Bikini Kill thrilled fans this year by embarking on a reunion tour, with original lineup members Kathleen Hanna (vocals), Tobi Vail (drums) and Kathi Wilcox (bass), performing their first full shows together since their 1997 breakup. New guitarist Erica Dawn Lyle replaced Billy Karren for the 2019 tour lineup.
The feminist rockers surprised their New York City audience by bringing out a special guest, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Joan Jett, to play guitar on a live rendition of their 1993 anthem “Rebel Girl.”
Bikini Kill and Jett have collaborated in the past, notably on the 1998 album The Singles, which Jett produced. She also contributed guitar and vocals to its first three tracks.
The Tuesday night Kings Theatre show was Bikini Kill’s seventh stop on their international tour. There will be one more NYC show on Wednesday before they fly to London to perform two nights at the O2 Academy Brixton.
Watch fan-shot footage of the performance below, beneath Paste archival audio from a 1981 Jett & The Blackhearts set.
blank">When Joan Jett shows up to the Bikini Kill concert!!! Love adding a big to our bucket lists, @chadsketch @karizzle @frankievanian #14again #bikinikill #imnotyourmama #perfect
A post shared by .jimenez/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="blank"> Stina Jimenez; (@stina..jimenez) on
#BikiniKill brings out legendary #Riotgrrrl #JoanJett!!! #RebelGirl
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I can’t believe I just got to experience this magical moment! Joan Jett hopping on stage with Bikini Kill to perform Rebel Girl! #bikinikill #kingstheatre #brooklyn #joanjett #rebelgirl
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