Bikini Kill, the iconic riot grrrl band, made their long-awaited late-night debut on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. The group performed their classic 1993 single “Rebel Girl” to a rapt audience.
The performance marked a significant moment for the band, who have been pioneers in the feminist punk movement since their formation in 1990. Despite their influential status, Bikini Kill had never before appeared on a late-night talk show.
Lead singer Kathleen Hanna, guitarist Billy Karren, bassist Kathi Wilcox, and drummer Tobi Vail took the stage with their signature energy and raw sound. The performance was a reminder of the band’s enduring impact on the music industry and their unwavering commitment to feminist ideals.
“Rebel Girl” was released as a single in 1993 and has since become an anthem for the feminist movement. The song’s lyrics celebrate female empowerment and solidarity, with lines like “That girl thinks she’s the queen of the neighborhood/She’s got the hottest trike in town.”
Bikini Kill’s appearance on The Late Show comes on the heels of their reunion tour, which was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The band had planned to perform in several cities across the United States and Europe, but were only able to complete a handful of shows before the tour was postponed.
Fans were thrilled to see Bikini Kill back in action, with many taking to social media to express their excitement and gratitude for the band’s performance. The Late Show also shared a clip of the performance on their YouTube channel, which has already garnered thousands of views.
Bikini Kill’s appearance on The Late Show is a testament to their enduring influence and relevance in the music industry. As they continue to inspire a new generation of feminist musicians, their legacy as pioneers of the riot grrrl movement remains as strong as ever.
