"One of the coolest bands to come out of the '90s." The Breeders delight fans old and new in London ahead of their Glastonbury festival appearance

One of Nirvana's favourite bands, The Breeders continue to bowl fans over

published 29 June 2024

(Image: © Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Live Nation)

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Following on from the 30th anniversary of their landmark album Last Splash, The Breeders headed to east London for their first UK shows in over six years, ahead of a weekend jaunt to Glastonbury. Playing in Limehouse (and yes, they did play Pod favourite Lime House) the band delivered a set that left us sweating and in awe, a potent reminder of why they're one of the coolest bands to come out of the '90s alt. rock scene.

Formed in 1989 by Kim Deal and Tanya Donelly as a side-project from their respective bands Pixies and Throwing Muses (and completed by Deal’s twin sister Kelley on lead guitar and Jim MacPherson on drums), the quartet have not lost their edge. Kicking things off with Saints from Last Splash, the lengthy set that follows includes the majority of the record, and an unexpected treat in the form of Ed's Redeeming Qualities cover Drivin’ on 9. But it's fair to say that fan excitement peaks with the arrival of the brilliant Cannonball and the highly-anticipated Pixies cover Gigantic, co-written and sung by Kim Deal. Seeing Deal play her song on her primary instrument of the bass is a moment that will stay etched in our memories for years to come.

Despite their defining artistic statement being released over 30 years ago, The Breeders continue to touch and inspire multiple generations. Much loved by the members of Nirvana - Dave Grohl has been known to make sporadic guest appearances at gigs, though not tonight, despite pre-show rumours - the Deal sisters were given the ultimate Gen Z seal of approval when famous fan Olivia Rodrigo took them out as support on her GUTS arena tour, and the group have clearly transcended simple nostalgia, as is evidenced by the mix of ages here tonight. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a newcomer to their music, The Breeders prove here that they are still a force to be reckoned with, with a legacy that still echoes in so much of the modern indie-rock scene.

The Breeders at Troxy, London, June 25, setlist:

Saints
Wait in the Car
Doe
Safari
When I Was a Painter
Night of Joy
Disobedience
No Aloha
Huffer
Off You
Hag
I Just Wanna Get Along
Only in 3's
Do You Love Me Now?
New Year
Cannonball
Drivin' on 9 (Ed's Redeeming Qualities cover)
Lime House
Opened
MetaGoth
Gigantic (Pixies cover)