The Lexington, 24 October 2026
It seems crazy that a legend like Kristin Hersh is playing such a tiny place as The Lexington, albeit three sold-out nights, because it feels like she should be playing more grandiose places like the Royal Festival Hall, but I'm so thrilled that she did, because it really was a treat to be able to experience her up close at such a beautifully intimate show.
Last year when I went to see Throwing Muses at the Electric Ballroom, I turned up early and was surprised how many dedicated fans were already there waiting. It made me realise just how beloved the Muses and Hersh still are and deservedly so. I first saw them back in 1995 and have seen them many times since but I surprised myself when I realised I've actually only seen Hersh play solo twice, the last time way back in 2001, which seems crazy. How did I never go see her play a solo show after that? I guess I got caught up in other music but I still continued to buy all her records. What an opportunity then to see her live again but in the smallest venue I've ever seen her (even smaller than The Garage where I saw the Muses in the mid 90s) although apparently she did play The Lexington before in recent years, back in 2022.
It's rare for there to be much of a queue for shows at the Lexington but because of my experience last year at the Electric Ballroom I turned up early and fortunately was only the second person in line. But not for long, as soon enough the queue was wrapping itself all around the bar in a way I've never seen there before, so the dedicated and faithful were definitely out in force. I got to chat with a couple of really lovely fans and their knowledge was incredible: they knew when the last time she had played certain songs and all about different bootlegs. One chap I talked to had see Throwing Muses on their first UK tour back in 1986 supporting the Cocteau Twins! I felt almost a newcomer having only seen them for the first time 30 years ago.
Not surprisingly, they had been to the show the night before and were going to the afternoon show the next day. I was thrilled to be able to attend one show though, especially since once inside I got a plum spot right in front of Hersh. I was only going to one show so I wanted it to be a good one and, I'm pleased to say, it certainly was.
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