Heavens to Betsy Reunion: Riot Grrrl Legends Return After 32 Years 2026

Heavens to Betsy, the pioneering feminist punk duo, have reunited after 32 years, and their upcoming US tour and new LP Baby's Gone are reigniting the raw, unapologetic rage of the riot grrrl movement. The band, featuring drummer Tracy Sawyer and singer-guitarist Corin Tucker (later of Sleater-Kinney), first made waves in the early 1990s with songs about body image, sexual abuse, abortion, and defying a world that conditions women to be small.

The Surprise Comeback Show

In June, a photocopied flyer appeared on telegraph poles in Portland, Oregon, promoting a DIY show by a seemingly defunct band. Fans bought every ticket without online confirmation, and their gamble paid off: it was Heavens to Betsy's first performance in 32 years. The intimate community space gig saw younger fans singing along to every word, proving the band's enduring impact.

From High School to Iconic Status

Heavens to Betsy played their first show 35 years ago at the International Pop Underground Convention in Olympia, Washington, alongside Fugazi, Bikini Kill, and Melvins. Sawyer recalls being terrified, but the duo's raw energy and feminist-revenge themes quickly made them a cornerstone of the riot grrrl scene.

What's Next: Tour and New LP

The upcoming US tour will feature songs from their early catalog, plus Baby's Gone, a new LP collecting a rare 1992 demo tape and two 7-inch EPs. The demo, recorded by Bratmobile's Molly Neuman on a four-track, captures the band's inventive, lo-fi fury.

Why Their Rage Still Matters

Heavens to Betsy's music remains a blueprint for feminist punk, addressing issues that are still urgent today. Their songs about worker exploitation, periods, and revenge against a patriarchal society resonate with a new generation of activists and musicians.

• First reunion in 32 years, with a full US tour announced
• New LP Baby's Gone features a rare 1992 demo and two EPs
• Younger fans are discovering the band through streaming and vinyl
• Corin Tucker's iconic vibrato continues to inspire
• Riot grrrl's DIY ethos lives on in today's punk scene

FAQ

Heavens to Betsy's reunion is more than nostalgia—it's a powerful reminder that feminist punk's fire never died. With their new LP and tour, they're passing the torch to a new generation of rebels.

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