Pitchfork

Photo by Paul Heartfield

Considering their reputation as live provocateurs and lynch pins in the outre late-70s post-punk scene, it's surprising that UK industrial heroes Throbbing Gristle have played less than 50 shows ever. And that they've never played New York City.

But all that's about to change as the reunited band will make disturbing noises in front of humans during a five-date U.S. tour this April. Along with their first NYC show, the tour is highlighted by their Chicago debut and a spot at Coachella. It's their first visit to the States since 1981.

The mid-recession American jaunt seems apropos given the band saw their music as "a series of dispassionate reports on 'the savage realities of fading capitalism'," according to Simon Reynolds' Rip It Up and Start Again. What better time to turn normals against their capitalist system than right now?!

Speaking of normals, we never thought we'd see the day when Throbbing Gristle-- purveyors of all that is dreary, shocking, clangy, and cold-- play one of the most skin-baking and sunny festivals on earth, Coachella. Though, according to their website, they'll at least avoid the mid-day rays: the 60-minute Coachella set will take place on a tented stage around 7 p.m. And since my handy sunset calendar says the big ball of fire will drop around 7:30 in California on April 19, it sounds like you'll finally have that romantic TG sunset backdrop to pop the question to your high school sweetheart.

Fans in New York and Chicago will be treated to two separate sets: a new live soundtrack to the 1980 movie In the Shadow of the Sun and a second set filled with all the Throbbing Gristle non-hits you know and love. As another NYC/Windy City bonus, the band will take part in an autograph signing at those two gigs. But they're very clear: one item per customer only. So you're going to have to pick between your vintage Genesis P-Orridge meat puppets.

Throbbing Gristle:

04-16 Brooklyn, NY - Masonic Temple (two sets)
04-19 Indio, CA - Coachella
04-21 Westwood, CA - U.C.L.A. (live soundtrack set only)
04-23 San Francisco, CA - Grand Regency Ballroom
04-25 Chicago, IL - Epiphany Episcopal (two sets)