The punk rock landscape is about to riot once again, as Bikini Kill embarks on their highly anticipated 2024 U.S. tour. This isn’t just a concert series; it’s a cultural event that promises to reignite the fire of feminist punk rock at a time when its fierce, unapologetic voice is needed more than ever.
Formed in the early ’90s, Bikini Kill wasn’t just a band — they were the vanguard of a movement.
Credited with spearheading the “riot grrrl” movement, Bikini Kill was more than just music at the time; they voiced a call to arms against misogyny, homophobia, and oppressive systems that pervaded both the punk scene and the broader world. Their music was raw, their message clear, and their impact undeniable.
When the band reunited in 2019 after a hiatus, it was a momentous occasion for fans and a new generation of punks and feminists (and feminist punks) who had been influenced by their legacy. Now, in 2024, they’re back on tour — ready to shake up the status quo with the same vigor that made them icons.
A Voice for Our Times
This tour couldn’t come at a more critical juncture. In a time marked by intense political polarization, where rights of women, the LGBTQ+ community, and people of color are once again under threat, Bikini Kill’s return feels not only nostalgic, but necessary. Their music has always been a rallying cry for the marginalized and their reunion is a reminder that the fight for equality FOR ALL is far from over.
This 2024 tour will see original members — Kathleen Hanna on vocals, Tobi Vail on drums, and Kathi Wilcox on bass — return to the stage, alongside guitarist Sara Landeau (who has become an integral part of the band’s modern incarnation). This lineup is more than just a collection of musicians; it’s a powerhouse of feminist icons whose contributions to punk rock and feminist discourse have been more than monumental. Hanna, a relentless advocate for women’s rights, has used her platform to speak out against sexism, misogyny, and injustice for decades.
Her voice, both literally and figuratively, has been a beacon for countless women and non-binary individuals seeking empowerment through music.
Vail, whose thunderous drumming provides the backbone of Bikini Kill’s sound, has always been a defiant force in the punk scene. Vail’s influence extends beyond her musicianship: she’s been a crucial figure in shaping the feminist dialogue within punk rock and beyond. Then comes Wilcox, with her driving bass lines, who helped to create the sonic foundation upon which Bikini Kill’s messages were built. Together, these three original members — along with Landeau’s searing guitar riffs — form a band that is as forceful and in-your-face as ever.
The Tour: A Nationwide Call to Arms
The tour kicks off on August 15th, 2024, with a two-night stand at the legendary Wiltern Theater in Los Angeles. The choice of venue is fitting; The Wiltern has a storied history of hosting some of the most iconic performances in rock history. From there, the band will embark on a nationwide tour, hitting major U.S. cities. Each stop is expected to be a high-energy, high-emotion affair, where fans old and new can come together to celebrate the band that has inspired so many.
The tour promises to be a mix of the old and the new. Fans can expect to hear the anthems that made Bikini Kill famous, such as “Rebel Girl”, “Double Dare Ya”, and “Suck My Left One”, along with newer material that continues to push boundaries and challenge the status quo. With the current political climate, these songs resonate with fresh urgency. The band’s music, characterized by its raw energy and unapologetic lyrics, will undoubtedly inspire the kind of cathartic release that only a Bikini Kill show can provide.
For those who were there in the ’90s, this tour is a chance to relive the revolutionary spirit that Bikini Kill embodied.
For younger fans, it’s an opportunity to experience the band that helped lay the groundwork for much of the feminist punk and indie scenes we see today. As Bikini Kill hits the road, they will undoubtedly leave a trail of empowerment, inspiration, and defiance in their wake. So, get ready to raise your fists, scream along, and join the rebellion… because Bikini Kill is back and louder than ever.
Photography by Debi Del Grande
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