Kim Gordon and Kim Deal, two legendary figures in the alternative music scene, took the stage together for the first time on March 19, 2025, during an episode of comedian John Mulaney's live talk show, Everybody's Live. This highly anticipated moment came as a delightful surprise to fans, showcasing the talents of the Sonic Youth vocalist and bassist Gordon and The Breeders’ frontwoman Deal in a unique collaboration that blends their notable solo careers.
On the show, Gordon kicked things off with her song "Bye Bye" from her critically acclaimed 2024 album The Collective. The track has been highlighted as one of the best songs of 2025, setting a powerful tone for the evening. Following her, Kim Deal took center stage to perform "Nobody Loves You More," the title track from her debut solo album, which also arrived last fall and marks her first solo venture after almost four decades in the music industry.
But the real magic happened when the two musical icons joined forces to perform the Sonic Youth classic "Little Trouble Girl," originally featured on their 1995 album Washing Machine. As noted by Mulaney, this performance was significant; it represented their first time performing together ever. "This performance was their first time performing together, anywhere," he stated, heightening the excitement for the audience.
Prior to their performances, both Gordon and Deal had collaborated once before in the studio on the 1995 album Washing Machine. Yet they had never had the chance to perform live together until now, making this moment truly special. Their reunion was a nod to their expansive history in the music scene, enriched by a candid discussion they shared during an Interview Magazine chat in December 2024, where they opened up about their solo projects and the creative process behind their recent works.
This diverse lineup of guest performances on Everybody's Live also included notable appearances from other stars, such as Ben Stiller, Quinta Brunson, and Nick Kroll, alongside cruise industry expert Anne Kalosh. Each performance led to an overall celebration of their remarkable careers.
The excitement surrounding Gordon and Deal’s performance doesn’t stop there. Both artists are also nominated for the prestigious 2025 Libera Awards, which honor the best in independent music. Their respective solo albums, The Collective and Nobody Loves You More, are vying for the alternative rock record prize, while The Collective is additionally nominated for record of the year. The Libera Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on June 9, 2025, in New York City, adding to the momentum of their blossoming solo careers.
In the lead-up to the awards, the performance serves as a highlight for both musicians, further solidifying their statuses as stalwarts of the alternative rock genre. Gordon is set to embark on a tour starting April 24 in Los Angeles, while Deal is currently navigating a North American solo run, which continues through March 30 in San Diego.
Kim Gordon's unique vocal delivery and Deal's backing harmonies were pivotal during their rendition of "Little Trouble Girl"; the performance captured the essence of the intertwined musical legacies and dynamic chemistry between the two Kims. Fans and critics alike are eager to watch this historic event, preserved on Netflix and available for streaming now. For those who missed it, the full episode is definitely worth checking out.
As audiences purposefully delve into the world of alternative rock,Tuesday night’s performance not only highlights the individual journeys of Kim Gordon and Kim Deal but also the strong sense of community that exists within the genre. Their collaboration serves as a reminder of the influential roles they play in promoting the spirit of alternative music.
