Originally scheduled for last week, but rescheduled due to the threat of Helene, an evening with the Violent Femmes (no opening act) was a satisfying trip back in time for the sold-out crowd at the House of Blues.
The Femmes played songs from their second album, Hallowed Ground, to mark the record’s 40th anniversary. Then after a brief intermission, the trio of Femmes came back out to play their self-titled debut album from start to finish, frontman Gordon Gano literally letting his hair down for the occasion. The night quickly became a big sing-along between the band and the audience.
Deep-cut highlights include bassist Brian Ritchie’s xylophone work on classic cut “Gone Daddy Gone” and drummer John Sparrow employing a barbecue grill as part of his drumkit.
We encountered a fan who confessed it was their 30th time seeing Violent Femmes — and who can blame them, really?
