Alternative title: The Night I Was Given a Blessing from a Punk Feminist Queen
As a writer and a feminist, I’ve long been inspired by female-led punk. Though I’m not a musician, the DIY spirit is something I’ve always admired about punk — the rebellious nature of it, the way the art never has to fit a certain mould. In fact, the more it doesn’t, the more punk it is — and I love that. Even more so when it’s sung and played by women who are smashing gender stereotypes and questioning patriarchal standards. I’d say punk is one of the biggest inspirations behind my own creativity.
So, when the opportunity came along to catch a true, living punk feminist legend live — at a small record store, no less, rather than some huge venue — I couldn’t turn it down. I’d personally never attended a gig at a record store before, so I didn’t really know how things worked at Rough Trade. When I looked online for practical info, I practically squeaked when I saw there was also a signing. I decided to buy a CD of Gina’s latest album Trouble (this concert was the launch party), despite the fact I have no means whatsoever of playing CDs — I just really wanted to meet Gina herself!
This was the first concert I’ve been to in ages where I turned up not long after doors opened — and there was actually a queue! Usually, I end up one of the first there and stand around like a lemon on my own. I got my CD and found the stage, which was located toward the back of the store. Gina Birch wasn’t due on until 8pm, but already a bit of a crowd was forming. I decided not to browse the shop and joined the queueing fans, ending up somewhere in the middle, not too far back. The wait felt long — made longer by the fact we were waiting for Gina Birch!
She came on around 8pm, alongside her touring band. As she mentioned during the set, she played many of the instruments on the album herself, but performing live has become more challenging as she’s got older — it’s harder to play and sing at the same time.
They proceeded to play almost the whole album, starting with one of my personal favourites, “Don’t Fight Your Friends.” “Happiness” followed, introduced almost like a meditation: “And now relax, close your eyes, and enjoy,” before launching into the psychedelic lullaby. Things picked up again with my absolute favourite track from Trouble — “Causing Trouble Again” — and we were asked to chant “trouble!” in all the right places. We all obliged, willingly and joyfully.
As Gina and the band worked their way through the album’s songs, the atmosphere was full of joy and humour. Gina has a brilliant sense of humour, which came through between songs. At one point, she talked about her sunglasses (worn throughout the first half of the set), saying she got them after cataract surgery — but thought they were cool, so kept them — proudly noting they were from Moorfields Hospital. Later, she joked that each woman onstage was dressed in bright, different colours — while she’d been wearing the same gold shirt for four years.
I’d expected the set to stick solely to the new album, but it ended with her previous solo singles “I Play My Bass Loud” and “Feminist Song” — both received with rapturous joy. During “Feminist Song,” when Gina shouted the line, “So when you ask me if I’m a feminist, I say why the hell wouldn’t I be?” the audience responded with huge cheers. It was a brilliant close to a brilliant set.
Then it was time to join the signing queue. I was overthinking everything — what should I say? What part of the CD should I get signed? Should I have brought a pen? But when it came to my turn, it was brief but lovely, even if I totally fangirled. I told her how much I loved the new album and how inspiring she is. Gina said how lovely that was to hear, and told me that what really helped her was going to art school for years — because it made her create, create, create.
I never even said I was a writer, but hearing her say that felt like a real gift. It’s one thing to know the spirit of punk is about creating regardless of how it looks or sounds — but for an actual punk legend to basically say it to you? That’s something else. It’s something I’ll carry in my heart forever.
I went home absolutely swooning, feeling at peak feminist joy.
You can catch Gina Birch live on Sept 24th at the 100 Club in London
Gina Birch’s latest album ‘Trouble’ is out now, buy it here
Gina Birch Socials-Instagram
Review and Photos by Hayley Foster da Silva
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