Hi, I'm GINA SIMMONS
Gina Simmons stands at the forefront of her band, a whirlwind of energy and passion. She channels her zeal into every performance and takes no shit. But her mission extends beyond the stage; she is driven by an unwavering commitment to advocate for humanity and animal rights. Tirelessly working to raise awareness about it, she uses her platform to inspire change and encourage the audience to join the fight for a better world. Through electrifying concerts and lyrics in her own particular style, Gina Simmons is on a relentless quest to save humanity from itself. With each note (or as close as she can get to it), she reminds us all of the power of standing up for a brighter future.
She is a resigned optimist and honestly doesn't care what you think of it.
About GINA
Gina's musical journey began as Batnat, the sidekick of renowned French punk icon Gogol 1er, during their tours across France in the early 2000s. Her transformation into Gina came by chance when the current bassist, the Kolonel, encouraged her to sing after witnessing Peaches perform live. Thus, Gina Simmons emerged with her dynamic performances in France, Germany, and Belgium. In 2016, she crossed paths with Larry Boothroyd, the bassist for Jello Biafra and the GSM, recording three songs together and fulfilling a long-held aspiration by contributing backing vocals on one of Biafra's tracks. Gina has also collaborated with a variety of musicians, including Arnos, the former drummer for Diego Pallavas, or the Spank me Up collective (see videos section).
Gina's Gallery
wildlife pictures of Gina
Gina's other collaborations
COVID 13 (with Jello Biafra)
Specimen Box is an innovative project conceptualized by Larry Boothroyd, the talented bass player known for his work with Jello Biafra & the GSM, Victims Family, and other prominent California hardcore bands. This initiative brings together a diverse array of musicians. Notably, Gina's powerful vocals are featuring on two tracks from Volume 2, where she also collaborates with fellow artists to form a choir for Biafra's song "Covid 13." The Specimen Box celebrates individual artistry and emphasizes the strength found in collective expression.
Plaisir innocent (with Arno)
Arno, a French drummer renowned for his work with the punk band Diego Pallavas, came up with this cover of Brutal Cherie. This is one of the few songs where Gina sings in French. The accompanying video was filmed in the basement of a French television building, reflecting the underground spirit characteristic of Arno's inspiration. Gina was almost freezing to death during the shooting.
The Skinflicks - Backing vocals
Gina contributed to two albums of the Skinflicks, a band famously labeled as Luxembourg's most hated. Suggested by Patrick, the bassist, Gina was proud to be part of the otherwise all male "choir". Despite the controversy surrounding their reputation, the Skinflicks have garnered respect and admiration from many within the genre, solidifying their status as one of the best bands in oi music. They continue to captivate audiences and challenge conventions, proving that in the world of music, talent and authenticity often outweigh public perception.
Gogol 1er - member of the horde
Gogol 1er is undoubtedly one of the most prominent figures in French punk music. After making a comeback to the scene in the early 2000s, he spotted Gina in the crowd and invited her to perform on stage during his tour. Known at that time as Batnat, Gina quickly became an integral part of the live performances, captivating audiences with her energy and sex appeal. Her collaboration with Gogol 1er led to appearances in numerous concerts and music videos.
The Spank me up Collective
The Spank Me Up Collective, founded by Phil Nitchevo, stands out as a daring force within the underground music scene, bringing together a vibrant mix of subversive characters. Their lyrics are nothing short of provocative, unapologetically exploring themes of sexuality while challenging listeners to reflect on their own identities and senses of belonging. The collective’s unique sound is further enriched by the contributions of Dimitri from Gina Simmons. By pushing boundaries and inviting listeners to confront societal norms, the Spank Me Up Collective creates a space for dialogue and exploration which is very trendy these days.
