No openers, no filler, just pure, unfiltered Violent Femmes magic at The Espee!
Last night at The Espee, San Antonio was treated to an unforgettable performance by none other than the Violent Femmes, one of the most iconic and unconventional bands to emerge from the ‘80s. With no openers, no distractions—just pure musical storytelling—the band delivered both their self-titled debut album and Hallowed Ground in full, separated by an intermission. The intimate yet electric atmosphere of The Espee provided the perfect backdrop for a night filled with raw emotion, infectious energy, and nostalgic anthems.
As the crowd buzzed with anticipation, the band stepped onto the stage with an effortless cool, launching straight into Hallowed Ground album songs. When the second half of the set kicked in with their legendary self-titled debut, the shift in tone was undeniable—haunting, intense, yet equally mesmerizing. Fans sang every word, swayed to every beat, and let the music take them back in time
It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for any true Violent Femmes fan!
VIOLENT FEMMES
A Night of Raw Folk-Punk Energy
From the first strum of “Country Death Song,” the crowd erupted in cheers, setting the tone for an evening of singalongs, dancing, and pure musical euphoria. Violent Femmes took their audience back to 1983 as they played through every track of their Hallowed Ground album. While their debut was a rebellious coming-of-age soundtrack, this album showcased a darker, more intricate side of the Femmes. Songs like “Never Tell” and “Jesus Walking on the Water” added a layer of mysticism and intensity to the night, proving the band’s evolution beyond their punk roots.
After a brief intermission, the band returned on stage with the iconic song “Blisters In The Sun,” turning the venue into a massive singalong as the crowd belted out every word. It was time to submerge into their self-titled debut. “Kiss Off” had the entire venue shouting in unison, “Add It Up” was nothing short of explosive, and “Gone Daddy Gone” proved why the band’s stripped-down, acoustic-punk sound still resonates today.
Great Musicians On Stage
Bassist Brian Ritchie’s virtuoso playing stole the show, effortlessly blending punk attitude with folk instrumentation. Gordon Gano’s signature nasally yet passionate vocals transported fans through decades of musical history, and John Sparrow’s skillful percussion on his signature Weber grill drum setup brought a unique charm to the performance. And not to mention the incredible talent that multi-instrumentalist Blaise Garza showcased on stage with his mesmerizing performance.
By the time the final notes of their set rang out, the audience was left completely in awe, knowing they had just witnessed something truly special. Violent Femmes didn’t just play their albums—they breathed life into them, giving fans a night they’ll never forget.
The Birth of an Unconventional Legend
Before they were folk-punk pioneers, Violent Femmes were just a scrappy trio busking on the streets of Milwaukee in the early ‘80s. Their breakthrough came in the most unexpected way—The Pretenders’ guitarist, James Honeyman-Scott, discovered them playing outside a show and invited them to open that very night. That lucky break led to a record deal and the release of their groundbreaking 1983 self-titled debut album.
The album, featuring timeless tracks like “Blister in the Sun” and “Gone Daddy Gone,” became a cult classic. Its raw, acoustic punk energy was unlike anything else at the time, earning them a loyal fan base. But instead of sticking to the formula, the band took a bold turn with their second album, Hallowed Ground. Blending folk, gospel, and eerie storytelling, it showed a more experimental side of their artistry.
Despite ups and downs over the decades, Violent Femmes have remained a beloved force in alternative music, proving that great music stands the test of time.
A Timeless Experience
The show last night was more than just a concert, it was a time capsule of musical rebellion, artistry, and nostalgia. Violent Femmes gave fans a night filled with unfiltered emotion, singalong anthems, and a reminder of why their music still resonates today. The two-album performance felt like a journey through the band’s evolution, from youthful angst to haunting storytelling.
As fans spilled out into the night, there was a shared feeling of having witnessed something truly rare—a band that, decades later, still performs with as much heart and authenticity as ever. Violent Femmes proved that their music isn’t just a memory of the past—it’s a living, breathing experience that continues to inspire.
VIOLENT FEMMES – San Antonio, TX – 03/19/2025
Hallowed Ground
- Country Death Song
- I Hear the Rain
- Never Tell
- Jesus Walking on the Water
- I Know It’s True But I’m Sorry to Say
- Hallowed Ground
- Sweet Misery Blues
- Black Girls
- It’s Gonna Rain
== Intermission ==
Violent Femmes
- Blister in the Sun
- Kiss Off
- Please Do Not Go
- Add It Up
- Confessions
- Prove My Love
- Promise
- To the Kill
- Gone Daddy Gone
- Good Feeling
Encore:
- I Held Her in My Arms
- American Music
