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Amanda Palmer

Amanda Palmer is an American musician, singer, songwriter, pianist, and author best known as one half of the punk cabaret duo The Dresden Dolls.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Amanda Palmer is an American musician, singer, songwriter, pianist, and author best known as one half of the punk cabaret duo The Dresden Dolls. She later built a solo career and has also worked with projects including Amanda Palmer and the Grand Theft Orchestra and Evelyn Evelyn. She is also known for her crowdfunding and direct fan support for releases.

Early life

Amanda Palmer was born in New York City on April 30, 1976, and grew up in Lexington, Massachusetts. She studied at Wesleyan University and graduated in 1998.

The Dresden Dolls

Palmer became known as the vocalist and pianist of The Dresden Dolls, which she formed with drummer Brian Viglione around 2000. The duo helped establish her reputation in punk cabaret and alternative performance music.

Solo career

Palmer launched a solo recording career in 2008 with *Who Killed Amanda Palmer*, followed by later solo and collaborative releases. Her solo work broadened her audience beyond the Dresden Dolls.

Other work

In addition to music, Palmer has worked as an author, playwright, actor, blogger, and performance artist. She is also active in advocacy and fan-supported funding models.

Personal life

Palmer married writer Neil Gaiman in 2011, and they have one child.

Key facts

  • Palmer first gained wide recognition as the singer and keyboardist of The Dresden Dolls.
  • She began releasing solo material in 2008, including the album *Who Killed Amanda Palmer*.
  • Her work is often described as blending punk cabaret, alternative rock, theatre, and performance art.
  • She has been associated with crowdfunding and direct fan support for releases.
  • Palmer is also an author and blogger.
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Canadian context

Amanda Palmer has toured internationally and is known to Canadian audiences through her music releases, live performances, and wider alternative-music profile.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Amanda Palmer?
Amanda Palmer is an American musician and author best known for The Dresden Dolls and her solo career.
What is Amanda Palmer known for?
She is best known as the singer and keyboardist of The Dresden Dolls and for solo albums such as *Who Killed Amanda Palmer*.
When was Amanda Palmer born?
She was born on April 30, 1976.
Where was Amanda Palmer born?
Sources identify her birthplace as New York City, United States.
Is Amanda Palmer also an author?
Yes. Biographical sources describe her as an author, blogger, and playwright as well as a musician.

References

  1. German Wikipediahttps://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amanda_Palmer
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, identity as musician/singer/songwriter, solo career, The Dresden Dolls.
  2. NAMMhttps://www.namm.org/library/oral-history/amanda-palmer
    Supports: The Dresden Dolls, solo albums, crowdfunding campaign, activism.
  3. Amanda Palmer official sitehttps://amandapalmer.net/about/
    Supports: Occupations and broad creative work including music, theatre, art, writing.
  4. IMDbhttps://www.imdb.com/name/nm2338978/bio/
    Supports: Birth date/place, marriage to Neil Gaiman, one child, credits.
  5. Simple English Wikipediahttps://www.simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amanda_Palmer
    Supports: General biography, The Dresden Dolls, solo album release, marriage.