Violent Femmes’ John Sparrow: From Growing Up in Milwaukee to Touring the World

Update: 2025-08-20

Description

From playing in local Milwaukee bars to playing on stages in front of tens of thousands of people all over the world, John Sparrow’s story is incredible.

PS: The Femmes will be back in Milwaukee at the PABST Riverside and just added a new show on October 19th (the October 18 show sold out)–you can get tickets here: https://www.pabsttheatergroup.com/venues/detail/the-riverside-theater

We cover:

John’s backstory growing up in Milwaukee
Struggles, first big break, and making it as a musician
First time playing with the Femmes
Best fan interactions
Pre-show routine
The evolution of the Milwaukee music scene
And more

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