On Sunday night, Basilica Hudson honored rock pioneer Courtney Love during a show titled “A Tribute: Celebrating the Magic and Power.” The highlight of the night was when Love took the stage with her former Hole bandmate Melissa Auf Der Maur to perform songs from the band.
According to Pitchfork, the duo performed some of their classics including “Doll Parts” and “Miss World” with the Rock Academy Rebel Girls and Tad Kubler of the Hold Steady. They also played “Softer Softest” with Roddy Bottum on piano.
The night also included tribute videos from a variety of people such as John Waters, Marina Abramovic and more. One of the videos included Michael Stipe, who was scheduled to host the event but was unable to make it.
The reunion happened at the Pioneering People fundraiser held biennially by Basilica Hudson, an arts and performance venue in Hudson, New York. The event was organized by artist Joe Mama-Nitzbberg and Auf Der Maur, who co-founded the venue and works as one of its creative directors.
When speaking about her former bandmate, Auf Der Maur said, “ Courtney’s legacy is vital to the voice of women in our culture. The passion she brings to her life and art fuels and inspires the long-fought battle for the empowerment of alternative voices as they take center stage at last!”
Love started Hole in Los Angeles with lead guitarist Eric Erlandson in 1989, has broken up and reunited repeatedly. The band almost had a short reunion tour in 2014, before Love called off the tour.
Auf Der Maur joined the band in 1994 and played with them up to 1999. The last album she played with the band was Celebrity Skin, which earned the band three Grammy nominations. The Basilica Hudson fundraiser was intended to honor Love and the 20th anniversary of this album, which was released in 1998.
Hole is one of the most successful female-led rock bands in history, selling over 3 million records in the United States. During their original run, they released three albums.
Since leaving Hole both artists had moved on to pursue solo careers. Love released her solo album, America’s Sweetheart, in 2004. Auf Der Maur has released two solo albums, Auf Der Maur in 2004, and Out of Our Minds in 2010.
Photo Credit: Mauricio Alvarado
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