, “Mellow Gold,” in 1994.

The album “Odelay” appeared one year later, followed by “Mutations.” 2002 saw the release of the seminal album “Sea Change,” arguably Beck’s finest work to date.

SNL was there to capture Beck at the outset of his career with repeated musical guest spots, affording SNL fans the opportunity to watch as he grew as a recording artist. No doubt, the SNL stage has not seen the last of Beck Hansen.

Back