Metal, Hardcore, Indie, Rock
The riot is pink: live report of Scene Queen’s London show at the O2 Forum Kentish Town
In a world where musical genres are usually tightly defined and controlled by gatekeepers, Scene Queen is breaking the mould and decorating the chaos with some sparkle. This gig often gets criticised for having an unrealistic definition of metal, which many people might expect. But honestly, for me, it was more than just a gig; it felt like a real sense of community and belonging.
If you haven’t heard of it yet, bimbocore is a term created by singer Hannah Collins. It’s this cool mix of metalcore’s intense breakdowns and growls combined with the fun, hyper-feminine vibe of 2000s bubblegum pop. It’s the most rebellious thing I could have ever imagined. I never imagined a riot could have such a vibrant pink hue!
The venue exuded a buzzing vibe, complemented by a sea of pink and sparkles that matched the stage setup, which typically featured a large pink banner and a faux sorority house front. The crowd was a lively and diverse group of LGBTQ+ fans, with many enjoying their very first gig, making for a wonderfully safe and joyful atmosphere.
For the tour, Scene Queen had in-house acts Girli and Lake Malice joined, kicking off the night with an energetic performance.
Lake Malice
Lake Malice brought a vibrant, energetic vibe to the London stage, delivering a sound that felt like a fresh spin on early 2000s emo, mixed with some electronic flair. Alice Guala, the vocalist, and Blake Cornwall, on guitar, exhibit remarkable energy on stage, fostering a genuine connection with the audience. Their performances really connect with a younger crowd by talking openly about mental health, anxiety, and the importance of having a safe space. Their lyrics and stage presence dive into some pretty sensitive stuff, like female objectification and toxic relationships, all while offering an empowering and cathartic release.
Photos: Peterson Marti.
Girli
Girli totally knows how to rock the stage! She had such a vibrant energy, always jumping and dancing during her performance. She truly connected with the audience, sharing her experiences and fostering a friendly, inviting atmosphere that helps everyone feel comfortable. This straightforward and genuine way of doing things really connects people, letting fans be themselves and dive into the emotional and energetic performances. Not everyone can connect with the audience on such a deep level, but she really nailed it and put on a wonderful performance just before the headline act of the night.
Photos: Peterson Marti.
Scene Queen
- BDSM
- Pink Push-Up Bra
- Finger
- Pink Panther
- Platform Shoes
- Pink G-String
- MILF
- Hot Singles in Your Area
- Pink Hotel
- Pink Whitney
- Mutual Masturbation
- Barbie & Ken
- Pink Rover
- 18+
As soon as Scene Queen hit the stage, you could feel the energy just skyrocket. Tracks like “Finger” and “Pink Panther” had everyone in the audience singing along to every word, creating a powerful chorus filled with empowerment and energy. The show really showcased a dynamic performance, effortlessly moving between Collins’ sweet, pop-infused vocals and her iconic, intense shrieks. The contrast isn’t just about style; it really makes a strong point, capturing the complex experience of being queer in a world still shaped by male dominance and patriarchy
Watching Scene Queen also means getting a glimpse of her fans. They don’t just go to the show; they really get involved in the whole experience. There’s no “uniform” like you’d expect with leather jackets and band tees — instead, it’s all about expressing your own unique style. DIY glitter makeup, fluffy boas, and hand-stitched slogans transformed the pit into a vibrant display of gender-bent creativity.
A highlight was definitely the “twerkle pit”—such a fun and funny take on the usual mosh pit, where everyone gets to dance and twerk instead of just bumping into one another. It might sound a bit strange, and believe me, it was definitely strange to witness, but it really showcases how Scene Queen flips the script and takes back a space that’s been pretty unwelcoming to femininity and anyone who wants to express themselves outside the typical metal crowd.
The lyrics, often laced with a playful twist, effectively tackle serious topics such as misogyny, harassment, and body image with a playful nod and a powerful voice. Hannah Collins’ journey to success have been pretty impressive. She started out performing in small venues with just 100 seats and has now moved on to places like the O2 Forum Kentish Town.
It’s clear that her rise isn’t just a lucky break from going viral. It’s all about crafting a sound and a vibe that really connects with a generation of listeners eager for someone to speak up for them—a voice that’s bold, vibrant, and totally unapologetic. And Pink, of course!
Photos: Peterson Marti.