• Title: You Say It’s Your Birthday: Violent Femmes’ Victor DeLorenzo
• Author: Jaan Uhelszki
• Publication: Addicted To Noise Magazine
• Date: 10-25-95

Today is the birthday of Violent Femmes drummer Victor DeLorenzo, born this day under the sign of Scorpio. Formed in the early ’80s in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the Femmes quickly rose to New Wave stardom and lasting status as one of the most revered cult bands in rock. In 1982 they released their self-titled debut, which some consider the ultimate Femmes experience, undoubtedly due in part to the irresistibly catchy track “Blister In The Sun” and the brilliant “Gone Daddy Gone.” Three years later the Violent Femmes put out Hallowed Ground , which confused many fans with vocalist and songwriter Gordon Gano’s decidedly Christian slant. Some even thought the album was a parody when first released, and were relieved by 1986’s Blind Leading the Naked , a more mainstream and angst-inspired effort. Later albums left some feeling the Femmes had grown old and cold, but in 1991 the band staged a comeback, of sorts with Why Do Birds Sing , which was well-received and proved the Femmes still alive and kicking. Two years later, the band released a greatest hits compilation album, Add It Up , which included classic tracks like “Gone Daddy Gone” and most other Femmes faves.