The Bikini Kill reunion is over as the legendary band conclude London shows
12 June 2019, 08:30
Photography by
Chris Almeida
Fierce and vital as ever, Kathleen Hanna announced tonight’s Bikini Kill show at Brixton Academy as the end of the band’s reunion. Playing the second of two shows, this was the first time that band had appeared together in the UK in 23 years.
“I’m not a fucking cop”, Hanna quipped during the show, as the audience screamed “girls to the front!”. “I can’t tell from the stage who is a girl and who is not,” added Hanna. “If you’re at the back, then it’s up to you to make your space and go to the back…and if you’re a tall white man at the front and want to go to the back that would be very much appreciated!”
Fierce and vital as ever, Kathleen Hanna announced tonight’s Bikini Kill show at Brixton Academy as the end of the band’s reunion. Playing the second of two shows, this was the first time that band had appeared together in the UK in 23 years.
“I’m not a fucking cop”, Hanna quipped during the show, as the audience screamed “girls to the front!”. “I can’t tell from the stage who is a girl and who is not,” added Hanna. “If you’re at the back, then it’s up to you to make your space and go to the back…and if you’re a tall white man at the front and want to go to the back that would be very much appreciated!”
![Bikini Kill O2 Brixton Academy Chris Almeida 29](https://best-fit.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/galleries/2019/the-bikini-kill-reunion-is-over-as-the-legendary-band-conclude-london-shows/Bikini_Kill___O2_Brixton_Academy___Chris_Almeida-29.jpg?w=1200&h=800&q=100&auto=format&fit=crop&dm=1648125263&s=6fce69857342291ed0f28a33546e9cf9)
![Bikini Kill O2 Brixton Academy Chris Almeida 7](https://best-fit.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/galleries/2019/the-bikini-kill-reunion-is-over-as-the-legendary-band-conclude-london-shows/Bikini_Kill___O2_Brixton_Academy___Chris_Almeida-7.jpg?w=1200&h=800&q=100&auto=format&fit=crop&dm=1648125264&s=d2cb5ebe2bf666bb71d781e4f7e9bb0d)
![Bikini Kill O2 Brixton Academy Chris Almeida 33](https://best-fit.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/galleries/2019/the-bikini-kill-reunion-is-over-as-the-legendary-band-conclude-london-shows/Bikini_Kill___O2_Brixton_Academy___Chris_Almeida-33.jpg?w=1200&h=800&q=100&auto=format&fit=crop&dm=1648125266&s=16e2694e842b51c31316ff65cbb975b7)
![Bikini Kill O2 Brixton Academy Chris Almeida 18](https://best-fit.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/galleries/2019/the-bikini-kill-reunion-is-over-as-the-legendary-band-conclude-london-shows/Bikini_Kill___O2_Brixton_Academy___Chris_Almeida-18.jpg?w=1200&h=800&q=100&auto=format&fit=crop&dm=1648125268&s=1dc5e9b9d1682883bafcfb531e859510)
![Bikini Kill O2 Brixton Academy Chris Almeida 27](https://best-fit.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/galleries/2019/the-bikini-kill-reunion-is-over-as-the-legendary-band-conclude-london-shows/Bikini_Kill___O2_Brixton_Academy___Chris_Almeida-27.jpg?w=1200&h=800&q=100&auto=format&fit=crop&dm=1648125269&s=c55221e3daf441609a4a6822f2e12958)
![Bikini Kill O2 Brixton Academy Chris Almeida 11](https://best-fit.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/galleries/2019/the-bikini-kill-reunion-is-over-as-the-legendary-band-conclude-london-shows/Bikini_Kill___O2_Brixton_Academy___Chris_Almeida-11.jpg?w=1200&h=800&q=100&auto=format&fit=crop&dm=1648125273&s=bc27baaaa195db1080aa7308752416c5)
![Bikini Kill O2 Brixton Academy Chris Almeida 8](https://best-fit.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/galleries/2019/the-bikini-kill-reunion-is-over-as-the-legendary-band-conclude-london-shows/Bikini_Kill___O2_Brixton_Academy___Chris_Almeida-8.jpg?w=1200&h=800&q=100&auto=format&fit=crop&dm=1648125274&s=736e688d8cb57f18587d43d97f3170d3)
![Bikini Kill O2 Brixton Academy Chris Almeida 14](https://best-fit.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/galleries/2019/the-bikini-kill-reunion-is-over-as-the-legendary-band-conclude-london-shows/Bikini_Kill___O2_Brixton_Academy___Chris_Almeida-14.jpg?w=1200&h=800&q=100&auto=format&fit=crop&dm=1648125281&s=771a643534f3cb6bc0500b8ad3dcba87)
![Bikini Kill O2 Brixton Academy Chris Almeida 13](https://best-fit.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/galleries/2019/the-bikini-kill-reunion-is-over-as-the-legendary-band-conclude-london-shows/Bikini_Kill___O2_Brixton_Academy___Chris_Almeida-13.jpg?w=1200&h=800&q=100&auto=format&fit=crop&dm=1648125283&s=e8e54f1c7e9bb5e25045d490e73ca863)
![Bikini Kill O2 Brixton Academy Chris Almeida 19](https://best-fit.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/galleries/2019/the-bikini-kill-reunion-is-over-as-the-legendary-band-conclude-london-shows/Bikini_Kill___O2_Brixton_Academy___Chris_Almeida-19.jpg?w=1200&h=800&q=100&auto=format&fit=crop&dm=1648125285&s=dbc753e096c6f8ee0970d391f094d7a9)
![Bikini Kill O2 Brixton Academy Chris Almeida 3](https://best-fit.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/galleries/2019/the-bikini-kill-reunion-is-over-as-the-legendary-band-conclude-london-shows/Bikini_Kill___O2_Brixton_Academy___Chris_Almeida-3.jpg?w=1200&h=800&q=100&auto=format&fit=crop&dm=1648125287&s=cb1467722f94439b10adad4e9c465e0e)
![Bikini Kill O2 Brixton Academy Chris Almeida 10](https://best-fit.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/galleries/2019/the-bikini-kill-reunion-is-over-as-the-legendary-band-conclude-london-shows/Bikini_Kill___O2_Brixton_Academy___Chris_Almeida-10.jpg?w=1200&h=800&q=100&auto=format&fit=crop&dm=1648125288&s=e11e3e7a78d52e790a0f0832b5e65cd5)
![Bikini Kill O2 Brixton Academy Chris Almeida 12](https://best-fit.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/galleries/2019/the-bikini-kill-reunion-is-over-as-the-legendary-band-conclude-london-shows/Bikini_Kill___O2_Brixton_Academy___Chris_Almeida-12.jpg?w=1200&h=800&q=100&auto=format&fit=crop&dm=1648125290&s=835ab6e4bce6bcabb8a2be2bb6683695)
![Bikini Kill O2 Brixton Academy Chris Almeida 24](https://best-fit.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/galleries/2019/the-bikini-kill-reunion-is-over-as-the-legendary-band-conclude-london-shows/Bikini_Kill___O2_Brixton_Academy___Chris_Almeida-24.jpg?w=1200&h=800&q=100&auto=format&fit=crop&dm=1648125293&s=83551186b981e3e345b45351aa27781d)
![Bikini Kill O2 Brixton Academy Chris Almeida 17](https://best-fit.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/galleries/2019/the-bikini-kill-reunion-is-over-as-the-legendary-band-conclude-london-shows/Bikini_Kill___O2_Brixton_Academy___Chris_Almeida-17.jpg?w=1200&h=800&q=100&auto=format&fit=crop&dm=1648125297&s=484fd203d073c0d85c1786336ca1bfbc)
![Bikini Kill O2 Brixton Academy Chris Almeida 2](https://best-fit.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/galleries/2019/the-bikini-kill-reunion-is-over-as-the-legendary-band-conclude-london-shows/Bikini_Kill___O2_Brixton_Academy___Chris_Almeida-2.jpg?w=1200&h=800&q=100&auto=format&fit=crop&dm=1648125298&s=3c74aa50ae98c4ec97b05dde0393f29b)
![Bikini Kill O2 Brixton Academy Chris Almeida 6](https://best-fit.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/galleries/2019/the-bikini-kill-reunion-is-over-as-the-legendary-band-conclude-london-shows/Bikini_Kill___O2_Brixton_Academy___Chris_Almeida-6.jpg?w=1200&h=800&q=100&auto=format&fit=crop&dm=1648125300&s=bd4377df28d74114d7d93a10f303bf16)
![Bikini Kill O2 Brixton Academy Chris Almeida 5](https://best-fit.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/galleries/2019/the-bikini-kill-reunion-is-over-as-the-legendary-band-conclude-london-shows/Bikini_Kill___O2_Brixton_Academy___Chris_Almeida-5.jpg?w=1200&h=800&q=100&auto=format&fit=crop&dm=1648125302&s=7d2e012cf3c3b0291fb20d3fe0ef7fb1)
![Bikini Kill O2 Brixton Academy Chris Almeida 9](https://best-fit.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/galleries/2019/the-bikini-kill-reunion-is-over-as-the-legendary-band-conclude-london-shows/Bikini_Kill___O2_Brixton_Academy___Chris_Almeida-9.jpg?w=1200&h=800&q=100&auto=format&fit=crop&dm=1648125304&s=f6fb3e96e7f94914cebd5123c8b67df3)
![Bikini Kill O2 Brixton Academy Chris Almeida 30](https://best-fit.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/galleries/2019/the-bikini-kill-reunion-is-over-as-the-legendary-band-conclude-london-shows/Bikini_Kill___O2_Brixton_Academy___Chris_Almeida-30.jpg?w=1200&h=800&q=100&auto=format&fit=crop&dm=1648125309&s=566f75b570f9c3fe53facbf30d0cb72a)
![Bikini Kill O2 Brixton Academy Chris Almeida 25](https://best-fit.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/galleries/2019/the-bikini-kill-reunion-is-over-as-the-legendary-band-conclude-london-shows/Bikini_Kill___O2_Brixton_Academy___Chris_Almeida-25.jpg?w=1200&h=800&q=100&auto=format&fit=crop&dm=1648125312&s=39482ed89b581441b5a4b91ec29f0aa8)
![Bikini Kill O2 Brixton Academy Chris Almeida 26](https://best-fit.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/galleries/2019/the-bikini-kill-reunion-is-over-as-the-legendary-band-conclude-london-shows/Bikini_Kill___O2_Brixton_Academy___Chris_Almeida-26.jpg?w=1200&h=800&q=100&auto=format&fit=crop&dm=1648125313&s=970376fe1633fdd66fc0cf6daf849001)
![Bikini Kill O2 Brixton Academy Chris Almeida 32](https://best-fit.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/galleries/2019/the-bikini-kill-reunion-is-over-as-the-legendary-band-conclude-london-shows/Bikini_Kill___O2_Brixton_Academy___Chris_Almeida-32.jpg?w=1200&h=800&q=100&auto=format&fit=crop&dm=1648125315&s=9f3125265bc642dc0f7733a01fd619ea)
![Bikini Kill O2 Brixton Academy Chris Almeida](https://best-fit.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/galleries/2019/the-bikini-kill-reunion-is-over-as-the-legendary-band-conclude-london-shows/Bikini_Kill___O2_Brixton_Academy___Chris_Almeida.jpg?w=1200&h=800&q=100&auto=format&fit=crop&dm=1648125317&s=7b2957e1583ade0645cc9dea7af67076)
Latest
- Cat Burns shares "i like the way you kiss me, we could have been end game"
- Kylie V announces forthcoming second album, Crash Test Plane
- Anitta joins Sevdaliza on new remix, "Alibi pt.2"
- Nubya Garcia announces Odyssey album exhibition and immersive experiences
- Girl Scout announce the forthcoming EP, Headache
- Oscar Lang releases surprise new album, [pieces]
- Central Cee links up with RAYE on new single, "Moi"
Get the Best Fit take on the week in music direct to your inbox every Friday
Read next
Listen
Keyside shine in layered new wave ode to freedom and escape in “Runaway”
BIZZY fights to break old habits in bold alt-pop single “Default Setting”
Albertine Sarges revels in obsession on “Stand Near Your Fire”
Native James gets stuck in the game on the rock-rap "Field"
1tbsp & Ninajirachi dance capitalism away on “Somebody Pay Nina”
Palomino Blond call to the unrequited with "Understand"
Reviews
![Fat Dog Woof cover](https://best-fit.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/albums/Fat-Dog-Woof-cover.jpg?w=600&h=600&q=100&auto=format&fit=crop&dm=1725638920&s=a4cfe9657d943b1f180ba2c295226db5)
Fat Dog
Woof
06 Sept 2024
![Hinds Viva Hinds cover](https://best-fit.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/albums/Hinds-Viva-Hinds-cover.jpg?w=600&h=600&q=100&auto=format&fit=crop&dm=1725093034&s=5b52f8a201aa9df12b4d23296b63f759)
Hinds
Viva Hinds
05 Sept 2024
![The The Ensoulement cover](https://best-fit.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/albums/The-The-Ensoulement-cover.jpg?w=600&h=600&q=100&auto=format&fit=crop&dm=1725093267&s=216dc4e7c1e4599f1d6d12970e40df75)
The The
Ensoulement
05 Sept 2024
![MJ Lenderman Fireworks cover](https://best-fit.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/albums/MJ-Lenderman-Fireworks-cover.jpg?w=600&h=600&q=100&auto=format&fit=crop&dm=1725442697&s=f60f0854fc60a12910399c6f2809f1f2)
MJ Lenderman
Manning Fireworks
04 Sept 2024