Bikini Kill slays Night One in LA at The Wiltern

The legendary Wiltern in Los Angeles was the perfect venue for a night of raw, feminist punk energy as Bikini Kill returned to the stage on August 15th, 2024, launching a two-night stand before embarking on a national tour. This iconic “riot grrrl” punk band, fronted by the indomitable Kathleen Hanna, took us back to the ferocious spirit of the early ’90s, reminding us why they remain a cornerstone of punk rock and feminist culture.

Opening the night was The Ghost Ease, a Portland-based project led by Cuban American artist Jem Marie. The group stood out not just for their sound, but as a fluid collective; Jem writes the music and then collaborates with different musicians for live shows. For this particular tour, Jem is joined by bassist Laura Hopkins and drummer Cici Harrison, known for her work with the band Heliotropes.

The Ghost Ease’s setlist was a mix of emotionally driven and rousing tracks, including “Make It Right,” “HDTV,” and “Truce”.

Jem Marie’s guitar work was both intricate and powerful, capturing the crowd’s attention from the first note. Often, opening acts can struggle to engage audiences eagerly waiting for the headliner, but The Ghost Ease had no such issue. The crowd at The Wiltern was fully behind them, responding enthusiastically to each song.

When Bikini Kill took the stage, the energy in the room was at an all-time high. For those unfamiliar with their history, Bikini Kill is more than just a band — they’re a movement. Formed in the early ’90s, Bikini Kill was one of the pioneering bands of the riot grrrl movement, a feminist punk rock wave that challenged the male-dominated music scene and addressed issues like sexism, misogyny, and women’s empowerment head-on. Frontwoman Kathleen Hanna, with her unapologetic lyrics and commanding stage presence, became an icon not just in music but in feminist activism, as well.

Bikini Kill’s significance to punk rock and feminist culture cannot be overstated.

Their music and message empowered countless women and girls to take up space in a world that often tried to silence them. Songs like “Rebel Girl” and “Suck My Left One” became anthems for a generation of women who were fed up with the status quo and ready to fight back. And on this night at The Wiltern, Bikini Kill proved that their message is just as relevant today as it was over two decades ago.

The band’s set was a blistering journey through their catalog. Kathleen Hanna was in top form, her voice sharp and powerful as ever. She engaged the crowd with the kind of energy and charisma that has always set her apart as a performer. Her interactions with the audience were both funny and poignant, showcasing her ability to connect with fans on a personal level while still delivering a high-octane performance.

The rest of the band was equally impressive. Tobi Vail on drums, Kathi Wilcox on bass, and Sara Landeau on guitar played with a tightness that only comes from years of performing together. Their chemistry was evident in every song, as they powered through tracks like “Carnival”, “New Radio”, “I Like Fucking”, and “Don’t Need You” led to the perfect encore to close out the night: starting with “Suck My Left One”, the band soon went into their most famous anthem — “Rebel Girl”. As soon as the opening chords rang out, The Wiltern exploded with energy and lasted till the curtain closed.

Photography by Shane Pase

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