Seattle-born
Bill Rieflin became one of the most respected metal/industrial drummers of the '90s, and in the 2000s and 2010s, he became nearly as well-known for his work in progressive and indie rock. Through his work with
Ministry and that band's countless side projects,
Rieflin first earned his reputation as a powerful and original force in the alternative scene.
In the '70s,
Rieflin was briefly a member of an early Seattle new wave group called the Tupperwares; while he stayed in Seattle, most of the members would relocate to Los Angeles and form the influential synth punk group the Screamers. During the early '80s,
Rieflin was a member of the Blackouts, a Seattle-based hard rock band. The lineup also included
Paul Barker and
Mike Scaccia, both future members of
Ministry, as well as
Rieflin's brother Raymond. The Blackouts folded in 1987, and
Barker convinced
Rieflin to join him and
Al Jourgensen in the newly reinvented
Ministry. Together they produced one of the seminal industrial albums,
The Land of Rape and Honey.
Rieflin continued to record and tour with
Ministry into the mid-'90s, as well as with
the Revolting Cocks. He was also a regular guest with the industrial collectives
Pigface and joined
Chris Connelly's solo project. However,
Rieflin and
Jourgensen fell out during the sessions for
Filth Pig, and the partnership with
Ministry ended. He continued to be a sought-after figure and recorded with
KMFDM,
the Swans, and
Nine Inch Nails. In 1999,
Rieflin released his first solo album, Birth of a Giant, featuring contributions for guitar maestro
Robert Fripp. The album was well-received, confirming
Rieflin's reputation as one of the most talented drummers of his time.
Rieflin became a frequent collaborator with
King Crimson on-stage and in the studio, and in 2004 he was recruited to play drums on
R.E.M.'s
Around the Sun album, and became their touring drummer until their breakup.
R.E.M. guitarist
Peter Buck also brought
Rieflin in to work on many of his other projects, including
the Minus 5 (with
Scott McCaughey) and
the Venus 3 (who backed
Robyn Hitchcock).
Bill Rieflin died on March 24, 2020 after a long bout with cancer at the age of 59. ~ Jim Harper