Pop Break Live: Violent Femmes Celebrating 40 Years of the Debut Album Tour with special guest Jesse Ahern at The Fonda Theatre on Friday May 7, 2023
As we all know, very few musical acts truly make it, and even less make it for the long haul. Fortune for all of us, one of the acts that not only made it but continue to perform is everyone’s favorite stripped-back, folk-garage act, the Violent Femmes. The Milwaukee-raised band is currently touring in support of the 40th(!) anniversary of their eponymous debut album, which put them on the map back in 1983 with a set of songs that still garner massive singalongs to this day. And lucky for Los Angelenos at the Fonda Theatre in Hollywood, the Violent Femmes proved they never lost that touch, even after four decades.
Before the Femmes took the stage, singer-songwriter Jesse Ahern opened the night with a stripped-back and soulful performance with nothing but an acoustic guitar and harmonica. Hailing from Boston and having opened for the Dropkick Murphys earlier this year, Ahern commented on his “fucked up” accent, the beautiful LA sunshine, and how grateful he was to be performing live and sharing music with a room full of warm people and their families. Standouts from his set included a poignant cover of the Clash’s “Bankrobber,” which turned into a sweet singalong, and his newest single released on the same label as Flogging Molly, “Pray,” which called on finding some sort of God or the universe during this tough time. His modern singer-songwriter, country-meets-Boston approach made for an equal parts vulnerable and fun performance.
Not long after, everyone knew they were in for a treat when the gigantic saxophone and BBQ grill were rolled out on stage for Violent Femmes. A fan in the front row remarked, “When you see the grill, you know it’s gonna be Midwestern funky time.” This turned out to be quote the prescient comment, because only 10 minutes later, the Femmes – currently founding member, singer, and guitarist Gordon Gano, drummer John Sparrow, and founding member and guitarist Brian Ritchie – came out and performed a rip-roaring rendition of “Blister in the Sun.” With every inch of the floor and balcony at the Fonda covered, the crowd erupted and sang along with every word of “Kiss Off,” “Please Do Not Go,” and “Confessions.” Not long after, the three men were joined by a brassy horn section called the Horns of Dilemma.
The band played their debut album in order, which made for a cheeky amd nostalgic experience – especially when Ritchie remarked halfway through the album, “Now we’re flipping the LP over for side two!” “Gone Daddy Gone” turned the GA section into a dance floor and “Good Feeling” gave way to swaying and a thoroughly warranted singalong, reminiscent of an 80s high school prom. At the conclusion of playing all of Violent Femmes, everyone cheered so much that Gano said, “I feel like we just won an award!” After all the familiar songs, the band jumped into a song they’ve never performed live, but recently recorded with the Dropkick Murphys – a track called “Gotta Get to Peekskill,” which incorporates words from legend Woody Guthrie.
You’d never think so much time had passed since the Violent Femmes first entered everyone’s lives decades ago; the joy and fervor with which the crowd sang along to every track proved how familiar and intimate the Femmes have made their music for us all. As lively as the show was, it also felt like an intimate community event that managed to gather friends from all across the Los Angeles area. For a band that’s made a career from infectious folk-punk songs that include a mini BBQ grill as an actual percussive instrument, it’s truly delightful to see how much their music still connects with people. If you’re ever looking for a joyful night out where you just might make some friends while dancing, don’t hesitate to catch the Violent Femmes when they come to town.
