There are bands whose true depth and importance can only be understood when they see them live. And for a considerable number of people, this was certainly the case at the sold-out L7 in São Paulo last Friday, the 19th.
A recognized reference point for punk and grunge in the Los Angeles scene, the band was formed by Donita Sparks and Suzi Gardner in 1985. With their political, feminist, and raw sound, the group (which later included Jennifer Finch and Dee Plakas ) influenced bands like Nirvana and was a highlight at major music festivals in the 1990s. But knowing their music and biography isn't enough to convey the power of this quartet on stage.
Before L7's show, the night was marked by some delays, from the opening of the gates to the start of the shows themselves. The national opening bands chosen for the event were great successes: first, the São Paulo punk band Cólera delivered an energetic performance, with groove and striking lyrics, which resonated with the audience, despite the low attendance at that time. A little later, it was As Mercenárias to showcase their fast and questioning sound in a perfect warm-up for the headliners.
The show started 30 minutes late, but the audience didn't seem to mind this minor setback. The artists took the stage with "Deathwish" and all the unpretentious energy of those who don't try to appear bigger, something so common in the pompous rock made by men, to which their sound has always been opposed. Still adjusting the microphone, Donita quickly thanked the audience for coming before launching into the celebrated "Andres".
In a series of stage dives by fans, the enthusiasm of the predominantly female audience revealed in practice the importance of representation and narratives of women in rock, punk, grunge and beyond, but also showed how professionalism and musical quality are capable of winning over any lover of fierce guitars and fast beats.
Seeing the synchronization of Donita and Jennifer's headbanging, in a beautiful contrast of blonde and magenta streaks cutting through the air, it's hard to believe that this band went through a long 14-year hiatus starting in 2000. Whether it's Suzi's charm, Dee's consistency, Donita's imposing presence, or Jenn's sensuality, the result is a hypnotic performance, with choruses perfect for live performances and plenty of authenticity, justifying the many chants of "L7, L7, L7," always very well received on stage.
The audience was asked how many people were there at L7's first ever show, and the majority of raised hands responded, not due to a lack of devotion from those present, many properly dressed in the band's t-shirts. The band has only been to Brazil on two other occasions: first, in 1993, when they performed at the iconic Hollywood Rock , and then in 2018. Therefore, it's no exaggeration to imagine that the show was the experience capable of sealing the magnitude of L7's work in the minds of most of those present, as this is a practical notion that no theory can demonstrate.
In their lengthy setlist, the band covered their entire career and included "Wargasm" as a commentary on the current world political landscape, culminating in a "fuck Donald Trump" at the end, referencing the millionaire's reelection ambitions. If there was anything missing from the otherwise impeccable show, it was certainly some more specific political commentary about Brazil.
After a powerful sequence with “Pretend We're Dead”, “Dispatch From Mar-a-Lago” and “Shitlist”, the artists left the stage and the entire interval until the encore was filled with applause and shouts. Indeed, Donita was right in saying that the São Paulo audience was “tiring them out” with the pace, but she was also right in saying that they would work to live up to expectations and not disappoint the fans.
The night ended with “Fast and Frightening” and the certainty of having witnessed a masterclass and one of the best shows of the year, even with such a busy international schedule in Brazil in 2023. It's like the song chosen to close the night says: “she has so many clitorises that she doesn't need balls”. And the artists of L7 are like that.
Check out exclusive photos of Leca Suzuki below.
