Electric Melodies: Violent Femmes Take the Stage with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra!

On Sunday, October 6, 99X presents the Violent Femmes in a special performance at Symphony Hall, showcasing their debut album alongside the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.

Formed in 1981 as an acoustic punk band in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Violent Femmes drew inspiration from artists like Gene Vincent & His Blue Caps and The Velvet Underground. Their mission was to redefine what an acoustic act could be, aiming to rock harder than any of their contemporaries.

After facing rejection from local venues, the band seized an opportunity to perform outside a Pretenders show. This fortuitous moment led to an invitation from Pretenders’ lead singer Chrissie Hynde to open the concert, gaining them significant exposure. Their performance caught the attention of Richard Hell, who invited them to open for him in New York City, with a subsequent rave review in the New York Times resulting in a record deal and a global touring career.

Their self-titled debut album made history as the first and only album to enter the Billboard charts with a platinum certification, a remarkable feat achieved eight years post-release. Throughout the following three decades, Violent Femmes established themselves as a staple in music festivals, clubs, and theaters across more than 20 countries worldwide.

While MTV’s “Unplugged” series was inspired by them, the band never actually appeared on the show. Their distinctive blend of raw sound and candid lyrics has left an indelible mark on a diverse range of artists, including Pink, Keith Urban, The Smiths, The Pixies, John Cusack, Mark Morris, and Wim Wenders.

Now with over 40 years in the music industry, Violent Femmes continue to resonate with younger audiences, crafting timeless music, and inspiring fans of all ages.