If you have not had the opportunity to witness the
Violent Femmes perform live it is quite a sight to
be seen. The stage crowded with instruments from
acoustic bass guitars, a xylophone, to an actual charcoal grill, all played with skill and precision. Not to
mention, the marvel of the subcontrabass saxophone,
towering over six feet high. Every aspect of the show
was truly a spectacle.
renely up towards the ceiling, eyes closed, singing each
lyric in perfect sync. Finally the son, who appeared to
be an early teen at the oldest, jumped tirelessly while
clapping and cheering with unparalleled enthusiasm
from the first chord to the last.
When the show closed the band generously threw
picks and drumsticks into a well-satisfied crowd. After
a powerful cheer for more the Violent Femmes
They rocked hard for hours and they held the crowd
returned for a memorable encore performance. Gano
for every second. They intertwined songs we know
performed one of his own favorite songs written by his
and love with some from their new album like “Issues” sister Cynthia and spoke of his long history in Spokane
which the mass of fans responded to with eagerness
and his personal friends and family that were present
and acceptance. I watched as episodes of moshing
at the Spokane show. They ultimately closed with an
surged below along with the occasional crowd surfer
impressive performance of Add It Up.
being tossed above the waves of outstretched arms.
Swaying and sweating the fans gave endless cheers
The Violent Femmes are back and it was clear that
for more. The audience spanned many generations,
Spokane was ready and waiting. The band will continan eclectic mix of young and old, all with a common
ue to tour throughout the year. Find more informabond. In the front row, a family; the father with his
tion about their tour schedule and new album, We Can
arms shielding the mother and son from the impact of Do Anything, at www.vfemmes.com
the nearby turmoil, meanwhile her face was drawn seJuly |August 2016 23