Buy! your ticket to see your favorite artists. Attend! to be with your closest 3,000 friends. Embrace! those odd conversations. Experience more music than advertised. This year at one of the hidden side stages was a “BitchFit” performance. A band of 4 friends unapologetically kicking in doors and yelling that violence will no longer be tolerated. Frontwoman Ailish shared a megaphone with fans to actively scream NO to their personal situation. This was followed by the crowd’s response – “fuck (person’s name), you suck.” The four artists are small, but their ideals and voices are changing the world.
On the main stage were artists who influenced punk rock throughout generations, from silly to motivated activism. It was high energy with laughter and nostalgia pushing punk rock into a fresh direction.
The always relevant Frightwig gave a memorable performance highlighting activism for equality. Jane Wiedlin (Go-Go’s guitarist) and Gina Shock (Go-Go’s drummer) joined them on stage, setting fire to the already explosive performance. There were beautiful dancers holding intelligent protest signs for peace and equality. Then there was a history lesson relating to the song “A Man’s Gotta Do What a Man’s Gotta Do.” Previously, men were invited on stage to strip, reflecting the reverse stereotypes of female objectification. Until one man was fingering himself, and that was the end of that.
The Dead Milkmen gathered a crowd so deep and thick that if you didn’t plant a tree last year to save your space, you were not getting through. The performance was on video relay broadcast to the Field Stage, so I caught some of the set. Dancing remotely to “Punk Rock Girl” from their 1988 Beelzebubba. Everyone in the crowd, young and old, sang in tune, where at one point it was the same voice. My favorite moment was when lead singer Joe Genaro (“Joe Jack Talcum”) crowd surfed during the set.
Frankie and the Witch Fingers have a sound that mixes whiplash rock with a head-banging jam. The music is universal, a raw, energetic style almost hypnotic, with talented individuals jamming as one. Paused long enough to see the band headbanging along with us. It seems there is a little Frankie headbanger in all of us.
The Return of Jackie and Judy entered the stage as the rock stars they are. Then immediately announced they would only play Ramones songs. I strongly resisted requesting a favorite song by rock band Sleater-Kinney or comedian/musician Fred Armisen. They stayed true to their original concept of a Ramones tribute band. After 50 years since their debut album, these are songs that have moved from cultural to our internal punk DNA.
Bikini Kill was hardcore with a fiery and touching performance. Kathleen shared a few very personal stories with motivation and gratitude. There was no better occasion to play Mosswood Meltdown. A place in real life where we can meet together person to person. Another personal moment when she focused and cleared a characteristic that was holding her back. When she built up the courage to say ‘hi’, the two shy girls in the sandwich shop became friends, and the band “Bikini Kill” was the outcome. She encouraged everyone to let go of what might be holding you back. If you start a band, Bikini Kill will open for you. There was also a special shout-out to Bitchfit and their crushing performance (at The Complex’s mini stage in the merch village earlier that day). It is good to see and hear the younger voices speak out about injustice. When Sleater-Kinney joined Bikini Kill, it was another tearing moment. During their set, there was a remembrance of L7’s Jennifer Finch’s passing: how her accomplishments bleed life into their motivation for who they have become. This was the finale with the very appropriate song “Rebel Girl.” Everyone danced, as if there wasn’t a tomorrow. As we know, nothing in life is guaranteed. Bikini Kill’s live performance does include playing their music better than any sound record; yet, it will transform you into a better version of yourself.
Mosswood Park has returned to its quiet sanctuary, but the memories from the weekend have changed us all.
Frightwig
Bitchfit
The Return of Jackie and Judy
Frankie and the Witchfingers
Bikini Kill
