On Monday night, my girlfriend and I went to the Delancey in New York for the premiere party of a documentary called The Gits. The Gits were an early ’90s Seattle punk band, fronted by Mia Zapata (pictured), a bluesy, charismatic singer who was a beloved fixture on the local scene until she was raped and murdered one night in 1993. The doc follows the formation of the band and their subsequent rise in popularity — they were on the brink of signing to a major label — along with the excruciating circumstances of Zapata’s death. The case went unsolved for over a decade until a suspect was convicted in 2004.
The Delancey show was both a vigil for Zapata and a celebration of the music she’d been such an integral part of. One of the highlights was Rrriot!, an all-women tribute band that tore through riot grrrl classics like Bikini Kill’s “Rebel Girl,” L7’s “Shove”, and Hole’s “Rock Star.” It was a terrific set and a fitting tribute to Zapata, but in the cab on the way home, we couldn’t help but feel a little sad — first, at the memory of a vital performer who died young, and second, because it’d been a long time since we’d seen a show with such anarchic, girl-powered rock. What do you think, PopWatchers: Is it time for another riot grrrl revolution? Or should we all just agree that I’ve gotten old and call it a day? (Oh, and for the uninitiated, check out an embedded Gits video, after the jump!)
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I, for one, would totally love, love, LOVE a rrriot girl resurgence. Bands like L7 and Babes In Toyland played a huge role in my development through high school. I have actually been really upset that women are not playing a bigger role in rock music. I totally applaud the likes of Go Betty Go and The Donnas, even if they aren’t exactly “riot”-esque, they’re enough to get the fists in the air.
I was reading an interview with Donita Sparks from L7 (who has a solo album out, by the way) and she had mentioned that L7 probably couldn’t happen again in today’s music world since mainstream female artists are so sexualized anymore. Or else they’re made out to be so innocuous, even childlike, that nobody could ever take offense or be challenged by their music (see: Norah Jones, etc.)
But there are still plenty of women making great rock music. You just have to look harder.
Sad that today’s young girls don’t have high-profile, kick azz female rockers to get excited about. And no, Miley Cyrus does not count.
It would be great to see more women in rock. I like The Donnas, but I keep hoping they toughen up the act a little. Also, I know that Gwen Stefani isn’t exactly a riot grrl, but I’m really hoping the upcoming No Doubt reunion gets back to some harder rock, like in the band’s earlier. Watching Gwen turn into a R&B/pop diva in her solo career was totally disheartening.
A new wave of riot grrrl artists would make me squee. I’m sure they still exist somewhere in the indie network…
I don’t get the title of this, The Gits weren’t in the riot grrrl scene.
“The Delancey show was both a vigil for Zapata and a celebration of the music she’d been such an integral part of.”
The tribute was entirely misguided, in my opinion. As far as I’m concerned, corporate sponsors and the members of the tribute band had no affiliation with the scene The Gits were in or the music they played.
I thoroughly enjoyed this tribute/vigil to the one and only Mia Zapata. The “Rrriot!” band was amazing and touched on some great songs I never thought I would’ve heard again live. The letters that were read during the vigil [especially the one from Mia's father] brought everyone together in remembrance of what an amazing soul Mia was… and still is. It was awesome seeing so many people there celebrating the life of Mia.
VIVA ZAPATA!!!
We can always use some more girl rock. Love, love, love The (http://www.thedonnas.com/)
That was supposed to be:
The Donnas!
Has anyone ever listened to Dresden Dolls? Not sure if it counts since the drummer is a boy (but sort of ambiguous if that makes sense) but Amanda Palmer is AMAZING and she’s just got this gritty-doesn’t give a s**t attitude. She’s also one of the most amazing lyricists I have come across in the last 5 years. “Girl Anachronism” is still my anthem. So I don’t know if they would count, but if you haven’t listened to them- you should!!!
http://www.myspace.com/thedetroitcobras
Its two chics and some dudes, but they totally kick butt. Go Cobras Go! If you want to find music all you have to do is look. Unfortunately pop and alternative radio is guy obsessed because a majority of the execs and management are male and are not down with the ladies. Alot of the early 90s chic bands that got play did so because their guy friends in bands opened the door for them. Step up boys, the girls want to party too.
Riot grrrl is not a generic phrase for loud female fronted bands. The Gits, Hole, L7, The Donnas were never riot grrrl. Riot grrrls don’t sell out to corporate media. You want riot grrrls? Check out the still active bands like Mecca Normal, Bonfire Madigan, and Lucid Nation. Check out the new bands like Sisters of Revolution. All you have to do is google “riot grrrl” and start exploring.
I miss the riot grrl rockers…but the riot grrl credo is alive and well. Just ask any girl or woman who doesn’t think that “feminism” is a bad thing.
Well, how long have you been rewriting press releases ? Were you even there ?
Did you hear what the DJ was spinning ? Were you impressed or insulted ? A vigil is a vigil, not a Party. Did you find the segue from Mia’s murdered corpse at the Pioneer Theater to this debacle at the Delancy at all disturbing?
Don’t get me wrong, I support The Git’s Movie, and I believe in some of the artists who performed at the event. Who introduced the vigil? What other bands performed ? It’s a shame that some people saw Opportuni$y in this. And took full advantage.
Comments on this blog are closer to the truth:
http://www.brooklynvegan.com/archives/2008/07/the_gits_movie.html
I just don’t think Mia would have been down with the way her life was “honored” that night.
I was the guitar player in the Rrriot band and was honored to have been a part of this amazing night. I was part of that scene when it was actually happening and it was truly wonderful to get to see & play with people that I hadn’t seen in 15 ywears. Mia’s influence on music and my life personally is permanant. The vigil was truly touching and Erica Stoltz’s rendition of Pissing in a River for Mia was breath taking. Thanks to all of you who came down and paid tribute to Mia.
-Sarah FM
It’s sad that the Wrong Island Records crew are the ONLY people who seemed to have a problem with this event and keep posting their rediculous crap everywhere. They should be ashamed of themselves. It’s disgraceful. The people who were there for the ENTIRE event saw, felt, and honored an amazing individual. Mia lives forever in our hearts.
Test
I was actually There & I saw duffy wrong island getting chased out the door, i recognized him from his old band, hadn’t seen him in a year or so at all…anyway that girl from heavy metal make-over had him tossed out & wrong island have been around simply helping diy bands for around half a decade…
i’m sure if they’re upset they do have their reasons…i did notice they run the official myspace page, and it was updated in full that night…they’re really nice guys…
sorry i just didn’t see anyone else defending them, but yeah i saw duffy get thrown out and that wasn’t none to cool…the rest of the show was alright, i just can understand why they would sound off as they were allegedly the promoters of the night (so far as i knew?)
-Dan
last time i saw duffy he was chilling in the back room of CBGB’s a few days before it closed WITH HR FROM BAD BRAINS…that guy actually has a ton of respect in a really modest underground totally indie way…this is disheartening…
really the girl from *flippi’n* heavy metal make over THREW HIM OUT!!!???
HAHAHAHA WHY WAS SHE EVEN THERE IN THE FIRST PLACE???!!!…OMG SOMETHING JUST SOUNDS TERRIBLY WRONG WITH THIS!…WAS ANYONE ELSE THERE???!!!…POOR DUFFY OMG!!!…SOMEONE WHO KNOWS DUFFY SAW THIS AT LEAST & GOT PICTURES RIGHT!!!???
Being that I personally dealt with this situation between Grrl Friend [Duffy's band] and the venue, I’ll clear up all this “gossip”. 1st, this was a 21+ event as is EVERY event at The Delancey. Duffy was told this and knew this a week and a half to 2 weeks prior to the gig. Duffy’s bandmates and one of their friends were under the age of 21. Before the event began, his bandmates were kicked out while we were getting things ready. So Militia and I went outside and talked to them, the security, and the venue’s manager. We got them back in to play, but the venue told them whoever was “underage” would have to leave 30 minutes after their set. Duffy was NOT asked to leave. Duffy came up to the stage while we were getting ready to perform and said goodnight to Militia. He told us that his friends were his ride and he had to go [which is understandable]. So as far as her throwing him out, she was onstage performing when he left which means that’s NOT the case. This was the venue’s decision.
Well Satyr, all I can say then sweet heart is that WE (As in Duffy & Myself) worked for The Director & Producer of The Film Since January & I think it was a Shameful “Power Grab” in VERY Poor Taste – Wrong Island Records is a Collective of artists dedicated to Art & helping OTHER PPL WITH ART…When a Marketing Director isn’t accounted for it, it’s not an EXCUSE for ONE PERSON involved in a National Promotion to with hold information- WIR’s has The Letters from Mr. Kennedy declaring MilitiA’s INTENDED Involvement in The Evenings Plans…Seems She Had Her Own Plans…
IDK Dan, But Thank You…
Mind You I’m Not LIVING in NY, But I STILL Work for The Collective…There are Folks in CANADA Working for WIR’s…
These Guys were originally brought up by HR of Bad Brains STRAIGHT OUTTA HIGH SCHOOL…THERE ARE REASONS FOR THESE THINGS…A TON OF PPL WORK BEHIND THE SCENES…MAYBE YOU DON’T KNNOOOW DUFFY OR WI’S THROW IN THIS “GAME” BUT IN WORKING I WILL SAY WI WASN’T INFORMED…
Hello Everyone:
I was sent a link 2 this in My E-Mail…This REALLY isn’t such a big deal so far as I see it…
We made OUR Apologies to OUR Community Who FELT WRONGED, I Don’t Think Commenting on Why or How is Really Appropriate HERE but Yes Things Strayed from “The Team’s Plan”- I Mean Things Went According To A PLAN- Not “The Team’s Plan”- But Folks That’s “Showbiz” Sometimes You GOTTA JUST WING IT!!!
That’s What HR Taught Me, It’s One Reason I Was Brought On to Do This Event with MilitiA…
So My Band’s Set Went Good, Kat was Endearing- Every Act Seems Satisfied & The Audience Appears Happy- Just REALLY EVERYONE PLZ LISTEN???:
Before There is A Flame-War in ANY of OUR NAMES Can I ask that You All Support The Film & Show More PUBLIC LOVE FOR MIA ZAPATA & LESS Contempt for One-Another or even just Other Art???…
I Thought This Was An Act Of LOVE??? I Know It Was Sacred to Us…Plz Do Not Use Us As An Excuse 2 Argue…
I’m Done, Thanx…
Light, Life, Love, & Liberty
-Duffy
All I did was explain the facts behind the reason members of Grrl Friend were asked to leave. Sorry that you felt this warranted a full on attack and the need to explain your role since January.
There’s NO Full on Attack, I’m Really Curious as to Why You feel there is…
Why don’t You send Me an E-Mail Huh?…This is for Mia & I feel sorta “Taking Advantage” of HER PRESS…
Send Me An E-Mail, Plz Let The Woman Rest in Peace Here At Very Least…
it’s PUBLIC Knowledge My E-Mail is
duffywrongisland@lycos.com…
Seriously, No One is Going to “Attack” Anyone…Plans Get Screwed Up, Just Relax…I cannot speak for ANYONE But Myself, & I am NOT Attacking Any of You…
Let Be Adults =D
Light, Life, Love, & Liberty
-Duffy Wrong Island
PS: My Band’s Name is Spelled “Grrrl Friend” which in the “internet age” sorta matters…Sorry I Correct it EVERYTIME I See it spelled wrong…
My apologies in the mispelling of your bands name. As far as the “Attack” comment, that was not directed at you Duffy, that was directed at your partner below who seems pretty upset about me explaining a situation. The reason I say “Attacked” is due to the fact that everything she wrote has absolutely NOTHING to do with what I wrote. And yet, it was VERY directed at me. I’m glad you’ve decided to be the peacemaker here in the public forum, but unfortunately… I’ve had e-mails and bulletins forwarded to me from quite a few people showing me EXACTLY what you’ve said and how you’ve felt bashing this event and the many people involved in it. So there’s no need for e-mails when we both know the truth. The wool may have been pulled over a few peoples eyes, but the truth ALWAYS comes to light. Sorry you feel this event became a disgrace to Mia’s name, but we all grew up listening to THE GITS and everyone who attended has said nothing but good things about it so far… except for your team.
Ok Woah- Now I said I cannot speak for every member of My Collective, or Community ,& that wasn’t My partner Who’s actually visiting some friends right now- Allow Me quickly to explain How My NAME gets tangled into things & You can just feel it out for Yrself from there bc it just sounds like I’m Yr Scape-Goat Regardless…PPL DID Misuse My Name & it WAS SIGNED on a MSG I DIDN’T WRITE…Certain Members of My Collective Did that & I was pretty upset- Again This belonged in an E-Mail but I’m certain I know that some Folk’s involved just flat out stopped communicating once The Marketing Director was let go…
Those PPL Seized The Opportunities that were NOT offered to Them…They did NOT INFORM The Film Makers that We were being “Cut-out”
…Even in a Prof. Sense- THAT is a reason to be upset, when You’ve spent Your hard earned Money hiring the Camera Crew that was cut out- the DVD missed A BIG Marketing opportunity when My Crew couldn’t Film The Vigil
it DID leave a Bad taste w/ SOME
Hey Duffy- Take A Deep Breathe- Remember Liiike 2 Posts Ago- Let Mia Rest Brother <3
Screw if PPL wanna give You Guff- We ALL KNOW WHAT HAPPENED…Let it go man…
It's nothing <3
Thank You Cora- I’ll Seeya In Sept.
Rest In Peace Mia Zapata <3
I think I'm DONE HERE…
Light, Life, Love, & Liberty
-Duffy
Once again, you guys having to leave… had to do with the venue, not us. And if your drummer didn’t give the security and the manager of the venue attitude, they would’ve let you all stay. So, although you think you there’s alterior motive behind all this, you were not “Cut Out”. THIS you guys did to yourselves. But no worries, everything was filmed and documented… so nothing was missed. I’m sorry your people are using your name and misrepresenting you, seems like something that needs to be dealt with internally. When you have a “Collective”, the blame falls on all. So although you may not be able to speak for them, they seem to have no problem speaking for you. Hopefully, you can clear this all up before it gets even more out of control.