Rebel Girl

Experience the electrifying, searing journey of feminist punk icon Kathleen Hanna in her raw and insightful memoir, Rebel Girl. As the original Riot Grrrl and legendary frontwoman of Bikini Kill and Le Tigre, Hanna's voice and message have reverberated through the punk scene of the 1980s, ‘90s, and beyond.

Hanna's memoir begins with her tumultuous childhood, delving into the personal challenges that shaped her resilience and radical outlook. Moving through her formative years in Olympia, Washington, she navigates the early days of college life and the burgeoning punk scene. As Hanna and her band, Bikini Kill, fight tooth and nail for gigs, she reveals the stark reality of being in a "girl band" during an era rife with male violence and antagonism. The relentless grit and bravery required to survive as a female punk band are captured with unflinching honesty.

The relationships Hanna forged during these pivotal years were invaluable, providing both solace and strength. She recounts her camaraderie with bandmates Tobi Vail, Kathi Wilcox, and Billy Karren, as well as her friendship with Kurt Cobain and introduction to Joan Jett. These connections underscore the supportive, nurturing bonds within the true punk community.

In addition to her professional journey, Hanna explores her personal life, including her romantic relationship with Adam Horovitz (Ad-Rock of the Beastie Boys) and her harrowing battle with Lyme disease. She offers a behind-the-scenes look into her later musical endeavours with bands like Le Tigre and The Julie Ruin, giving readers an intimate view of her evolution as an artist.

Hanna also provides a critical yet loving account of the Riot Grrrl movement. While she celebrates its grassroots beginnings, she does not shy away from critiquing its later stages of exclusivity. Through it all, Hanna's unfiltered voice and honesty shine through, as she shares the highs and lows that have fuelled her revolutionary art over the decades.

Praise for Rebel Girl:

"A roadmap for a new generation," VOGUE

"Radical, funny and fearless," VANITY FAIR

"Gripping," NYLON

Rebel Girl is not just a memoir – it's a testament to the unyielding spirit and influence of a true revolutionary, from the punk rock stages of the 1980s to today's enduring battle for feminist ideals.