Bikini Kill Killed at the Greek: It feels tough on Bleached. The pop-rock band featuring sisters Jennifer and Jessica Clavin had a member test positive for COVID just before the show, so they obviously had to pull out at the last minute. The poor souls posted content to social media of them practicing with a stand-in on the parking lot, but it was too late. Safety was the priority and they couldn’t play.

Comedian Lizzy Cooperman had the difficult task of performing with barely a moment’s notice, and she did her best with a crowd clearly ready for music. It was just a strange set of circumstances, and it felt like a bit of a no-win for her. Still, she was clearly thrilled to be opening for Bikini Kill at the Greek Theatre.

Yeah, this night was all about Bikini Kill and the fact that their reunion tour was cut short by the pandemic. There were, of course, far greater tragedies that came out of COVID, but still, it felt unfair that their big return was nipped in the bud. Finally, we can properly celebrate the return of this most vital and, for years, under appreciated group.

“When Bikini Kill played in the ‘90s, there was a lot of violence and aggression towards us, and there were also a lot of people who loved us and were very supportive,” Hanna recently told us. “It’s really amazing for me to come back as a singer so many years later and get so much love and positivity. I think people don’t realize that we weren’t a popular band – Bikini Kill was a very niche thing. People either really loved us or wanted to literally kill us.”

This time around, people really love them. At the Greek, they were greeted like the returning heroes that they are and they pulled out a set list that left nobody disappointed.

“New Radio” kicked things off, going straight into “This is Not a Test.” Hanna was on fine form, limbering up like an athlete beforehand, and then pulling out all her Poly Styrene-meets-John Lydon moves. As is the norm, Tobi Vail (she who named the riot grrl movement) fronts the band on more than a few occasions, as they all switch instruments.

The songs blasted by in a blur, but Hanna reminded us that “Suck My Left One” is about her 13 year old sister getting harassed by older men. A Bikini Kill show is a lively, fun punk rock gig, but the messages are as important as ever. There’s still work to do. Smash the patriarchy.

“Rebel Girl” is the only way to end the show, a true riot grrl anthem. And then we disappear into the night, hopeful for new material and looking forward to the Le Tigre reunion.

Bikini Kill Killed at the Greek: Go to bikini kill.com for more info.

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