VIOLENT FEMMES

Violent Femmes are a seminal American band from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, known for blending folk punk, alternative rock, and a raw, acoustic-driven sound that helped define underground music in the 1980s. Formed in 1981, the band’s original lineup featured:

• Gordon Gano – vocals, guitar

• Brian Ritchie – bass

• Victor DeLorenzo – percussion

Their self-titled debut album, Violent Femmes (1983), became a cult classic, featuring enduring tracks like “Blister in the Sun,” “Add It Up,” and “Gone Daddy Gone.” Despite modest initial sales, it eventually went platinum and became a rite of passage for generations of alt-rock fans.

The Femmes’ sound is marked by acoustic instrumentation, angsty lyrics, and a DIY ethos that resonated with punk audiences despite their folk leanings. They were a major influence on the rise of indie rock, emo, and grunge, inspiring bands like Nirvana and Pixies.

Their discography includes:

• Hallowed Ground (1984) – darker, with gospel and country influences

• The Blind Leading the Naked (1986) – produced by Jerry Harrison of Talking Heads

• Why Do Birds Sing? (1991) – featuring the fan favorite “American Music”

• Hotel Last Resort (2019) – their most recent studio album

The band, now led by Gano and Ritchie with Blaise Garza and John Sparrow, is still active. In fall 2025, they’re touring the U.S., performing their first two albums in full—including a homecoming show in Milwaukee on October 18. 

Their shows are known for their raucous energy, audience singalongs, and a sense of timeless rebellion.