Violent Femmes

Violent Femmes

Company type	Band
Industry	Music
Founded	1981 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
Founder	Gordon Gano, Brian Ritchie, Victor DeLorenzo
Headquarters	Milwaukee , United States
Products	Music albums, singles
Number of employees	4 (current members)

Violent Femmes are a folk punk group originating from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in the United States. The band was established by Gordon Gano (guitar and lead vocals) alongside Brian Ritchie (bass and backing vocals). The current ensemble features multi-instrumentalist Blaise Garza (who joined in 2004) and drummer John Sparrow (joining in 2005). Previous drummers include Victor DeLorenzo (1980–1993, 2002–2013), Guy Hoffman (1993–2002), and Brian Viglione (2013–2016). Violent Femmes significantly impacted the underground folk punk and alternative rock movements of the 1980s, influencing styles such as folk rock, indie rock, grunge, pop punk, and emo.

The band’s discography comprises 10 studio albums and 19 singles. Their debut album, titled Violent Femmes (1983), earned both critical praise and commercial success, featuring well-known tracks like "Blister in the Sun", "Kiss Off", "Add It Up", and "Gone Daddy Gone". This release remains their highest-selling record, achieving platinum status as certified by the RIAA. Following this, they issued two more albums: Hallowed Ground (1984) and The Blind Leading the Naked (1986). The group briefly disbanded in 1987 when Gano and Ritchie embarked on solo projects. They reunited in 1988 to produce 3 (1989), followed by Why Do Birds Sing? (1991), which featured fan-favorite "American Music".

In 1993, DeLorenzo departed and was succeeded by Guy Hoffman, who contributed to New Times (1994). The band released two additional albums—Rock!!!!! (1995) and Freak Magnet (2000)—before DeLorenzo returned in 2002 for a farewell tour. After the commercial disappointment of Freak Magnet, Violent Femmes halted studio recordings for nearly twenty years, focusing instead on compilations and sporadic singles. Licensing conflicts led to an official breakup in 2009. The band reassembled in 2013 shortly before DeLorenzo’s final exit, subsequently releasing two studio albums: We Can Do Anything (2016) and Hotel Last Resort (2019).

Formation and debut album era (1981–1983)

Formed in 1981 by bassist Brian Ritchie and drummer Victor DeLorenzo, Violent Femmes soon welcomed lead vocalist and guitarist Gordon Gano. The band's name originated as a fictional entity Ritchie used when asked about his brother's band; he and DeLorenzo adopted this moniker for their rhythm duo before Gano joined.

Their early performances took place in coffeehouses and on street corners. In August 1981, while busking outside Milwaukee's Oriental Theatre, they caught the attention of James Honeyman-Scott from the Pretenders. Subsequently, Chrissie Hynde invited them to perform an acoustic set after the opening act.

Their self-titled debut album was released in 1983, marking their entry into the alternative rock scene.

Subsequent years and temporary disbandment (1984–1992)

Following their initial success, the group issued Hallowed Ground, which incorporated country influences with Christian lyrical themes. Their first two albums were produced by Mark Van Hecke; however, for their third release, The Blind Leading the Naked, production duties were handled by Jerry Harrison of Talking Heads, a fellow Milwaukee native. This album leaned towards mainstream pop, including a modest hit cover of "Children of the Revolution" originally by T. Rex.

In 1985, Van Hecke left to pursue composing and producing for video games but later returned to produce two more records for the band. The Violent Femmes briefly disbanded: Gano released a gospel-inspired solo album in 1987 while Ritchie produced several solo records. They regrouped in late 1988 to release 3, revisiting their earlier minimalist style. After signing with Reprise, they released Why Do Birds Sing? in 1991, which included the minor hit "American Music," becoming a staple during live shows.

Period after DeLorenzo's departure (1993–1998)

DeLorenzo exited the band in 1993 to pursue acting and solo endeavors. He was replaced by Guy Hoffman, formerly of Oil Tasters and BoDeans, who joined for touring following the successful compilation Add It Up (1981–1993). Over nine years with Hoffman on drums, Violent Femmes released five studio albums and contributed songs to soundtracks such as "I Swear It (I Can Change)" for South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut and "Color Me Once" for The Crow.

In 1997, they made a guest appearance as themselves on the television show Sabrina, the Teenage Witch. Their first studio album featuring Hoffman was New Times, released through Elektra Records in 1994; it included the minor hit "Breakin' Up". The subsequent album, Rock!!!!!, was initially released exclusively in Australia via Mushroom Records in 1995 before becoming available in the United States.

Later developments and reunion with DeLorenzo (1999–2006)

In 1999, Violent Femmes released a live album titled Viva Wisconsin through Beyond Music in the U.S., followed by their studio album Freak Magnet in 2000. In 2001, they issued an MP3-only collection named Something's Wrong, containing unreleased tracks, cover songs, demos, and acoustic versions.

That same year, they recorded a rendition of the SpongeBob SquarePants theme song for Nickelodeon to promote its prime-time slot; this track appeared on the Complete First Season DVD released in 2003.

Rhino Records re-released their debut album with additional demos and live recordings for its twentieth anniversary in 2002. DeLorenzo rejoined for a farewell tour that restored the original lineup.

In 2005, two retrospective collections were issued: Permanent Record: The Very Best of Violent Femmes on Slash/Rhino Records and a DVD titled Permanent Record – Live & Otherwise, featuring a concert from 1991 along with music videos. This CD marked the first time all four members received equal credit.

After completing touring duties for Freak Magnet, principal songwriter Gano announced that while new recordings would cease, live performances would continue when scheduled. On New Year's Eve 2005 and one show in January 2006, all original members reunited on stage.

Legal disputes and dissolution (2007–2009)

In 2007, Gano caused tension within the band by licensing "Blister in the Sun" for use in a Wendy's advertisement. Although Gano holds sole songwriting credit on most of their catalog—including "Blister in the Sun"—Ritchie criticized this commercialization because Gano controlled publishing rights exclusively. Ritchie condemned this decision as motivated by greed and poor judgment across culinary, political, health-related, economic, and environmental considerations.

In August of that year, Ritchie filed legal action against Gano seeking joint ownership of Violent Femmes' music catalog along with access to royalty accounting records. Despite speculation that this conflict would end the band’s activities, they released a cover version of Gnarls Barkley's "Crazy" in June 2008. Nevertheless, ongoing legal battles led to Violent Femmes disbanding officially in 2009.

Reformation period (since 2013)

Violent Femmes reunited in April 2013 to perform at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, followed by appearances at Bottlerock Napa Valley Festival in May and Milwaukee’s Summerfest during June.

Although drummer Victor DeLorenzo expressed willingness to record new material early that year, he was replaced on July 15, 2013 by Brian Viglione from The Dresden Dolls. DeLorenzo described his departure as losing an ideal once represented by Violent Femmes.

The band performed at Chicago’s Riot Fest in September 2013. During the 2013/2014 Falls Festival season, they played three concerts across Australia—in Marion Bay, Lorne, and Byron Bay.

On May 11, 2014, Violent Femmes appeared at Atlanta’s Shaky Knees music festival. Early in 2015 they toured Australia with stops at Woodford Folk Festival, Sydney Opera House, and MONA FOMA. During this time frame they recorded their first new songs in fifteen years on New Year’s Eve at Hobart, Tasmania. These four tracks were issued as an exclusive EP pressed on clear heavyweight vinyl for Record Store Day on April 18, 2015. Subsequently, they toured North America alongside Barenaked Ladies and Colin Hay during summer months.

In January 2016 Brian Viglione announced his departure from Violent Femmes. Later that month they revealed plans to release their first full-length album since 2000—We Can Do Anything, launched March 22 with Viglione credited as drummer. Following his exit John Sparrow—who had been part of their Horns of Dilemma backing ensemble since 2005—became official drummer. Sparrow made his live debut with Violent Femmes on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in February promoting the new record.

On April 30, 2019 Violent Femmes announced another studio album entitled Hotel Last Resort, which was released July 26 that year. The group filmed a video for its single "I'm Nothing" during July within Milwaukee’s East Side neighborhood near Black Cat Alley.

Violent Femmes also feature on "Gotta Get to Peekskill," a track from Dropkick Murphys’ 2023 release Okemah Rising.

Band members

Current

• Gordon Gano – lead vocals; guitars; violin; banjo (1980–1987; 1988–2009; since 2013)
• Brian Ritchie – bass guitar; backing vocals; guitars; shakuhachi; xylophone; keyboards (1980–1987; 1988–2009; since 2013)
• John Sparrow – drums; percussion; backing vocals (2005–2009; since 2013)
• Blaise Garza – saxophones; percussion; keyboards; backing vocals (2004–2009; since 2013)

Former

• Victor DeLorenzo – drums; percussion; backing vocals (1980–1987; 1988–1993; 2002–2009; briefly rejoined in 2013)
• Guy Hoffman – drums; percussion; backing vocals (1993–2002)
• Brian Viglione – drums; percussion; backing vocals (2013–2016)

Horns of Dilemma

• Blaise Garza – saxophones; percussion; backing vocals (since 2004)
• John Sparrow – cajón player (since 2005)
• Peter Balestrieri – saxophones (1983–1991)

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Horns of Dilemma

Violent Femmes incorporate a horn section known as the Horns of Dilemma serving as their backing ensemble. Over time this group has included musicians such as Peter Balestrieri and Steve MacKay, both saxophonists, along with Sigmund Snopek III, who contributed keyboards among other instruments.

This auxiliary band is composed of various local musicians—friends, family members or acquaintances including members of their road crew—with instrumentation that spans saxophones, trumpets, trombones, sousaphones, flutes, clarinets, antique hunting horns, kazoos plus percussion instruments. Rather than following conventional horn arrangements they engage primarily in free-form improvisational noise jams during songs like "Black Girls" or "Confessions," where performers are encouraged to play spontaneously without strict structure.

As of October 2025 leadership within Horns of Dilemma is held by saxophonist Blaise Garza. Noteworthy former participants include avant-garde artist John Zorn, saxophonist Dick Parry, and members associated with the Dresden Dolls. Longtime collaborators such as sound engineer Caleb Alexander and manager Darren Brown have also joined performances occasionally.

Before becoming full-time drummer for Violent Femmes John Sparrow contributed cajón percussion beginning in 2005 within Horns sessions. Various bassists sometimes substitute during performances like "Gone Daddy Gone" when Ritchie switches to xylophone duties. All these musicians are considered integral members of Horns of Dilemma.

Discography

Main article: Violent Femmes discography

Studio albums

• Violent Femmes (1983)
• Hallowed Ground (1984)
• The Blind Leading the Naked (1986)
• 3 (1989)
• Why Do Birds Sing? (1991)
• New Times (1994)
• Rock!!!!! (1995)
• Freak Magnet (2000)
• We Can Do Anything (2016)
• Hotel Last Resort (2019)