The legendary Bikini Kill graced the Roundhouse in London on June 12, 2024, and it was nothing short of a revolutionary spectacle. The evening, opened by the fierce and fabulous Snoozers, was a riotous celebration of feminist punk spirit that left the audience – and Team LOUD WOMEN – electrified and empowered.
As the crowd began to gather, the atmosphere was electric with anticipation. The awesome Snoozers took the stage first, our dynamic pal (and official LOUD WOMEN HQ catsitter) Nadia Buyse, firing up the crowd:
“Hey there, why is it 2024 and we’re still having to say FREE PALESTINE?!”
Snoozers were a highlight of our 2022 LOUD WOMEN Fest and they brought their A-game to the Roundhouse – I can’t remember the last time I heard a crowd screaming for the support band!
As the lights dimmed, Bikini Kill emerged, and an overwhelming roar of love from the crowd erupted. Kathleen Hanna, Tobi Vail, Kathi Wilcox, and Sara Landeau exuded an undeniable magnetism, embodying the fierce feminist ethos that has defined their legacy.
The opening riff of “Feels Blind” sent waves of exhilaration through the audience, many of whom had waited decades for this moment.
Bikini Kill’s set was a masterclass in feminist punk. Hanna’s vocals were as potent and impassioned as ever, delivering each lyric with a ferocity that was both inspiring and cathartic. The band’s chemistry was palpable, their tight, cohesive sound a testament to their enduring bond and commitment to their craft.
“That’s the fun part of being in a band – sometimes fucking up”
Between songs, Hanna and Vail took moments to speak directly to the audience, their words a call to arms against the ongoing struggles women and marginalized communities face. Their speeches were not just interludes but rallying cries, reinforcing the importance of solidarity and action in the fight for equality. The connection between the band and the audience was profound, a shared understanding that this music was more than entertainment—it was a movement.
Bikini Kill closed their set with “Rebel Girl” a defiant anthem that left the audience invigorated and ready to take on the world. As the final notes rang out, the Roundhouse was filled with a palpable sense of unity and defiance. This wasn’t just a concert; it was a communal experience, a reaffirmation of the power of music as a force for social change.
In a world that often feels increasingly divided, the Bikini Kill and Snoozers gig at the Roundhouse was a much-needed reminder of the strength found in solidarity and resistance. This was punk rock at its most potent, a night that reignited the flames of rebellion and left us all with a renewed sense of purpose and hope.