The Stranglers

United Kingdom, 1974–now

British band formed in Guildford in 1974, emerging from the pub-rock scene into punk. Older and more musically schooled than their peers, they paired menacing lyrics with Dave Greenfield's swirling keyboards and Jean-Jacques Burnel's growling bass — from the raw Rattus Norvegicus and No More Heroes to the harpsichord-laced hit 'Golden Brown'.

MusicRoots documents 3 artists who influenced The Stranglers and 1 artist The Stranglers influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.

Who influenced The Stranglers?

• The Doors — The Stranglers named the Doors a major influence; Dave Greenfield's swirling, organ-led keyboards give their sound a direct Doors-like psychedelic undertow.
• The Velvet Underground — The band cited the Velvet Underground among the 1960s acts that shaped their dark, art-tinged rock.
• Jimi Hendrix — Jimi Hendrix was among the acts the Stranglers named as formative influences on their sound.

Which artists did The Stranglers influence?

• Elastica — The Stranglers' terse, keyboard-driven punk is among the late-'70s acts Elastica openly borrowed from.