Dan Murphy (musician)

Dan Murphy
Murphy on stage with Soul Asylum in 2010
Background information
Birth name	Daniel Murphy
Born	Duluth, Minnesota United States
Genres	Alternative rock
Occupation(s)	Musician, songwriter
Instruments	Guitar, vocals
Years active	1981–2012
Labels	A&M, Columbia
Associated acts	Soul Asylum Golden Smog

Daniel David "Dan" Murphy (born July 12, 1962 in Duluth, Minnesota) is an American musician best known as a co-founder^[1] and now a former lead guitarist for the alternative rock band, Soul Asylum. He is also a member of Golden Smog.

History

Murphy was the secondary songwriter in Soul Asylum, with Dave Pirner responsible for bulk of the band's material. Some of Murphy's solo writing credits include "Can't Go Back" from Made to Be Broken, "Cartoon" off Hang Time and "Gullible's Travels" from And the Horse They Rode in On. Additionally, he and Pirner co-wrote "Easy Street" which appeared on And the Horse They Rode in On, and he co-wrote "Promises Broken" off Let Your Dim Light Shine with Marc Perlman.

In 1988, Murphy formed Golden Smog, a Minneapolis supergroup made up of members of The Replacements, The Jayhawks and Run Westy Run. Murphy was credited as 'David Spear' on the group's second album, Down by the Old Mainstream, because of contractual obligations.^[2]

In 1992, Murphy appeared on the debut solo album by former Replacements drummer Chris Mars, Horseshoes And Hand Grenades.

On October 9, 2012, an official message from Dan was posted on the forum of EnterTheSoulAsylum.com regarding his departure from Soul Asylum. His decision to leave the band was to continue a quieter life with friends and family.

Murphy also has an antiques business.

References

1. "A Brief History of the Bands and Artists". Review of rock bands from Minnesota. Minnesota Historical Society. 2012. Retrieved June 27, 2012.
2. Westword.com

External links

• The Soul Asylum Band records are available for research use at the Minnesota Historical Society.