The Raincoats, X-Ray Spex, and the Slits Members Form Supergroup
Gina Birch of the Raincoats, Hollie Cook of the Slits, Lora Logic of X‑Ray Spex and Paul Dean will perform together for a single night at London’s Electric Brixton on October 16, 2026. The event, part of the “God Save the Queens” festival, celebrates five decades of feminist punk and ties into a ne…
On October 16, 2026, London’s Electric Brixton will host a historic one‑night collaboration between four pioneering punk musicians: Gina Birch of the Raincoats, Hollie Cook of the Slits, Lora Logic of X‑Ray Spex, and guitarist Paul Dean. The gathering, billed as a supergroup, is the centerpiece of the “God Save the Queens” festival, organized by the Up Yours! collective. The festival marks the 50th anniversary of feminist punk and serves as a prelude to a new exhibit on the movement opening at the Museum of Youth Culture in Camden.
Who Are the Artists?
Gina Birch, best known as the bassist and vocalist for the Raincoats, has been a key figure in the alternative music scene since the late 1970s. Her work is celebrated for its experimental edge and feminist ethos. Hollie Cook, frontwoman of the Slits, brought a raw, angular sound to the early punk scene, blending reggae, funk, and punk in a way that challenged gender norms. Lora Logic, the former lead guitarist of X‑Ray Spex, is renowned for her aggressive playing style and sharp, politically charged lyrics. Paul Dean, a guitarist who has worked with a variety of punk and post‑punk acts, rounds out the lineup with a versatile, hard‑hitting approach.
Why This Performance Matters
The collaboration is more than a musical reunion; it is a living tribute to the legacy of women who used punk as a platform for resistance. The festival’s organizers and the artists themselves see the event as a continuation of the narrative that the book Revenge of the She‑Punks by historian Vivien Goldman sought to document. Goldman, who will also be present, emphasized that the performance brings the book’s themes to life on stage, underscoring the ongoing influence of feminist punk.
Connecting Music, Art, and History
In addition to the live set, the festival features a lineup of other notable figures: Akiko Matsuura, Rhoda Dakar, Hot Wax, and Celeste Bell—daughter of X‑Ray Spex’s Poly Styrene—will join the festivities. Many of these performers have contributed archival materials and artwork to the accompanying museum exhibit. Lora Logic, in particular, highlighted the multidimensional nature of the movement, noting that punk was not only music but also visual art, fashion, and noise.
What’s Next?
While the supergroup’s performance is a one‑night event, the festival’s broader agenda includes workshops, panel discussions, and a showcase of rare recordings. The Museum of Youth Culture’s new exhibit will run through the end of the year, offering visitors a deeper dive into the cultural impact of feminist punk. Fans and scholars alike anticipate that the festival will spark renewed interest in the genre’s roots and its relevance to contemporary activism.
Key Takeaways
- Gina Birch, Hollie Cook, Lora Logic, and Paul Dean will perform together on October 16 at Electric Brixton.
- The event is part of the “God Save the Queens” festival, celebrating 50 years of feminist punk.
- Vivien Goldman, author of Revenge of the She‑Punks, will attend and discuss the movement’s history.
- Other artists such as Akiko Matsuura and Celeste Bell will join the festival’s lineup.
- The festival precedes a new museum exhibit on feminist punk at the Museum of Youth Culture in Camden.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When and where is the performance? It will take place on October 16, 2026, at Electric Brixton in London.
- What is the “God Save the Queens” festival? A celebration organized by the Up Yours! collective marking 50 years of feminist punk.
- Will the artists perform their classic songs? Yes, they will revisit iconic tracks from their respective bands.
- Is the event open to the public? Tickets are available through the festival’s official website; early bird pricing ends September 30.
- How does the festival connect to the museum exhibit? Many performers contributed archival materials to the exhibit, and the festival serves as a live extension of the displayed history.
Why it matters
The gathering spotlights the enduring influence of feminist punk and reaffirms the genre’s role in challenging societal norms. By bringing together trailblazers from three seminal bands, the event offers a rare, tangible link to the movement’s origins.
Key points
- Supergroup of Gina Birch, Hollie Cook, Lora Logic, and Paul Dean performs on Oct 16
- Festival celebrates 50 years of feminist punk
- Vivien Goldman and other artists attend
- Event precedes museum exhibit in Camden
- Performance includes classic songs and archival contributions
Frequently asked questions
When and where is the performance?
October 16, 2026 at Electric Brixton in London.
What is the “God Save the Queens” festival?
A celebration organized by the Up Yours! collective marking 50 years of feminist punk.
Will the artists perform their classic songs?
Yes, they will revisit iconic tracks from their respective bands.
Is the event open to the public?
Tickets are available through the festival’s official website; early bird pricing ends September 30.
How does the festival connect to the museum exhibit?
Many performers contributed archival materials to the exhibit, and the festival serves as a live extension of the displayed history.
