Event

Liz Phair Celebrates 'Exile in Guyville' 30th Anniversary with Blondshell as Opening Act

Published November 25, 2023

Indie rock icon Liz Phair lit up New York's Kings Theatre with a sold-out performance, marking the monumental 30th anniversary of her seminal album, Exile in Guyville. The memorable night saw Phair deliver the album's songs with a raw energy that resonated with fans both old and new. From the moment she struck the first chords of '6'1”' to the emotive 'Strange Loop', Phair reconnected the audience to her groundbreaking debut.

Three Decades of Influence

Liz Phair's Exile in Guyville emerged three decades ago as a milestone work that tackled themes of patriarchy, sexuality, and sexism head-on. Her distinctive minimalistic and intimate style has been an influence for a host of female indie artists that have followed in her footsteps, with Phair herself expressing joy in seeing a new generation of artists 'speaking her language'. Despite the joy, she also acknowledges the continued battle against the social issues she once sung about.

A Night of Musical Celebration

Throughout the night, the connection between artist and fans was palpable as Liz Phair and her band played through the entire album, notching up the intensity with hits like 'Never Said' and reflecting with songs such as 'Shatter'. Even after the 18-track album performance, they continued with an encore featuring fan favorites such as 'Supernova' and the upbeat 'Why Can't I', bringing a feel-good finale to an extraordinary evening.

Blondshell Sets the Stage

Opening the evening was Blondshell, the project of Los Angeles-based musician Sabrina Teitelbaum. With a critically acclaimed self-titled debut album under her belt, Blondshell's indie rock sound, which blends elements of grunge, post-punk, and pop, Teitelbaum's performance captivated the audience. Her set, ignited by the track 'Veronica Mars', displayed her intense yet introspective music style and lyrics, setting a powerful tone for Phair's subsequent performance.

concert, anniversary, tribute