In 1989 Lucas formed his band Gods and Monsters. He took the name from a line from the film "Bride of Frankenstein": “To a new world of gods and monsters!” Originally an all instrumental jazz ensemble featuring two bass players, Lucas began writing songs and inviting singers to perform at an ad hoc basis in 1990. Lucas first met Jeff Buckley in New York at the 1991 Tim Buckley tribute concert, mounted by producer Hal Willner at St. Anne's Church in Brooklyn. Jeff Buckley stayed in New York and joined Lucas's band, Gods and Monsters. Lucas composed solo guitar instrumentals for "Rise Up to Be" and "And You Will", which later became the musical templates for "Grace" and "Mojo Pin", which Lucas co-wrote with Buckley for his popular and critically acclaimed album "Grace". Early collaborations can also be heard on the Jeff Buckley and Gary Lucas album "Songs to No One", which charted internationally with worldwide sales approaching 100,000. In the film "Greetings from Tim Buckley"] (2013), Penn Badgely plays Buckley, and Tony Award winner Frank Wood plays Gary Lucas.