KATHLEEN HANNA FOR PRESIDENT
Kathleen Hanna and Billy Karren of Bikini Kill-All Photos Courtesy of ©dickslaughter.com
Bikini Kill played the final show of their tour—possibly the last for the foreseeable future—to a sold-out crowd at the Baltimore Soundstage on September 12th. The performance was nothing short of spectacular, blending Bikini Kill’s signature style of riot girl punk with insightful and moving moments that left the audience in awe.
The venue was packed with fans of all ages, genders, and backgrounds, but the majority of the crowd by far was female—all coming together for a night that felt like more than just a concert. As someone who’s been a fan of Bikini Kill since the days of their split EP with Huggy Bear back in what feels like the Stone Age, I can say without hesitation that their music and ideas have profoundly shaped my life and worldview. And looking around the room, it was clear I wasn’t alone. It was a reminder of the impact Bikini Kill has had on so many lives and the generations it continues to galvanize.
Billy Kerren of Bikini Kill-©dickslaughter.com
Tobi Vail of Bikini Kill-©dickslaughter.com
The ladies delivered all the classics in their set, including “Double Dare Ya,” “Carnival,” “I Like Fucking,” and, of course, closing with an encore that featured the iconic “Rebel Girl.” But what I enjoyed just as much, if not more than the performance itself, were Kathleen Hanna’s between-song chats with the audience. Her candid, funny, and heartfelt reflections added another layer of connection, making the night feel even more special.
Kathleen Hanna of Bikini Kill-All Photos Courtesy of ©dickslaughter.com
Kathleen Hanna has a gift for making you feel like she’s speaking directly to you. Her stage presence felt intimate as she shared observations and stories with the crowd. She noted the number of families in attendance, saying how wonderful it was to see parents and kids enjoying the show together. Kathleen encouraged the younger audience members not to be embarrassed if their moms were dancing and having “too good a time,” joking about her own dance repertoire, which she said includes a version of the Charleston.
Kathleen Hanna of Bikini Kill-All Photos Courtesy of ©dickslaughter.com
It wasn’t all lighthearted banter, though. Kathleen took moments to remind the crowd of the importance of voting and staying engaged. She spoke passionately about women’s rights, particularly the ongoing fight for bodily autonomy, reminding us that it wasn’t too long ago when women couldn’t even have their own bank accounts. That comment struck a chord with me personally, as I vividly remember my single mother in the ’70s struggling with not being able to open a bank account or get a credit card, facing countless difficulties just trying to rent an apartment. Kathleen’s words were a powerful reminder of how far we’ve come—and how much further we still need to go.
Kathleen Hanna of Bikini Kill-All Photos Courtesy of ©dickslaughter.com
At one point, someone in the crowd yelled, "I love you guys!" which prompted her to share another story. She recalled how their tour van had broken down, and they somehow convinced the tow truck driver to let them ride in the van while it was being towed, even though it's illegal and dangerous. Inevitably, the van came loose from the truck and started careening down the road. Despite the chaos, she recalled that Kathy and Tobi stayed calm, and Kathleen cried out to her bandmates, "I love you guys!" thinking that they were going to die. Somehow, they managed to get the van to stop.
Kathleen Hanna of Bikini Kill-All Photos Courtesy of ©dickslaughter.com
It was one of those shows you'll remember forever. What stood out to me the most was the presence of so many "punk families," especially mothers and daughters, all dancing and having the time of their lives together. There was one family in particular that caught my eye—they were not only rocking out the hardest but also seemed to perfectly embody the diversity and inclusivity of a Bikini Kill show.
punk is mom
I asked who the biggest Bikini Kill fan was, and they all pointed to each other. Mom said she has been a fan since the 90's.-©dickickslaughter.com
For more information on Bikini Kill and Kathleen Hanna, you can check out her book Rebel Girl or visit bikinikill.com. Also, take a look at Tees 4 Togo, a non-profit T-shirt company Kathleen founded to support Peace Sisters, an organization that provides education for women and girls in Togo. 100% of the proceeds are donated to Peace Sisters—find out more at tees4togo.com.
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