By Chyrisse Tabone, Rock At Night Tampa
Live Review: Delilah Bon’s Evil Hate-Filled Female Tour with Izzy T – The Magic Bag, Ferndale (Detroit), MI – August 8, 2025
Rock At Night has been covering Lauren Tate’s shows since her Hands Off Gretel days, so we were excited about seeing her finally on this side of the pond. My first interview with her was at the Camden Unicorn, London, in 2015, and I saw her perform as Delilah Bon in Manchester last November.
Feminist rage rapper Delilah Bon finally made her way to the United States to perform for audiences hungry for her live performances. The touring band, which consists of Tate, longtime bassist Becky Baldwin, and drummer Sam Williams, performed their first US engagement in Brooklyn on August 1, 2025. With the current political climate, I was afraid she wouldn’t make it past TSA. Thankfully, she did, and has been posting a touring diary on social media.
Rock At Night was thrilled to attend the sold-out show at the Magic Bag, Ferndale, Detroit, on Friday, August 8, 2025. Upon approaching the venue, I noticed a surprisingly long line of followers, including many fans dressed in cosplay gear, pink attire, platform shoes, and colorful hair.
Some of the punters I interviewed were attending to see Izzy T, a Brit-Iranian performer with ties to Detroit, via husband/artist Swam Lewis. Talking to patrons inside the venue, I learned that many came from out-of-state: Wisconsin, Ohio, Illinois, and even Florida (like myself). The consensus was that Bon’s music ‘spoke to them’ and made them feel ‘accepted.’ The music’s theme of ‘my body, my choice’ resonated deeply with many women who share this sentiment and were looking for a safe space to connect with like-minded individuals. Speaking to one woman wearing a spiked crown, she accidentally discovered Bon’s music when the suggestion popped into an online feed. I observed guys accompanying women at the show, but some ‘left them at home’ as it ‘wasn’t their thing.’
The first artist on the evening’s ticket, Izzy T, came on stage wearing a crop top, bikini bottoms, and fishnet stockings. She was accompanied by a drummer alone, since many artists now use backing tracks during live performances to make touring more affordable. Dancing and strutting, Izzy T sang a killer version of t.A.T.u. ‘s “All the Things She Said.” Her powerful and emotional voice proves she can sing rock music (“Unfuck Yourself” and “Halo”) but can also rap in songs (“Aim High [Cold Without Me]”). The crowd was familiar with her repertoire, sang along, and bobbed to the music. Between songs, Izzy T spoke about believing in oneself and the treatment of women in the Middle East. Applause erupted when she talked about support for Palestine.
After a short break, Bon emerged on the stage, rapping and singing, “Brat!” The crowd went wild! There was plenty of fist-pumping, lyric-mouthing, and loads of estrogen in the room as the concert evolved into a pep rally and therapy session. It was exactly what we needed in America, since most of the lyrics aimed at hypocrisy (“Internet”), predators (“Epstein”), attack on women, LGBT community, and Mother Earth, (“War on Women” and “Witch”), and success as revenge, (“I Am the Best (Just Ask Your Mama”).
A poignant moment emerged as she sang the heartfelt, “Not the President.” Its powerful lyrics pointedly declare, “That’s not the President, that’s just some man.” A punter held a trans pride flag high, passed it up to the front of the stage, and Delilah Bon draped it around herself as she sang. Another audience member raised a “Free Palestine” flag, and everyone applauded in solidarity.
The concert’s climaxed when the audience screamed in unison to “Dead Men Don’t Rape,” while pumping fists high in the air. Bon screamed the lyrics as bassist Becky twirled, whipping her long locks. It was a cathartic moment for all.
The encore included “Evil Hate-Filled Female” and “Maverick.” The crowd left hungry for more. Hopefully, we won’t have to wait for “four more years,” as Delilah Bon quipped. The current administration has fueled protest music and brought groups of people together in safe havens, thanks to bands like Delilah Bon. The hungry fans were left with a night to remember, leaving them satisfied, smiling, and very pumped.
PHOTO GALLERY
I grew up in a household full of rock music, studied journalism in college, and then became a scientist.Although my science career has served me well, music has always played a major role in my life. I grew up reading "Creem" magazine; I play several musical instruments as a "hobby";and it seems a camera has always been in my hand. Now, I am combining what I love the most--music and photography--serving as editor of Rock At Night. I travel between the US and UK seeking my dream! My motto: life is short...no regrets. Chyrisse
