On 11 September, Bikini Kill performed the first of two SOLD OUT shows at the Baltimore Soundstage in Baltimore, Maryland, joined by Sweeping Promises, which was the perfect supporting band. These shows marked the end of Bikini Kill’s North American 2024 tour – rumored to be their final.
Bikini Kill performed to a full house with the original Riot Grrrls, Kathleen Hanna, Tobi Vail, and Kathi Wilcox were joined by guitarist Sara Landeau (The Julie Ruin), who has accompanied their last two tours. Fans spanning seven decades or so stood shoulder to shoulder, roaring out the lyrics to Bikini Kill’s empowering feminist anthems. The band ripped through their set with the guttural energy of their origins in the 90’s Pacific Northwest punk scene, and the tight sound of seasoned musicians (Tobi and Kathleen switched places on lead vocals and drums a few times – a fun role change of two legends). I stood in awe watching fans from 7 to 80 years old reveling as Bikini Kill sang “Suck My Left One” and it was GREAT!
Towards the end of the night, the band hinted that this might be their last tour, which, if true, would mark the end of an iconic era in the punk music scene. Bikini Kill changed the standard punk scenery in the early 90’s by calling out dangerous misogynist behavior from the stage, famously insisting on “girls to the front”. Three decades later, the band is still holding people accountable for bad behavior from the stage while motivating their audiences to make meaningful change in their communities.
Bikini Kill has paved the way for a ton of girl bands and feminism in general, and while I hope this tour is not actually going to be their last, the honor to photograph it was tremendous.
How BK is influencing a new generation of fans – here are some amazing quotes from my teenage nephew and his friends who attended the Portland, Oregon (Forest Grove) show:
“I thought they were so energetic and entertaining to watch. I liked how they worked with the crowd a lot and their personalities which was fun to see in person”. – Pin A. 14
“It was THE BEST show I’ve ever seen”. – Anikka 17
“I love that the band spoke up about important issues. Kathleen asked all the trans people to scream as loud as they could, and I’m trans, so that was really cool. Everybody there was weird, which was great. You don’t have to worry about being looked down on for the way you’re dressed. I got compliments on my battle vest, and saw lots of other cool ones that inspired me. It changed my life. It was the best show I’ve ever been to”. – Moxxie B (15)
Sweeping Promises (SP) is a post punk band from Lawrence, Kansas that includes Lira Mondal (bassist/vocals), Caufield Schnug (guitarist), and Spenser Gralla (drummer). SP was a surprise to many who didn’t know what to expect with a distinct new wave sound that is compared to bands like Viagra Boys, B52’s, Devo, and more.
The band started the night with an amazing energy that was felt through the venue, especially when Mondal introduced her beautiful grungy harmonies, Schnug (tall and lanky) is mesmerizing to watch as he played the guitar, and Gralla killed on drums. While standing the midst of the crowd, I heard a lady next to me say, “I didn’t know I’d love them this much” as she danced with her friends the entire set. I think they’ve became instant fans. Be sure to catch them here.
