Tobi Vail

Tobi Vail (born July 20, 1969) is an American musician, music writer, and feminist activist. She is best known as the drummer for the influential riot grrrl band Bikini Kill.

Vail was a key figure in the early riot grrrl movement, contributing to fanzines like Jigsaw and Revolution Girl Style Now!. Her writing and activism centered on challenging sexism and promoting female empowerment within punk rock and the broader culture. She advocated for women's participation in music and art as a means of expressing themselves and challenging societal norms.

Prior to Bikini Kill, Vail was involved in other bands, including Go Team, where she also played drums. Her drumming style is often described as energetic and raw, contributing significantly to the distinctive sound of both Go Team and Bikini Kill.

After Bikini Kill disbanded in the late 1990s, Vail continued to be involved in music, playing in bands such as The Frumpies and Spider and the Webs. She has also been involved in various art and writing projects.

Vail's contributions to music and feminism have been widely recognized. She is considered an important voice in the history of punk rock and a significant figure in the development of third-wave feminism. Her influence extends beyond music to impact conversations about gender, sexuality, and social justice.