GALLERY: The Violent Femmes

Jillian Johnson

Oct 10

NASHVILLE SYMPHONY | NASHVILLE, TN | OCTOBER 9, 2024 | BY JILLIAN JOHNSON

It's one thing to hear your favorite band live. Nothing beats the feeling of seeing the people you listen to every single day standing right in front of you. Now it's a completely different thing to hear that same band accompanied live, by a fourteen time Grammy award winning symphony in a room built with literally perfect acoustics. This is exactly what Violent Femme fans witnessed in Nashville this past Wednesday. Audience members of all ages were able to experience their iconic discography in a whole new light. Legendary songs completely reimagined by the amazingly talented classical musicians that filled the stage.

Folk punk band, The Violent Femmes, have been capturing audiences since the 1980’s and continue to have a substantial presence in the music scene to this day. With their songs like “Blister In The Sun” and “Add it Up” being household names, it was no surprise that it was a completely sold out show. While it's not generally customary to dance, sing and cheer in a symphony hall, formalities flew out the window the second the three members walked on the stage. Every single lyric was sung back to the band as people literally jumped out of their seats dancing and cheering.

This was truly a once in a lifetime experience that will most likely go unreplicated. To be able to hear the reimagination of such iconic songs in such an untraditional matter was truly an unforgettable experience. While not performing with the Nashville Symphony, the band has a few live dates around the country, and world, coming up these next few months and they are definitely not one to miss out on.