the Violent Femmes are marking a significant milestone: the 40th anniversary of their eponymous debut album, which unleashed the now-iconic “Blister in the Sun,” “Add It Up,” and other classics upon the world. To honor the occasion, the band is embarking on a spring tour across the western United States, where they’ll perform their debut in full at each stop.
Guitarist and vocalist Gordon Gano, bassist and backing vocalist Brian Ritchie, multi-instrumentalist Blaise Garza, and drummer John Sparrow (who’s been known to use a barbeque grill as a percussion instrument) are primed to hit the road this May, kicking things off at the Ventura Music Hall in California and winding down on May 21 at Denver’s Levitt Pavilion. Their 11-date itinerary promises to be a feast for the ears, with the Femmes serving up their landmark record “cover to cover” at each and every show.
But that’s not all. In honor of Record Store Day, the band’s debut album will receive a brand-new picture-disc vinyl edition on April 22. Craft Recordings is pressing 3,000 copies of the record in the US, allowing fans to experience the energy and wit of the Violent Femmes in a unique and tangible way.
For those looking to snag a copy of the picture-disc vinyl, participating independent record stores in the US and UK will have them in stock. And while you’re at it, head over to recordstoreday.com and recordstoreday.co.uk to check out the full list of exclusive, limited-run, and “RSD First” releases available, as well as the indie record stores that are participating.
It’s a momentous year for the Violent Femmes, and they’re ready to share the celebration with their fans. Don’t miss your chance to experience their electrifying live show or to add the picture-disc vinyl edition of their debut to your collection. Head over to vfemmes.com for full ticket information, and keep your eyes peeled for updates from the road.
Side A
1. “Blister In The Sun”
2. “Kiss Off”
3. “Please Do Not Go”
4. “Add It Up”
5. “Confessions”
Side B
1. “Prove My Love”
2. “Promise”
3. “To The Kill”
4. “Gone Daddy Gone”
5. “Good Feeling”
May 6: Ventura Music Hall, Ventura, CA
May 7: Fonda Theatre, Los Angeles, CA
May 10: Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, San Diego, CA (with San Diego Symphony)
May 11: Pappy & Harriets, Pioneertown, CA
May 12: Pappy & Harriets, Pioneertown, CA
May 14: Lensic Performing Arts Center, Santa Fe, NM
May 16:House Of Blues, Dallas, TX
May 17: White Oak Music Hall, Houston, TX
May 18: Stubb’s Waller Creek Amphitheatre, Austin, TX
May 19: Cain’s Ballroom, Tulsa, OK
May 21: Levitt Pavilion, Denver, CO
All dates with Jesse Ahern except San Diego
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