Danny Elfman: A Spooky-Synth Time-Capsule
From street-theatre weirdo to Tim Burton’s sonic alter-ego, this timeline charts every howl, swing, and Batman punch in Danny Elfman’s wonderfully unhinged musical life.
Events in this Collection
1953 May 29
Birth of a Future Boingo
Daniel Robert Elfman arrives in Baldwin Hills, ready to terrify lullabies everywhere.
1972
Mystic Knights Conjured
Brother Richard forms surreal street troupe in Paris; Danny tags along with violin and maniacal grin.
1976
Danny Seizes the Crown
Richard exits; Danny grabs conductor’s baton, morphs troupe toward ska-tinged rock destiny.
1979
Oingo Boingo Officially Spelled
Mystic Knights shorten name, add horns, and the ‘80s suddenly sound nervous.
1981 July 15
Only a Lad LP
First full-length; teens mosh to songs about delinquent tots and suburban panic.
1985 August 9
First score for Tim Burton: Pee-wee’s Big Score
Tim Burton asks, “Can you make toys sound evil?” Danny answers with calliope nightmares.
1986 October 28
Dead Man’s Party Unleashed
Title track becomes eternal spooky-season bop; skeletons worldwide RSVP.
1988 March 30
Beetlejuice
Day-O meets harpsichord; ghost with the most gets his chaotic theme.
1989 December 17
The Simpsons Theme Composed
Danny Elfman composes The Simpsons Theme in two days, becoming his most widely recognized work.
1990 February 27
Grammy Nomination for Batman
Cape-swirling theme loses to “Under the Sea,” but Gotham still hums it daily.
1990 December 7
Edward Scissorhands Soundtrack Released
Elfman’s icy, twinkling score drops; snow-globe romance gets its musical soul.
1993 October 29
Nightmare Before Christmas Premieres
Elfman writes ten songs in ten days for Tim Burton and becomes a household name.
1995 October 31
Oingo Boingo Farewell Show
Band bows out at Universal; Danny trades red tights for conductor tails.
2003 March 1
Bridget Fonda Engagement
Composer meets ‘90s icon; both retreat further from paparazzi radar.
2003 November 29
Elfman-Fonda Wedding
Candle-lit vows; Peter Fonda gives bride away, Danny gives film scores as dowry.
2005 January 21
Son Oliver Born
First (and only) child arrives; lullabies now include theremin.
2005 February 23
Carnegie Hall Premiere of Serenada Schizophrana
Elfman’s six-movement “schizophrenic serenade” debuts; critics cheer his jump from Bat-cave to concert hall.
2008 November 26
Milk Score & Oscar Nom
Swaps spooky for tear-jerking strings; Academy finally notices he can do “serious.”
2015 February 13
Fifty Shades
Takes on steamy blockbuster; whips, chains, and oboes collide.
2015 May 29
100th Film Score Milestone
Hits triple-digit scoring credits; still hasn’t run out of minor keys.
2017 June 21
World Premiere of Violin Concerto 'Eleven Eleven'
Co-commissioned by CNSO, Stanford & Royal Scottish, Elfman’s cinematic concerto bows in Prague.
2017 November 17
Justice League Rescore
Re-uses 1989 Batman motif; fans cheer, continuity weeps.
2022 April 17
Coachella 2022 Surprise Set
Dusty teens discover “Dead Man’s Party” still slaps; Danny sings in skeleton suit at 68.
2023 May 4
Concerto Premiere at Library of Congress
Swaps bat-cave for concert hall; critics call it “Bernstein on absinthe.”