Babes in Toyland (band)

Babes in Toyland was an American alternative rock band formed in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1987. The band consisted of Kat Bjelland (vocals/guitar), Lori Barbero (drums), and initially Michelle Leon (bass), who was later replaced by Maureen Herman. Their sound was characterized by its aggressive, distorted guitars, Bjelland's distinctive vocals, and often confrontational lyrics, placing them within the riot grrrl and grunge scenes of the late 1980s and early 1990s.

The band released three studio albums: Spanking Machine (1990), Fontanelle (1992), and Nemesisters (1995). Fontanelle, their major-label debut on Reprise Records, is considered their most commercially successful album.

Babes in Toyland were known for their intense live performances and Bjelland's distinctive stage presence. The band toured extensively throughout the United States, Europe, and Australia, building a dedicated following.

After a period of inactivity in the late 1990s, Babes in Toyland reunited in 2014 with the lineup of Bjelland, Barbero, and Herman. They toured extensively and released a live album, LIVE: From First Avenue, in 2015. The band has since disbanded again. Babes in Toyland's music has been cited as an influence by numerous artists and continues to be appreciated for its raw energy and unflinching exploration of themes such as female anger, abuse, and societal expectations.