CONNECTCOMMENTEMAILMORE
In their latest music video, Milwaukee’s Violent Femmes have come full circle.
The visual treatment for new single “I’m Nothing,” posted on YouTube Thursday afternoon, features the band performing under the marquee at the Oriental Theatre, surrounded by a rowdy group of fans.
Any follower of the seminal Milwaukee folk punk trio knows the tale of the little-known Femmes busking outside the Oriental in 1981 before a Pretenders concert, leading to an opening gig from the band that led to a not-so-glowing reception.
The Femmes — co-founders Gordon Gano and Brian Ritchie, and Milwaukee-based percussionist John Sparrow — are also seen performing in front of Black Cat Alley on the east side. Directed by Josh Adams from local concert videography team Mindpool Live, the “I’m Nothing” video also features lots of skating footage of the single’s guest vocalist Stefan Janoski, and Milwaukeeans mouthing the lyrics all over town. Among the familiar faces from Milwaukee’s music scene: pop artist Lex Allen, WYMS-FM (88.9) DJ Tarik Moody and musician Amelinda Burich.
The video was shot in June when the Femmes were back in town for Miller Brewing’s free “Cheers to Milwaukee” concert at the Riverside Theater. The song — a remake of a track from 1994 album “New Times” — appears on the Femmes’ 10th studio album “Hotel Last Resort,” out Friday. No Milwaukee shows are scheduled, but the band will play Riot Fest in Chicago Sept. 13 and the Meyer Theatre in Green Bay Sept. 14.
-
1 of 12 -
2 of 12 -
3 of 12 -
4 of 12 -
5 of 12 -
6 of 12 -
7 of 12 -
8 of 12 -
9 of 12 -
10 of 12 -
11 of 12 -
12 of 12
Autoplay
Show Thumbnails
Show Captions
RELATED: Violent Femmes play classic album, premiere new songs, honor Dr. John at Milwaukee homecoming
RELATED: An oral history of the Violent Femmes’ first three decades
Contact Piet at (414) 223-5162 or plevy@journalsentinel.com. Follow him on Twitter at @pietlevy or Facebook at facebook.com/PietLevyMJS.
Piet also talks concerts, local music and more on “TAP’d In” with Jordan Lee. Hear it at 8 a.m. Thursdays on WYMS-FM (88.9), or wherever you get your podcasts.
CONNECTCOMMENTEMAILMORE
Read or Share this story: https://www.jsonline.com/story/entertainment/music/2019/07/25/violent-femmes-return-busking-roots-new-made-milwaukee-music-video/1829052001/