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About Bikini Kill
Bikini Kill is a feminist punk band that was based in Olympia, WA and Washington, DC, forming in 1990 and breaking up in 1997. Kathleen Hanna sang, Tobi Vail played drums, Billy Karren (a.k.a. Billy Boredom) played guitar and Kathi Wilcox played bass. Sometimes they switched instruments. Bikini Kill is credited with instigating the Riot Grrrl movement in the early 90's via their political lyrics, zines and confrontational live show.
The band started touring in June 1991. In addition to touring the US several times, they also toured Europe, Australia and Japan. Bikini Kill recorded and released a demo tape, two EP's, two LP's and three singles. Their demo tape was self-released,while their first two records came out as a full length CD/Tape and their singles were posthumously collected on CD.
Bikini Kill believed that if all girls started bands the world would change. They actively encouraged women and girls to start bands as a means of cultural resistance. Bikini Kill was inspired by seeing Babes in Toyland play live and attempted to incite female participation and build feminist community via the punk scene. They used touring as a way to create an underground network between girls who played music, put on shows and made fanzines. This independent media making and informal network created a forum for multiple female voices to be heard.
Bikini Kill reunited in the Spring of 2019 with original members Kathleen, Kathi, and Tobi who were joined live by Erica Dawn Lyle. They sold out multiple shows in Los Angeles, NYC, and London as well as headlining Riot Fest in Chicago.
Bikini Kill
Bikini Kill is a feminist punk band that is widely regarded as one of the pioneering bands of the Riot Grrrl movement, known for political lyrics, DIY publications known as zines, and confrontational live performances. The band was formed in 1990 by Kathleen Hanna, Tobi Vail, Billy Karren, and Kathi Wilcox. They became a defining voice in punk’s feminist underground movement and encouraged women and girls to participate in music and independent media.1
Bikini Kill is known for songs such as Rebel Girl, Double Dare Ya, and New Radio. However, their influence extends beyond their music to the communities they helped build through touring and activism.2
Get your Bikini Kill tickets now on AXS and experience one of punk’s most influential bands live.
Bikini Kill’s Background
Bikini Kill was founded in 1990 by Kathleen Hanna, Tobi Vail, Billy Karren, and Kathi Wilcox in Olympia, Washington. They came together through the local punk scene and began to gain wider attention when the group worked on a feminist zine called Bikini Kill. Their first release, Revolution Girl Style Now, was released in 1991 and was followed by the Bikini Kill EP and Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah, establishing the band's presence in independent punk.1
As their audience grew, Bikini Kill became closely associated with the Riot Grrrl movement through their music, zines, and community-focused approach. The band remained active until 1997, when it disbanded. After more than two decades apart, Bikini Kill reunited for a one-off performance in 2017 before returning for a full reunion in 2019. Their reconnection introduced their music and message to a new generation of listeners.3
Bikini Kill’s Biggest Hits
Bikini Kill is best known for a small catalog of songs that helped define the Riot Grrrl movement and feminist punk rock in the 1990s. The following tracks remain the band’s most recognized releases and continue to influence punk musicians and fans:
- Rebel Girl (1993): Rebel Girl is often regarded as Bikini Kill’s signature song. It is an enduring feminist anthem. The song's message of female solidarity has helped it remain one of the band’s most celebrated tracks.2
- Double Dare Ya (1991): Double Dare Ya was released on the band’s debut demo Revolution Girl Style Now. It introduced Bikini Kill’s outspoken style and helped establish themes that would become central to the Riot Grrrl movement.4
- New Radio (1993): New Radio was produced with Joan Jett and showcased the band’s energetic punk sound and lyrics that challenge social expectations. The song remains one of the band’s most recognizable recordings and is a staple of their catalog.2
See Bikini Kill Live
Bikini Kill’s live shows are known for their high energy and direct connection with the crowd. Their performances combine fast-paced punk music with the influences of the Riot Grrrl movement, creating an atmosphere that feels powerful and inclusive. Along with headlining their own concerts, the band has appeared at major festivals around the world.
Buy your Bikini Kill tickets on AXS and see this feminist punk band live.