Bikini Kill is an American punk rock band formed in Olympia, Washington, in October 1990. The group originally consisted of singer and songwriter Kathleen Hanna, guitarist Billy Karren, bassist Kathi Wilcox, and drummer Tobi Vail. The band pioneered the riot grrrl movement, with feminist lyrics and fiery performances. Their music is characteristically abrasive and hardcore-influenced. After two full-length albums, several EPs and two compilations, they disbanded in 1997. The band reunited for tours in 2019 and 2022, with Erica Dawn Lyle on guitar in place of Karren.
Bikini Kill performing in 2019
Kathleen Hanna performing with Bikini Kill in Sydney, Australia, in 1996
Bikini Kill in 2019, at the O2 Brixton Academy
Performing in 1991
Olympia is the capital of the U.S. state of Washington and the county seat and most populous city of Thurston County.
From top, and left to right: Old Capitol Building, East Olympia, Interstate 5 at the junction of U.S. Route 101, Port of Olympia, Downtown from Capitol Lake, Washington State Capitol, Salmon sculpture, Mount Rainier, Percival Landing Park, Olympic Mountains and Swantown Marina
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The Old Capitol Building in 1906
Astronaut photograph of Olympia, Washington, taken from the International Space Station (ISS)