Pretty Girls Make Graves, the Distillers Split; Jam Reform… Sorta

Women-fronted punk rock received a double dose of despair recently when it was announced that Seattle’s Pretty Girls Make Graves and Los Angeles’ the Distillers would throw in the towel. Formed by members of Kill Sadie, Death Wish Kids and Murder City Devils in 2001, PGMG recorded three full-length albums and an EP in their five years, and were praised for their high energy both in the studio and on stage. The five-piece claim the departure of founding drummer Nick Hewitt as the reason, explaining, "Nick quit the band and the rest of us feel like it wouldn’t be right to continue on without him. The five of us feel very lucky to have met and worked with some truly amazing people over the years. Thank you all so much...” The band’s farewell tour will begin in Milwaukee on May 10 and end in San Francisco on June 4. Previously hinted at, but now confirmed is the split of the Distillers. Front-woman Brody Dalle has announced that the growling punkers have indeed imploded and that she and guitarist Tony Bradley have formed a new band called Spinnerette. Finally, to celebrate their 30th anniversary, the Jam will reform as "From the Jam: Bruce Foxton and Rick Buckler.” Yes, without Paul Weller. Drummer Buckler and bassist Foxton have recruited two no-names to join them and ruin the band’s legacy, however, according to Buckler, "Paul is always welcome to join us for the reunions.” How nice of them!