American folk-punk band formed in Milwaukee in 1980. Long-running classic lineup: Gordon Gano (vocals/guitar), Brian Ritchie (bass), and Victor DeLorenzo (drums). Distinguished by their acoustic, semi-improvised arrangement style and Gano's confessional, sexually frank lyrics.
Released 11 studio albums between Violent Femmes (1983) and Hotel Last Resort (2019). Commercial peak: Violent Femmes (eventually platinum-certified through years of slow but steady sales, featuring "Blister in the Sun," "Add It Up," and "Kiss Off") and Hallowed Ground (1984). The band split and reunited multiple times.