Violent Femmes wrapped up their tour at White Oak Music Hall in Houston after celebrating the 40th anniversary of their self-titled debut album.
“When I’m out walking, I strut my stuff, and I’m so strung out.” Those were the first words to exit singer Gordon Gano’s mouth at the Houston stop of Violent Femmes’ 2023 tour. It’s a bold move to kick off the show with your biggest hit, but the Femmes made it look easy, immediately winning over the large crowd that spanned White Oak Music Hall’s outdoor lawn.
The band, currently wrapping up their tour celebrating the 40th anniversary of their self-titled debut album, has opened up each one of their shows by playing the album in full, beginning with the smash hit “Blister in the Sun.”
Formed in Milwaukee, WI the early 1980s, Violent Femmes are one of the originators of folk-punk, fusing punk style with alternative instruments including violin, banjo, xylophone, and horns. Members Gordon Gano (lead vocals, guitar), Brian Ritchie (bass, backing vocals), John Sparrow (percussion), are frequently backed by the Horns of Dilemma, led by multi-instrumentalist Blaise Garza, and comprised of friends of the band and members of their road crew.
As the band finished playing through the B-side of the album, they shifted gears and led the crowd through tracks from throughout their discography, including “Country Death Song,” “I’m Nothing,” and “Color Me Once.”
After a near 90 minute set, the band wrapped up the show with “American Music.” Despite the early summer heat, fans showed up in droves to help the band celebrate their album’s ruby jubilee. With each of member of the band switching instruments multiple times over the course of the set, the Femmes showed that even after more than 40 years, they’ve still got it.
All photos by Morgan Rosenbaum
I'm a Houston-based concert and automotive photographer. I've been a music fan my whole life, and previously was the director for Coog Radio, the University of Houston's student radio station. I listen to a bit of everything, from blues to rock to EDM, but predominantly metal. Some favorites include Slayer, Iron Maiden, and Metallica. When I'm not behind the camera, you can catch me skating, going to car events, and buying too many coffee table books.
