Venus Grrrls Lead a Dark, Theatrical Celebration of Women in Alternative Rock At O2 Academy Liverpool

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Venus Grrrls Lead a Dark, Theatrical Celebration of Women in Alternative Rock At O2 Academy Liverpool — Photo Credit L J Hubbard

Academy Liverpool - 6th November 2026

IMAGES L J HUBBARD / WORDS MILLIE MCVEY

A bill dominated by female talent, with headline act Venus Grrrls supported by woman-fronted Tender Claws and fellow all-girl outfit Petrichor, made for a beautifully curated evening.

Each act brought something distinctive to the stage, yet together they captured the spirit of the subgenre perfectly. More than just a strong collection of bands, the night was a celebration of female empowerment and the increasingly prominent place of women within the rock scene.

Opening the show, Tender Claws wasted little time in demonstrating their musical versatility. Their set moved effortlessly from smoother, more melodic alternative sounds into increasingly punchy and guitar-driven territory as the set moved forward. The contrast between the frontwoman’s flowing pink dress and the heavier riffs that accompanied it felt like a visual and musical statement that perfectly encapsulated the beauty of women in rock: unapologetically feminine, yet every bit as powerful and commanding as the genre demands.

Next up, Petrichor brought an undeniable charm to the stage, possessing the kind of presence that makes it almost impossible not to become an instant fan, even as a first-time listener. Their vocals were seriously impressive, carrying a rawness reminiscent of grunge at its very best. Tracks such as “Ankle”, introduced as exploring the subject of femicide, added further weight to their performance. Delivered with an almost anthemic quality, the song demonstrated the band’s ability to combine powerful musical arrangements with meaningful subject matter, leaving a lasting impression.

Finally, the headline act, Venus Grrrls, took to a stage illuminated by candelabras, immediately establishing the dark, theatrical atmosphere that has become synonymous with their sound. Opening with their latest single, “Carmilla”, from the new EP To Die As Lovers May, the band set the tone with a track inspired by the vampire character of the same name.

Their devoted fanbase, affectionately known as ‘The Coven’, were clearly ready for the occasion, meeting the band’s commanding stage presence with an equally enthusiastic response. Venus Grrrls have a particularly captivating way of holding an audience’s attention. Their performance was theatrical without ever feeling forced, with occasional haunting wails and an unmistakably dark aesthetic adding to the atmosphere.

The band’s desire to extend the Halloween season into their tour was certainly evident, and the candelabra-lit setting only heightened the experience. There was a real sense of occasion to the performance, with the band’s energy translating effortlessly into the crowd.

For those, like myself, who arrived having never seen Venus Grrrls live or explored their music beforehand, the set proved an excellent introduction. Their ability to combine theatricality, heavy alternative sounds and an engaging stage presence made for a compelling headline performance. Thankfully, with an ever-growing discography, there is plenty more to discover.

Ultimately, this was a brilliantly assembled bill that showcased the diversity and strength of women within alternative rock. A night that celebrated female musicianship in all its forms, leaving little doubt that the future of the alternative scene is in very capable hands.