Log in to your account
Stats
Biography
Originally formed in 1981 by the rhythm duo of Brian Richie on bass and Victor DeLorenzo on drums, they selected the name originally as a joke but by the time Gordon Gano joined to round out the line-up, it had stuck and the band was in place. They started out gigging at cafes and busking on street corners. On one such street gig they impressed members of The Pretenders who asked the band to open for them at their set that evening.
Their 1983 self-titled debut album slowly but surely became something of a cult classic, with songs like ‘Blister in the sun’ and ‘Kiss Off’ helping it to turn gold long after its initial release. The albums unique sound resonated with audiences and is now considered one of the best alternative albums of the decade.
They followed this with 1984’s ‘Hallowed Ground’ which saw the band head towards a more country driven sound, led by Gano’s religious lyricism. This was followed by the more mainstream leaning ‘The Blind Leading the Naked’ which saw the band enter the charts for the first time and even spawned a minor hit in their cover of T-rex’s ‘Children of the Revolution’.
From this point on, they had many break ups and reformations but the band always managed to release new music and continue playing shows worldwide.
Live reviews
Violent Femmes - 30th anniversary of the first album. We're all a little older than we were when the first album came out, so they could be forgiven for being a little slower, smoother, mellower. The stage was set out with a selection of guitars, banjos, etc. so it certainly looked like being a slicker, more professional affair. But - not a chance!!! I felt 30 years younger as they launched into the opening bars of the opening track: Blister in the Sun. We danced wildly, we shouted along. It all sounded as fresh and exciting as it had when first heard, and it was faithful to the album - normally I like a bit of variation in a live show, but somehow this was just perfect. On it went with hardly a pause: pretty much the only thing Gordon Gano said was to tell us where you turned the record over on the vinyl version, and the only instrument changes were where necessary (for Gone Daddy Gone, for example). End of side 2 and I was exhausted and sweating like anything. But I thought they were going to give us all of Hallowed Ground as well as they showed no signs of slowing down. We didn't get that, but plenty of other old favourites (including my personal fave "Held her in my arms"). A special mention has to be made for the venue - I can recommend the Troxy which is a great building and (for me) really easy to get to on the DLR. Ears ringing, sweating and exhausted I went out into the night feeling 30 years younger - you can't ask for more than that.
nearvana
Violent Femmes, the collective name for musicians Gordon Gano, Brian Ritchie and Brian Viglione have recently celebrated the 30th anniversary of their debut self-titled album with a reunion, much to the delight of their fans. They now continue to tour their alt-rock sound globally and prove that they can still put on a show more than 30 years after their formation.
Stepping on to stage as the lights dim and the crowd cheer fondly at the appearance of the veteran rockers. A great mixture of audience between those who have supported Violent Femmes' career from the offset, those who perhaps discovered them later on and the brand new fans who appreciate the group's classic rock sound.
From the introduction of 'Blistering Sun' the crowd sing in unison and prove that no matter when they became fans, they know the music equally well. The group thanks the audience profusely and this wonderful sense of unity continues throughout the show as the band showcase their musical abilities during a discography spanning set. As the final tones of 'All I Want' fades away, the crowd has no doubt the band has not lost any of its alt-rock ability over their thirty career.
sean-ward
It's 1984, I am 15, a willing outsider with purple hair and living in dull Thatcher loving suburban Birmingham. I had just discovered Violent Femmes when no one else I knew had even heard of them ... They spoke to me with their exotic gothic and twangy sound . Wierd country type songs that sounded like no one else . So 30 years later the anticipation to see them live for the first time was incredible and I thought that they would probably be a bit of a disappointment ..how could they live up to my teenage passion for them ? After all neither of us are in our prime anymore ... OMG . I was wrong . They were fresh and vibrant and enthusiastic and funny and totally brilliant . They played everything i wanted them too right from the explosive start . The troxy was an amazing venue too .. All Art Deco and immaculate . An evening of being 15 again ? Priceless
sarah-murray-7
As always, the Femmes were fantastic. Every time I see them, I'm left wishing they would play for another 90 minutes. The Meyer Theater was packed and the crowd very enthusiastic. Although I prefer GA shows, the venue was stunning...a place worthy of filming for a TV concert...hint, hint. I loved that they played Flamingo Baby, even though Gordon got lost halfway in because they don't play it live. I'm still waiting to hear Telephone Book, Mother of a Girl, or anything off of 3, one of their most underrated albums. Would love to hear Agamemnon, I See a Damsel, Don't Start Me on the Liquor...too many to mention. Lol. Can't wait for them to do another Viva Wisconsin tour.
C. Brunsvold
Thorp WI
sk-45047211827589768
We went and saw the Femmes open up last night for the barenaked ladies. The violent femmes sounded amazing!! They put on such a good show that I have mixed emotions. After maybe an hour the show ended and I was left wanting more!!! I was disappointed only because they were so good and they have so much more material that I wanted to hear!!! Other than that it was utterly amazing !!! I'm hoping that they will tour again and play a longer show!!!!! If your a fan, do not miss!!!
dtchopper74
Awesome...played all old songs an was a great show. Highly recommend going to see them before they stop touring. Lots of old school attendees and young as well. Banjo,saxophone was amazing,xylaphone...forgot how many instruments went into making they're music. Makes you appreciate them even more!
stephanie-sellnau
It was exstatic inside Mr. Smalls. The people were awesome and the violent femmes completely blew the roof off of the place. The songs they played perfectly lined up so people didn't get bored as the night went on. I definitely would recommend that if anyone gets the chance to see them live.
BakinSoda
The Violent Femmes definitely stole the show. The set list was classic, timeless and current all at the same time.
The band was engaging and certainly energized the audience. Their drummer and sax player were phenomenal additions. Great to see them in the Femme's home town.
TSStaacke
Violent Femmes were great to see again!! Their music is great and they put on a great show!! The only disappointment was the people who are so drunk that they want to push people and try to start fights. Maybe the Norva needs to not allow quite so many people in the venue.
modlmomfer
Videos (2)
