Riot grrrl greats Bratmobile officially returned to the stage after 20 years this weekend at the Mosswood Meltdown festival in Oakland (after making their unofficial return with a secret show in Los Angeles a few days before).
The Mosswood Meltdown set was punctuated by a special performance of the Runaways’ song, “Cherry Bomb,” which Bratmobile covered on their 1993 debut, Pottymouth. For the ecstatic closer, the band received an assist from a few younger generations of rockers, including one of their heir apparents, the L.A. outfit the Linda Lindas.
Bratmobile announced their return back in February with a lineup featuring original vocalist Allison Wolfe and drummer Molly Neuman, alongside Tiger Trap’s Rose Melberg on guitar, Audrey Marrs on keys, and Marty Key on bass. In a statement, Wolfe and Neuman noted that original guitarist Erin Smith would be unable to join due to “other commitments,” though they said they hoped they’d “be able to play together with her again in the near future.”
Bratmobile’s reunion set at Mosswood Meltdown was featured on the festival’s official livestream, which is still available on Twitch. The performance begins around the 7:24:00 mark, though the intro delivered by festival host John Waters (at 7:21:30) is absolutely worth watching. “It’s not a comeback, it’s a back-handed slap to nostalgia!” the filmmaker quipped, before adding, “Mothers against punk drivers will never stop this group!”
Along with “Cherry Bomb,” Bratmobile’s set included songs such as “Love Thing,” “I’m in the Band,” “Bitch Theme,” “Kiss and Ride,” “Panik,” and “Come Hither.” Near the end of the set, Melberg was invited to sing her Tiger Trap classic, “Supreme Nothing.” (Tiger Trap’s first official release was a split seven-inch single with Bratmobile in 1992.)
Prior to Mosswood Meltdown, Bratmobile played a secret warm-up gig at the L.A. venue Zebulon last Wednesday, July 28. From that gig, fans have shared videos of “I’m in the Band” and “Bitch Theme.”
Bratmobile’s last public performance was a Sept. 9, 2002 gig in New York City. The band did get together in 2019 for a special birthday performance for Bikini Kill’s Tobi Vail, which sparked discussion about a possible reunion. So far, however, the band has yet to announce any other shows.
Stay connected with us on social media platform for instant update click here to join our Twitter, & Facebook
We are now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@TechiUpdate) and stay updated with the latest Technology headlines.
For all the latest Music News Click Here
