In 2006, the Nashville-based band released its self-titled debut on Thurston Moore's Ecstatic Peace label when its members were still in high school.

NPR: Be Your Own Pet: Teenage Abandon

In 2005, O'Rourke left the band and Sonic Youth continued with its mostly original lineup, featuring Kim Gordon, Thurston Moore, and Lee Ranaldo with drummer Steve Shelley.

NPR: Sonic Youth's B-Sides Are Worthwhile and Strong

When guitarists Thurston Moore and Lee Ranaldo formed Sonic Youth with bassist Kim Gordon and drummer Richard Edson in 1981, they could never have imagined the band would go on to inspire and influence a generation of other artists.

NPR: Sonic Youth's B-Sides Are Worthwhile and Strong