Throwing Muses Wow Fans at First Bay Area Show in 12 Years

Iconic alt-rock band returns to the stage with a mix of classics and new material.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 6:49pm by

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An extreme close-up photograph of shattered, reflective glass fragments in vibrant hues of blue, purple, and yellow, capturing the high-energy atmosphere of a rock concert through an abstract, textural composition.The shattered remnants of a disco ball glisten under the bright stage lights, evoking the raw, energetic spirit of Throwing Muses' long-awaited return to the Bay Area.San Francisco Today

After a 12-year absence, the influential alt-rock band Throwing Muses played a highly anticipated show at The Chapel in San Francisco on Friday night. Led by singer-songwriter-guitarist Kristin Hersh, the band delivered a powerful set that featured both fan favorites from their extensive catalog and tracks from their acclaimed 2025 comeback album 'Moonlight Concessions'.

Why it matters

Throwing Muses were a pioneering force in the alt-rock explosion of the early 1990s, and their return to the Bay Area after over a decade away is a significant event for longtime fans. The band's ability to blend their classic sound with new material showcases their enduring creative spark and influence on the genre.

The details

Taking the stage just after 10 p.m., Throwing Muses immediately set the tone with a somber, meditative take on the new album's 'Theremini' before launching into a high-energy set that spanned their decades-long career. Despite Hersh fighting a cold, her signature vocals and guitar work remained as intense and captivating as ever, with the band's lineup of Fred Abong on drums, Hersh's son Dylan on bass, and 'Cello' Pete Harvey providing lush string accompaniment.

  • Throwing Muses last played a show in the Bay Area in 2014 at the Noise Pop Festival.
  • The band's highly anticipated return to the region took place on Friday, April 17, 2026.

The players

Throwing Muses

An influential alt-rock band that first gained fame in the 1980s and 1990s, known for their unconventional sound and the powerful vocals of singer-songwriter Kristin Hersh.

Kristin Hersh

The founding member, singer-songwriter, and guitarist of Throwing Muses, who is also an acclaimed solo artist, author, and leader of the band 50 Foot Wave.

Fred Abong

The drummer who filled in for the band's longtime drummer David Narcizo on this tour.

Dylan Hersh

Kristin Hersh's son, who played bass for Throwing Muses on this tour.

'Cello' Pete Harvey

A longtime collaborator with Kristin Hersh who provided lush string accompaniment for Throwing Muses on this tour.

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What they’re saying

“I wrote this song when I was 15. So the only way we can play it at all is to play it as fast as we can.”

— Kristin Hersh, Singer-songwriter and guitarist of Throwing Muses

“Not that fast.”

— Kristin Hersh, Singer-songwriter and guitarist of Throwing Muses

What’s next

Throwing Muses have upcoming shows at Moe's Alley in Santa Cruz on April 18, Harlow's in Sacramento on April 19, and another date at The Chapel in San Francisco on April 20.

The takeaway

Throwing Muses' return to the Bay Area after over a decade away was a triumphant celebration of their enduring influence and creative vitality. The band's ability to seamlessly blend their classic sound with new material showcased their continued relevance and the enthusiasm of their devoted fanbase.