Violent Femmes: Violent Femmes & Hallowed Ground

Violent Femmes formed in 1981 as an acoustic punk band playing on the streets of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Drawing early influence from Gene Vincent and the Blue Caps and The Velvet Underground, the group sought to rock harder than any other acoustic act. After a chance encounter outside a Pretenders gig led to an opening slot from Chrissie Hynde, the band gained significant momentum and eventually a record deal. Their self-titled debut became the first album in Billboard history to go platinum eight years after its release. Over four decades later, the band remains a fixture in the alternative music scene, inspiring generations of artists with their raw sound and honest lyrical perspective.