Eve Libertine is a force to be reckoned with in the world of punk music. Her latest album, Live at the Horse Hospital, serves as a testament to her unyielding passion and unwavering commitment to her art.
The British singer-songwriter, known for her scathing lyrics and operatic vocals, has been making waves since her days with anarcho-punk pioneers Crass in the 1970s. Alongside Crass co-founder Penny Rimbaud, Libertine reimagines tracks from her back catalogue, infusing them with a fresh sense of urgency and relevance.
Crass was more than just a punk band; it was a cultural movement that sought to challenge the status quo and push boundaries. Formed in the Dial House farm commune in Essex, the group's early days were marked by raw energy, anti-establishment views, and an unwavering commitment to creating art that was both provocative and thought-provoking.
Libertine's time with Crass was a defining period in her life, one that shaped her into the artist she is today. With Steve Ignorant on vocals and Rimbaud on drums, the trio created music that was as much about politics as it was about pure sonic experimentation.
Their influence can still be felt today, with Libertine's latest album serving as a powerful reminder of the enduring power of art to challenge, provoke, and inspire. Live at the Horse Hospital is not just an album; it's a testament to the enduring legacy of Crass and its commitment to using music as a tool for social change.
Libertine herself is refreshingly honest about her experiences with Crass and the challenges she faced during that time. With an unflinching gaze, she recalls the band's early days, from the cramped spaces of Dial House to the raw energy of their live performances.
One track in particular stands out – "Bata Motel," a song written about living as a woman under the male gaze. Initially accused of being sadomasochistic pornography, Libertine argues that it's "quite the opposite," and its message has become more relevant with each passing year.
Throughout our conversation, Libertine comes across as refreshingly unpretentious, yet undeniably passionate about her art. She speaks candidly about her fears, ego, and pettiness, revealing a depth of introspection that is all too rare in today's musical landscape.
Despite the many challenges she faced during Crass' early days, including court battles over obscenity charges, Libertine remains steadfast in her commitment to using music as a tool for social change. Her proposed solutions have shifted somewhat over time, and she now argues against labels like "feminist," seeing them as potentially limiting.
In an era where divisions seem insurmountable, Eve Libertine's message of unity and compassion is a welcome respite. As she says herself, "Anger. Anger, compassion, rage – and love." It's a powerful reminder that art has the power to bring us together, even in our differences.
In short, Eve Libertine is an artist who refuses to be silenced or defined by labels. Her music is a testament to her enduring passion, creativity, and commitment to using art as a tool for social change.
The British singer-songwriter, known for her scathing lyrics and operatic vocals, has been making waves since her days with anarcho-punk pioneers Crass in the 1970s. Alongside Crass co-founder Penny Rimbaud, Libertine reimagines tracks from her back catalogue, infusing them with a fresh sense of urgency and relevance.
Crass was more than just a punk band; it was a cultural movement that sought to challenge the status quo and push boundaries. Formed in the Dial House farm commune in Essex, the group's early days were marked by raw energy, anti-establishment views, and an unwavering commitment to creating art that was both provocative and thought-provoking.
Libertine's time with Crass was a defining period in her life, one that shaped her into the artist she is today. With Steve Ignorant on vocals and Rimbaud on drums, the trio created music that was as much about politics as it was about pure sonic experimentation.
Their influence can still be felt today, with Libertine's latest album serving as a powerful reminder of the enduring power of art to challenge, provoke, and inspire. Live at the Horse Hospital is not just an album; it's a testament to the enduring legacy of Crass and its commitment to using music as a tool for social change.
Libertine herself is refreshingly honest about her experiences with Crass and the challenges she faced during that time. With an unflinching gaze, she recalls the band's early days, from the cramped spaces of Dial House to the raw energy of their live performances.
One track in particular stands out – "Bata Motel," a song written about living as a woman under the male gaze. Initially accused of being sadomasochistic pornography, Libertine argues that it's "quite the opposite," and its message has become more relevant with each passing year.
Throughout our conversation, Libertine comes across as refreshingly unpretentious, yet undeniably passionate about her art. She speaks candidly about her fears, ego, and pettiness, revealing a depth of introspection that is all too rare in today's musical landscape.
Despite the many challenges she faced during Crass' early days, including court battles over obscenity charges, Libertine remains steadfast in her commitment to using music as a tool for social change. Her proposed solutions have shifted somewhat over time, and she now argues against labels like "feminist," seeing them as potentially limiting.
In an era where divisions seem insurmountable, Eve Libertine's message of unity and compassion is a welcome respite. As she says herself, "Anger. Anger, compassion, rage – and love." It's a powerful reminder that art has the power to bring us together, even in our differences.
In short, Eve Libertine is an artist who refuses to be silenced or defined by labels. Her music is a testament to her enduring passion, creativity, and commitment to using art as a tool for social change.
! The way she reimagines her old tracks with a fresh spin is giving me life 
And I love how she's not afraid to talk about the challenges she faced in her early days, like the court battles over obscenity charges 
. It's so refreshing to see an artist be unapologetically herself and speak their truth. The message of unity and compassion on this album is exactly what we need more of in these crazy times 
. Plus, I'm loving her no-nonsense approach to feminism – she's all about creating change from within 
. Anyway, if you haven't listened to Live at the Horse Hospital yet, do yourself a favour and give it a spin! 
... Eve Libertine says it's limiting? Like, isn't being a feminist just trying to be an ally and promote equality for women and other underrepresented groups? I don't get why she's against it 
. And what's up with Crass' music being more than just punk? It's like, they're trying to change the world or something 
... but in a good way! 
... like, what's her secret? Is it the fact that she's not afraid to speak her mind and share her honest thoughts & feelings on stage or is it something more? 
I mean, I love how she's unapologetically herself, no pretenses or fake smiles 
... but at the same time, it's kinda inspiring to see someone who's been through so much and still manages to stay true to themselves. Did you know that Crass was more than just a punk band? They were actually a whole movement 
... I'm loving how this album is bringing people together with its message of unity & compassion 
... Eve Libertine is literally a hero to me 
. I mean, think about it, she's been making waves in the music scene since the 70s, and her message of unity and compassion is more relevant now than ever 
. It's like she's saying, "Hey, we've got a problem with labels and divisions, but art can bring us together and challenge our perspectives." And you know what? I think that's a pretty radical idea 
. She's not afraid to speak up and share her opinions, even if they're not popular. That takes courage, in my book 
. And let's be real, her music has always been about more than just the art – it's about using it as a tool for social change 
.
. I mean, can't we just appreciate an artist for who they are and what they do without putting them in a box? 
.
it's like she's removin all the pretenses and just lettin us see her for who she is.
she's still killin' it after all these years, and her music is so raw and emotional its giving me all the feels 
It's like she's willing to confront the tough stuff head-on, even when it's uncomfortable. And her message of unity and compassion? Absolutely crucial in today's divided world. We need more people using their platforms to bring us together, not drive us further apart.
. It's a reminder that art has the power to shape our culture and challenge our assumptions. And Eve Libertine is a true artist who refuses to be silenced or defined by labels. She's a trailblazer, and I'm so excited to see what she does next! 
. Her message of unity, compassion, and love (anger +) feels refreshingly radical in today's divided world 
!
She's this totally unapologetic force to be reckoned with, and her music is still so raw and honest. Like, she's not afraid to tackle the tough stuff – like being a woman in a male-dominated world or dealing with the fallout of being a pioneer for social change. 
it's like she's tapping into this otherworldly energy that just makes you wanna rage against the machine 
. It's not just about the music itself, but what it says about the world and how we can be better 
like, we get it, crass was groundbreaking back in the day 
. And that song "Bata Motel" is like, totally thought-provoking 
! It's like she's taking all the raw energy of Crass's early days and infusing it with a fresh sense of urgency. The way she reimagines those old tracks is pure magic 
. I mean, who else could make "Bata Motel" sound so empowering? 
and yeah its kinda wild that she was part of crass back in the day, i mean, they were like a whole different vibe. 
but what im worried about is how her latest album is gonna be perceived...will it just get lost in the noise or actually spark some real change? 
also, 40 years ago? that's wild dude...