Violent Femmes - Full Performance (Live on KEXP)

KEXP.ORG presents Violent Femmes performing live in KEXP's gathering space. Recorded August 2, 2017.
Songs:
Blister In The Sun
Please Do Not Go
American Music
Country Death Song
Host: Troy Nelson
Audio Engineer: Kevin Suggs
Cameras: Jim Beckmann, Alaia D'Alessandro, Kendall Rock & Justin Wilmore
Editor: Jim Beckmann
kexp.org
vfemmes.com

[@adampell7651]

Gordon's voice has not changed a bit since the first album. Incredible.

[@CoupedeVillefly]

Adam Pell - could not agree more. Very spot on.

[@kareneno490]

Do you like American music?

[@NicholasShanks]

He did put on weight though…

[@MikeRLloyd73]

Nicholas Shanks so will you... or maybe you will wilt

[@wepeelwraps]

Nicholas Shanks he looks pretty fucking good to be a 57 y/o rock star...so fuck off??

[@timanctil8225]

Most underrated band in history...

[@nickboshell4380]

I'll second tat man.

[@goober8798]

I normally don't agree with "most underrated blah blah", but agree with this one

[@munchyman3]

Their music never fails to take me back to simpler times. Legends!

[@drewbocop]

@@goober8798 Same but this is an objective FACT lol

[@trygvelie573]

You are correct.

[@Yeaidoubtit]

1:09 Blister In The Sun 4:38 Please Do Not Go 10:15 American Music 16:12 Country Death Song

[@JorshWarshington1]

MVP

[@Yeaidoubtit]

@@JorshWarshington1 got u

[@MelStaub]

Them joking about playing blister in the sun a second time had me in stitches, one of the best bands ever period.

[@sydglover4842]

yeah it's a shame the audience look like there waiting for the bus and the femmes are so energetic.

[@MelStaub]

@@sydglover4842 It reminds me of some of The Pixies shows I’ve gone to, the band is giving it their all and the crowd acts like a bunch of half asleep old folk, it’s honestly sad :/

[@chadhaswell2462]

These guys belong in the RnR Hall of Fame!

[@Belguimofficial]

Could not agree more!!

[@skatiputnik2431]

The sound of that bass is amazing

[@Mcgnarsh]

Jomamk kehau except when he botched the solo, really tight otherwise

[@rodhuy01]

Jomamk, go listen to the early albums first in particular. he plays 4 string chords on the bass, notes everhwere. his early live shows were just unbelievable. . this guy Brian Ritchie, is the undisputed KING of bass. he's literally the Jimi Hendrix of the bass. getting a tad older now. solo here wasnt his best. but his legacy lies before him !

[@MusicMike76]

@Rod H I met him years ago after a show and complimented his playing and he said "well, I've been doing it a long time" haha

[@thorinpeterson6282]

To be fair, Victor Wooten is the king of the bass guitar. No offense to Brian, but he's merely a fantastistic player, whereas Wooten is a literal god.

[@yellofury]

The Ernie Ball Earthwood bass some history behind it. Google it

[@bronwynjoyhansen8606]

After all these years, I can't listen to the Femmes without singing along.

[@mattgilbert7347]

I'm listening to this on the bus tapping along on a metal teapot and grooving and I don't care who sees

[@zemariabellodias]

And laughing! 😂

[@SPOOKSTR]

Im 55 years old and have been to literally hundreds of concerts. The bass player in VF is the best I've seen.

[@jeffsmith2131]

He really is so good. Thought it was just me who loved so many of their basslines.

[@revalone3944]

interesting pfp for a 55 year old

[@jeffreybutts1916]

Totally! And, yet, under-rated and almost forgot by many. His riffs are amazing.

[@jenewcomb]

I saw them in concert around Christmas time, 1996 or so in Arizona. It was Fun Loving Criminals, POE and then Violent Femmes as headliners. It was a fairly intimate setting with a theatre in the round set up; and the stage rotated. They came out and played 3-4 songs and said nothing. just right into the songs like they were miserable being there. Then Gordon began telling a story. Brain Ritchie was a giant on the stage with his giant upright bass. He looked like he was ignoring the story and just waiting for it the whole night to be over. About halfway into Gordon's story, Brian bellows at the top of his lungs "When I say Dance, you best Dance m----f-----!" The whole place went electric screaming and the Violent Femmes launched right into the song. It was amazing.

[@SPOOKSTR]

@@revalone3944 I filled up on Helium to fit my brain in better.

[@johnhatch6517]

The Violent Femmes are the greatest! I love that they picked a kid from the audience and had him stand with them during the whole song. I'm jealous of that kid. 😊

[@peeessaye-7339]

Complete with the little alfalfa hairs. Such a big smile. Too cute.

[@brokenacoustic]

Good to know yet another generation of fans are out there, such a great band

[@spikeybunny6577]

and that kid knew all the words!

[@micks9580]

And they take their instrument on the bus.

[@christiananderson6761]

One of the most important bands of all time

[@mattgilbert7347]

So goddam wholesome and heartwarming. Wonderful.

[@andrewmiroslawski1083]

I love how they launch from the feel good vibes of "American Music" right smack into one of the darkest songs of their entire discography "Country Death Song". The crowd was so confused, they had no idea what to do.

[@uruseifuzzbox]

Sounds great. This is how it's done kids. 2 acoustic guitars, a bbq and great songs.

[@ghanus2009]

Don't forget the great mics and matching engineers who knew what they were doing! Big Kudos for them.

[@MrMetalclay]

@@ghanus2009 that mic set up is so organic. It's got to be an engineering nightmare though.

[@marymueller8311]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️💞❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@DavidBerlin]

@@MrMetalclay its so perfectly Violent Femmes though. its awesome. You're right tho. EQ/gain/etc has to be murderous.

[@cpt.dr.hawkeye1740]

that's not a guitar it's an acoustic bass

[@regandunn4850]

From buskers to massive success where I live in new Zealand they played in 1990 I was like 12 and the I smoked weed at the show first time ever and this band blew me away

[@mattgilbert7347]

Huge in NZ. Primary school to Form 7, the ultimate high school band.

[@footnotedrummer]

These guys are still fire. Probably the best party music of the 80s. I wore this cassette out. Amazing songs.

[@fuzzynutkila1]

His voice hasn't changed . Same key ! That's awesome

[@MST3Killa]

Think my dream lineup is simply a Violent Femmes and Pixies dual show.

[@ramonathevillan3657]

MST3Killa same tho

[@JkNttr]

violent femmes opening for pixies and weezer would be crazy

[@sstan1337]

@@JkNttr Weezer opening for Violent femmes and the Pixes...please dude!

[@pigeonheadedman5225]

Same but velvet underground as well

[@mh2365]

Femmes and TMBG

[@mishaelsands5972]

I have attended these guys concerts, when available 6 times over the past 30 years... Have not changed a bit... I remember when Nirvana supported them, not a person was interested in Nirvana (all at the bar) but it was a great night when the Femmes cames on.

[@WhereTheyLay]

Wow. Hearing Nirvana supoorted them just made my day. Thank you!

[@mishaelsands5972]

@@WhereTheyLay to be fair - no one even knew who Nirvana was at the time.

[@WhereTheyLay]

@@mishaelsands5972 That's what's so beautiful about it. I bet Kurt was overwhelmed by it thinking 'wow, if only we could be this well revered someday.' I heard Violent Femmes years after hearing Nirvana. Am making a massive assumption, but there was an element to Nirvana that harkened to them a lot. Post Bleach. Songs like Polly etc. Stripped down and raw. The storytelling was present on Bleach too; 'Swap Meet', but it's what they dropped and fleshed out on Nevermind that was very Femmes. I couldn't believe I didn't know the Femmes, when first heard them. Was like a jigsaw piece that fit into my realm of understanding with Nirvana. Just fit and made sense.

[@giorgiocurcetti4001]

One of the most original bands ever, a sound so unique no fucker ever attempted to copy it or draw inspirattion from it. An incredibly intelligent mish-mash of Americana and The Velvet Underground, bolted with shards of Free Jazz and wrapped up with the finest pop sensibility. Just unbrlievable! The first three albums should be in every self-respecting record collection...

[@voxhumana1039]

What a mind-blowing band! The connection between them. How organic this music is...just amazing.

[@baz6128]

A day of joy and song seeing these guys playing. Brian was the reason why I started playing bass. Still awesome all these years later.

[@QuinnHomes]

Weber has its new commercial. This is a phenomenal performance. The recording sounds fantastic. A++

[@makingplaylists]

They still sound like they did in the 80s! That's amazing that they're still together, and still sound so damn good!

[@kaseywiesen8501]

Legendary. One of the greatest bands to ever do it.

[@SRone45]

Violent Femmes are one the best things to ever happen to music.

[@mountainhobbit1971]

such a classic voice!!

[@MrGiorgioud]

It takes me back when I was learning the bass. I learnt every single line Brian Ritchie ever played and I just devoured those records (we are talking early 1980s, kiddies). I managed to finally see them live in the late 1990s when they reformed and started touring again. I also loved Gano’s offshoot band The Mercy Seat and saw them live in 1987. It was one of the best gigs I have ever seen.....

[@dannyinaus]

I saw them in the 80's from the start, and my band opened for them twice. After the gig, we went out for a drink, and in the mall, there was a large crowd gathered. In the center were the Femmes playing an acoustic set - this is after they did their paid gig lol - I will never forget that. When I asked them why, they said that was how they started (busking) and they miss it.

[@wesleycross3469]

The great part of this is they play the brilliant songs just how we know remember and love them..

[@MrMoose1961]

What a great band, one of the best ever, doesn't matter where you are and one of there songs comes on you just have to sing along. brings me joy, thank you guys.

[@jackw.sawmiller1161]

I 1st heard VF in college, 20 years later moving family into dorm another room was playing VF.timeless music...

[@Yeaidoubtit]

I saw this band in LA a few months ago and wow, the best band Ive seen live and i’ve seen so many man. This song warmed my heart live as did many others

[@dictater2]

just , beautiful. This actually is art in the true sense. They create a world, they bring you in, but they don't answer questions.

[@drinkzcoffee5183]

Nothing but pure love and joy when listening to these guys ♡

[@jeffreybutts1916]

One of the greatest bands of all time!

[@fishchronicles]

One of the greatest bands ever. Never about the $$$ all about us good feeling.

[@TheCort1971]

1985. my roomate in military school strolls in with a cassette and a bag of weed..... first time i heard this song. what a wonderful day that was.

[@barnybrewman1571]

I've loved the Femmes since they first started, and they still rock the fluck out of most any younger bands.

[@spudlington]

World's most under-rated bassist!

[@JoelPonsSchmidt]

They sound perfect - even after all these years. Cheers!

[@bccreativeproductions9767]

Soundtrack to my and many of my mates lives. Great to see them still doing what they do best.Nothing brings back memories like music. Keep on guys :)

[@Glutzie]

OMG that's amazing. Never saw them live but listened to the cassette religiously

[@adriand1058]

Discovered this band just today! Absolutely amazing ❤

[@TheDsmith1017]

Great band!! Love all of it Love how clueless everyone was with American Music

[@stalledcentury108]

Saw these guys perform live around 1994. Absolutely ruled the stage.

[@keithselden2096]

I like the Violent Femmes. I love a lot of their songs. At the same time, I could also see how if you didn't like them their music would drive you insane.

[@brianh8801]

Acoustic performances touch the soul...especially acoustic base! This was an awesome reminder of my twenties!

[@micks9580]

God Bless these souls. They have brought so much Joy to a so many people and deserve divine intervention.

[@rustyshackleford2308]

I’ve would of given anything to see this live! What great group of songs to hear them play.

[@johnnybsteelriff]

Very engaging as usual, a masterclass in lo-fi songwriting....

[@fionnagrant6636]

God I wish they would come to New Zealand, somewhere in the South Island would be amazing

[@Wompzalot]

love these guys, seein them at 15 with my family was awesome. i credit alot of bands ive seen and grew up with for my interest in playing guitar and music but the more i think, i realize these guys were my first band to make me dance and was my first "rock" band live. Still tourin and still jammin, love it.

[@terrymurlin7342]

So glad they played “Country Death Song” def my favorite of many many favorites.

[@zeta3347]

Terry Murlin this is the reason I clicked the video. I bought tickets for 2019 and I wanna hear country death song

[@Christopher1889]

I sang along when I first heard them in the early 80's, I still sing along when I hear them today.

[@chichiszolusha608]

Sorry 25 yrs later , you all sound awesome so many memories 🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻

[@earthwormjim9739]

I wish I was there 😢 amazing performance. I’m so glad you did CD song. People don’t believe me when I say I can make them cry with one single song. Anyone can see how much love and passion you guys put into your music. I’m still weeping from cds.

[@richardlefaive1944]

Country death song was epic. They are still as weird as they were in '84 when i first saw them. Gotta love them.

[@vv247]

fabulous, Country death song was a great surprise.

[@sandpointcinema7557]

Playing a Weber grill is brilliant. Love KEXP shows.

[@rickg8015]

It’s good that Gordon and the gang get along well nowadays.. Their blistering live extended improv back in the day was mindblowing.

[@williamburch5480]

Wow country death live !! These guys are epic. I love The VF.

[@normtekani4453]

45 now 16 when I was first introduced, omg love at first hear!!

[@robertbodle2354]

I'm now old enough to get super nostalgic when I hear this, powerfully so.

[@goodolarchie]

lol when the 10 year old kid sings about being strung out

[@austin4211luckE]

Me, remembering being 10 and listening to this song.

[@bish_puddin]

Damn good god, he sounds so fucking good! Wish they played good feeling. Depressing but my favorite.

[@LibertadMarines]

OH POR DIOSSS, AMO VIOLENT FEMMES, QUE ALEGRÍA EN ESTOS DÍAS QUE ANDO ESTRESADA :')))

[@WatchRomeBurn]

Thank you KEXP for always bringing the raddest tunes!!!🔥🔥🔥

[@elijahsparrow4652]

the drummer is my dad

[@ariovistus1491]

cool

[@ghanus2009]

Does he BBQ as good as he drums?

[@tobiasmenough]

That is awesome..

[@apegrasshoplizard]

He is !!! Lucky you !!!

[@znet9452]

you got a cool dad kid!!!!

[@fryim06]

Still amazing after all this time!!!!

[@nickdrey1200]

The best band to ever feature the acoustics dude, easily. Gordon and Frank Black are my god damn ninjas

[@thewoodentops.]

First time they came to London a small gang of us followed them around convent garden and whatnot as they played a few songs and moved on. It was so kind of open, chatting with them like we knew them and they knew us just like kids who just get on with kids. Personally i forget stuff from that time but not that afternoon. I remember it as yesterday. next time they came back it was more clubs and the album was getting popular. Time after that they were a big band. Some of the locations on that first visit people just walked by, others they stayed a bit. Each stop was brilliant. Gone Daddy Gone , great every time.

[@wepeelwraps]

these are seriously my favorite recordings of most of these songs, ESPECIALLY American Music. literal chills.

[@DeadWhiteButterflies]

Man, what an opener of a song. Straight to the classics! :D Love you VF!

[@kswone1]

Oh my god this set is amazing. They are still so on point.

[@Buslife57]

The Femmes will always be one of the best concerts I've ever been too and Ive seen a shit ton of international bands going back 35 years

[@aisforapple2494]

Violent Femmes are the ONLY band I've paid to see more than once. Five times! 3 in Indianapolis 1 in Cincinnati 1 in Phoenix NEVER DISAPPOINTED!!!

[@bilwisss]

the Violent Femmes, always reminded me, in my youth, no matter what it was, no matter how bad or good, . . . it was all O.K.

[@lakisbouz]

AMAZINGLY organic!!! thanks for the years of music guys xxxxxxx

[@bigcity2085]

I do so love the vibe that comes out of Seattle....thanks KEXP.

[@chriskies5016]

The versatility of the Weber grill will never cease to amaze me

[@JohnTurner313]

Wow, this brought back some great memories. They played at Todd's in Detroit, MI in the mid-80s and the drummer/percussionist used a washtub. It was absolutely crazy!

[@Glutzie]

this is beautiful : )

[@n.a.mcintosh4697]

standing there, I was amazed so few people showed up for the show.... what a great afternoon!

[@rickiwarrior]

Country Death Song 🖤

[@djzenelvis]

Big heroes, will never get old, no matter what!

[@happynews2543]

Seeing them tomorrow and the Stone Pony and wit Ben folds five! 🙌💓🎶

[@-sigma1584]

Happy News well how was it?

[@DDONNRICARTUR]

I swear, never hitted the like button that fast as soon as I knew this. Love them so much.

[@tolugo87]

Friggin cool! Love from Brazil!

[@TheTOCM]

I was sober rocking out to this way more than High with the butthole surfers... Great Band. I like their first 2 albums...

[@terihofmann2557]

Saw them a couple years ago with X...just FANTASTIC!

[@chadalexander4945]

True brilliant musicians.. I grow up listen to VF... not sell outs!!!♥️♥️

[@richholoch8230]

Saw them at the Fab Mab in San Francisco way back when - they were fantastic!

[@augustwest5273]

As one who grew up with this , it’s super refreshing and cool 😎

[@JorshWarshington1]

Just saw them a few days ago. It was amazing. I'm 100% serious.

[@russelltemplin9418]

Wish I was in the crowd, awesome

[@TW-vl4wj]

That kid will have that memory for the rest of his life!! How cool

[@tjcnmtcorc11985glo]

I've 💜ed Gordon since highschool in 1983!😀😀😀

[@rodhuy01]

me too, and im a guy and im not gay !! whats not to love about him and his talent! so jealous i dont have 1/10 of his skills.

[@BigMikeDiscGolf]

I remember seeing them in the late 90s in Pensacola. Someone hit Gordon with a can and split him open. He threatened to end the show if anything else hit him. They finished the show and it was amazing. Such a great band!

[@gabelogan56]

Hopefully someone found the asshole who threw it and made him eat his own turds in an alley with nothing but his own pee to wash it down. What an asshole.

[@samgilman4113]

Only time I saw the Femmes was in 95 or 96 at Mt. Hood Ski Bowl near Portland Oregon. Some dude got thrown into the air by his friends and broke his leg coming down! When they realized what happened, they stopped singing and called for folks to clear a path so paramedics could come through and help the guy. Great show also featuring the Afghan Whigs and MC 900 foot Jesus!!

[@BW9009]

Just quality music. Time and time again.

[@JeffTiberend]

This is so awesome! I didn't know that the Violent Femmes were on KEXP. How did I miss this? I'm also surprised they never did a bluegrass album. Thank you for sharing this!