Throwback Thursday: The Pixies’ First U.S. TV Appearance

The Pixies may have broken up and reformed more times than a codependent couple with shared anger management issues, but, like most dysfunctional relationships, there was a golden period in there somewhere. We know this because of the great albums that they unleashed upon the world between their formation in 1986 and their first "break" after 'Doolittle.'

Just before their hiatus, though, the band managed to get on American television, appearing on the show 'Live With Jools Holland.' Looking back at this video, everything seems perfect, except for Black Francis' hair. It makes him look like Frances Buxton, the bully in 'Pee-wee's Big Adventure.' Check the throwback in the video above.

At one priceless moment in the performance, bassist Kim Deal gives Mr. Francis a look after he intones, "Rock me, Joey."

While the Pixies didn't seem to get the full attention they deserved at the time, they became one of the most important bands to come from the U.S. They influenced everyone from Nirvana to Weezer to your coworker's band that you keep putting off seeing.

And on the slim chance that you're not familiar with the Pixies for some reason, or on the much more probable chance that you're a fan, here's more ... please accept as our gift to you the videos for 'Dig for Fire' / 'Allison.'