Amanda Palmer is an American singer, songwriter, musician, and performance artist known for her work as the lead vocalist and pianist of the Dresden Dolls. She has also pursued a solo career and collaborated with other artists, notably as part of Evelyn Evelyn and Amanda Palmer and the Grand Theft Orchestra. Palmer is recognized for her early adoption of crowdfunding, which helped her connect with a dedicated fanbase.
April 30, 1976: Birth of Amanda Palmer
Amanda MacKinnon Palmer was born on April 30, 1976. This marks the beginning of her journey as a renowned artist.
1998: Graduation from Wesleyan University
Amanda Palmer graduated from Wesleyan University with a BA in 1998, marking the completion of her formal education.
1999: Founding of Shadowbox Collective
In 1999, Amanda Palmer founded the Shadowbox Collective, a performance group focused on street theater and theatrical productions, showcasing her passion for unconventional performance.
2000: Formation of the Dresden Dolls
Amanda Palmer met drummer Brian Viglione at a Halloween party in 2000, leading to the formation of the Dresden Dolls, a significant turning point in her musical career.
2002: Premiere of "Hotel Blanc"
In 2002, Palmer directed the play "Hotel Blanc" with the Shadowbox Collective, further demonstrating her artistic versatility and leadership.
2002: Recording of Debut Album
The Dresden Dolls, having gained a devoted following, recorded their debut album, "The Dresden Dolls," in 2002 with producer Martin Bisi, marking a major step in their musical journey.
December 9, 2006: Premiere of "The Onion Cellar"
Amanda Palmer's musical production, "The Onion Cellar," inspired by Günter Grass's "The Tin Drum," premiered on December 9, 2006, at the Zero Arrow Theatre, showcasing her creative vision and theatrical talent.
2006: Publication of "The Dresden Dolls Companion"
In 2006, "The Dresden Dolls Companion," written by Amanda Palmer, was published, offering insights into the band's history, her personal journey, and the making of their debut album.
2006: Release of "Yes, Virginia..."
The Dresden Dolls released the album "Yes, Virginia..." in 2006, marking a period of creative output for the band.
January 13, 2007: Closing Night of "The Onion Cellar"
On January 13, 2007, "The Onion Cellar" concluded its run, marking the end of a chapter in Palmer's exploration of theater and storytelling.
June 2007: True Colors Tour and Radio City Music Hall Debut
Amanda Palmer, as part of the Dresden Dolls, embarked on the True Colors Tour 2007 in June, which included a significant performance at New York City's Radio City Music Hall and her first review in The New York Times, broadening her exposure and critical acclaim.
July 2007: First Solo Shows with a Band
Amanda Palmer performed three sold-out shows in July 2007 with a new band format, featuring Boston alternative rock group Aberdeen City, marking an early step in her transition to a solo career.
August 2007: Edinburgh Festival Fringe Performances
In August 2007, Palmer performed at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Scotland, including a performance on BBC Two's "The Edinburgh Show," expanding her audience internationally.
September 2007: Launch of Evelyn Evelyn Project
Amanda Palmer and Jason Webley launched their collaborative project Evelyn Evelyn in September 2007 with the EP "Elephant Elephant," introducing their alter egos, conjoined twin sisters Eva and Lyn.
December 2007: Collaboration with the Danger Ensemble
Amanda Palmer collaborated with the Australian theater company the Danger Ensemble in December 2007, performing at the Spiegeltent in Melbourne and other Australian venues, blending music and theater in her performances.
2007: Coming Out
Amanda Palmer came out as bisexual in 2007 in an interview with afterellen.com
June 2008: Solo Debut with the Boston Pops
Amanda Palmer made her solo debut with two well-received performances with the Boston Pops in June 2008, solidifying her presence as a solo artist.
July 2008: Release of "The Virginia Companion"
The Dresden Dolls released their second book, "The Virginia Companion," in July 2008, featuring music and lyrics from their previous albums and continuing their exploration of multimedia storytelling.
September 16, 2008: Release of "Who Killed Amanda Palmer"
Amanda Palmer's debut solo studio album, "Who Killed Amanda Palmer," produced by Ben Folds, was released on September 16, 2008, marking a significant milestone in her solo career.
2008: "Melody vs. Meditation" Article
In 2008, Amanda Palmer wrote an article titled "Melody vs. Meditation" for the Buddhist publication Shambhala Sun (now known as 'Lion's Roar'), which described the struggle between songwriting and being able to clear the mind to meditate.
2008: European Tour with Jason Webley, Zoë Keating, and The Danger Ensemble
In late 2008, Palmer embarked on a European tour with Jason Webley, Zoë Keating, and The Danger Ensemble, performing songs primarily from her debut solo album, expanding her reach to European audiences.
2008: Dresden Dolls Breakup
The Dresden Dolls disbanded in 2008, signaling a significant change in Palmer's career trajectory as she began to focus more on her solo endeavors.
April 2009: Coachella Performance
Amanda Palmer performed at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in April 2009, exposing her music to a wider audience and solidifying her presence in the festival circuit.
July 2009: Release of "Who Killed Amanda Palmer" Companion Book
A companion book of photos titled "Who Killed Amanda Palmer a Collection of Photographic Evidence" was released in July 2009, featuring photography by Kyle Cassidy, stories by Neil Gaiman, and lyrics from the album, further expanding the artistic world of the album.
2009: Collaboration on "With The Needle That Sings In Her Heart"
Amanda Palmer returned to her alma mater, Lexington High School, in 2009 to collaborate on a workshop play titled "With The Needle That Sings In Her Heart," inspired by Neutral Milk Hotel's album and Anne Frank's diary, demonstrating her commitment to fostering young artistic talent.
March 30, 2010: Release of Evelyn Evelyn's Self-Titled Album
Evelyn Evelyn, the collaborative project of Amanda Palmer and Jason Webley, released their self-titled debut album on March 30, 2010, further developing the fictional narrative of the conjoined twin sisters.
2010: Engagement to Neil Gaiman
Amanda Palmer and Neil Gaiman confirmed their engagement in 2010.
January 2011: Marriage to Neil Gaiman
Amanda Palmer and Neil Gaiman married in a private ceremony in January of 2011 at the parlor of writers Ayelet Waldman and Michael Chabon.
2011: First Dresden Dolls Reunion
The Dresden Dolls reunited briefly in 2011, hinting at the enduring partnership between Palmer and Viglione despite their decision to pursue individual projects.
April 20, 2012: Kickstarter Campaign for New Album
Amanda Palmer launched a Kickstarter campaign on April 20, 2012, to fund her new album, ultimately raising over $1 million, a record-breaking amount for a musical project on the platform, demonstrating the power of crowdfunding and fan support.
September 2012: Theatre Is Evil Release
Amanda Palmer released her album, "Theatre Is Evil", recorded with the Grand Theft Orchestra and produced by John Congleton, in September 2012.
November 9, 2012: "Do it With a Rockstar" Music Video Release
On November 9, 2012, Amanda Palmer released the music video for "Do it With a Rockstar" on The Flaming Lips' website. The video was co-created and directed by Wayne Coyne, the singer of the Flaming Lips.
2012: Second Dresden Dolls Reunion
Amanda Palmer and Brian Viglione reunited again as the Dresden Dolls in 2012, further demonstrating their enduring creative connection and delighting fans.
February 2013: TED Talk
Amanda Palmer gave a TED Talk in February 2013 about the art of asking, which she later expanded upon in her memoir.
August 9, 2013: Lincoln Center Debut
On August 9, 2013, Amanda Palmer made her Lincoln Center debut.
November 2014: "The Art of Asking" Release
In November 2014, Palmer released her memoir, "The Art of Asking", which expands on a TED talk she gave in February 2013. The book made the New York Times Best Seller list.
March 3, 2015: Patreon Launch
Amanda Palmer began soliciting financial support on the crowdfunding platform Patreon on March 3, 2015.
June 21, 2015: BBC Radio 4 Appearance
Amanda Palmer's talk at the 2015 Hay Festival about the prospect of reconciling art and motherhood was recorded for the BBC Radio 4 series Four Thought and broadcast on June 21, 2015.
2015: Birth of Son
Amanda Palmer and Neil Gaiman welcomed their son in 2015.
July 2016: "You Got Me Singing" Concerts
Amanda Palmer and her father, Jack Palmer, performed concerts in July 2016 in support of their album "You Got Me Singing".
2016: Third Dresden Dolls Reunion
The Dresden Dolls reunited for a third time in 2016, reaffirming their musical bond and their ability to come together despite their individual pursuits.
June 2017: "I Can Spin a Rainbow" Tour
Amanda Palmer and Edward Ka-Spel toured in May and June 2017 in support of their album, "I Can Spin a Rainbow", backed by Legendary Pink Dots' former violin player Patrick Q. Wright.
2017: Fourth Dresden Dolls Reunion
Continuing their pattern of reunions, the Dresden Dolls performed together again in 2017, much to the excitement of their dedicated fanbase.
2018: Fifth Dresden Dolls Reunion
The Dresden Dolls reunited once more in 2018, demonstrating their enduring musical connection and their willingness to revisit their shared musical history.
March 8, 2019: "There Will Be No Intermission" Release
On March 8, 2019, Amanda Palmer released her third solo studio album and first in seven years, "There Will Be No Intermission". The album was promoted by an extensive world tour that was filmed for her patrons on Patreon.
March 2020: COVID-19 Lockdown and Separation
In March 2020, Amanda Palmer was on the final leg of her international tour in support of her latest album when the COVID-19 pandemic forced lockdowns around the world. Palmer, Gaiman, and their son quarantined in Havelock North, Hawke's Bay, New Zealand. Palmer later announced on her Patreon that she and Gaiman had separated.
October 31, 2020: Wisconsin Democrats Livestream Fundraiser
On October 31, 2020, Palmer and Viglione performed "Science Fiction/Double Feature" to open the Wisconsin Democrats Livestream fundraiser that reunited some original Rocky Horror Picture Show cast members to act out the show with additional stars and singers.
2020: "The Art of Asking Everything" Podcast Launch
In the fall of 2020, Amanda Palmer announced she would be releasing a podcast called "The Art of Asking Everything".
2021: Reconciliation with Neil Gaiman
Amanda Palmer and Neil Gaiman reconciled in 2021 after separating during the COVID-19 pandemic.
November 2022: Divorce from Neil Gaiman
In November 2022, Palmer and Gaiman announced in a joint statement that they would divorce.
2022: Dresden Dolls Reunion and New Album Announcement
The Dresden Dolls reunited in 2022 and began working on a new album, signaling a renewed commitment to their collaboration and a potential new chapter in their musical journey.
2023: Dresden Dolls US Tour
The Dresden Dolls embarked on a US tour in 2023, marking their return to live performances as a reunited band and reconnecting with their fanbase across the country.