More than three decades after their breakthrough, 4 Non Blondes arrive at London’s O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire not to relive the past, but to redefine themselves in the present. Supported by the excellent Lucia & The Best Boys, the reunited San Francisco outfit make it abundantly clear that this tour is not a nostalgia exercise. Instead, it is a bold statement of who they are now — and whether the audience is willing to come with them.
4 Non Blondes @ O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire
The evening begins with a touching introduction from Linda Perry’s daughter Rhodes. Stepping into the spotlight alone, she greets the packed Empire with a simple: “Hi, everyone. I’d like to welcome to the stage 4 Non Blondes.” Moments later, Perry Sr., Christa Hillhouse, Dawn Richardson, Roger Rocha and Nick Maybury emerge to a huge ovation.
Three of the band’s classic-era members remain following lead guitarist Shaunna Hall’s departure back in 1992, but this version of 4 Non Blondes feels entirely alive in 2026. Perry is undeniably the focal point throughout. Beneath one of her trademark towering hats, she stalks the stage with commanding presence, alternating between acoustic and electric guitars before abandoning both entirely to engage directly with the crowd.
Opening with the acoustic-led Train and the reflective Lilah, the band quickly establish that much of tonight’s material comes from their recent creative rebirth rather than their sole studio album, Bigger, Better, Faster, More!. The audience appears more than willing to listen.
The first major talking point arrives ahead of Drama Queen. Grinning, Perry introduces it with characteristic bluntness. “The song is called Drama Queen, and I wrote it for Courtney Love. But she wasn’t capable at the time, so it was like, fuck that, 4 Non Blondes will do it.” The song explodes into life with a swaggering, ragged energy that genuinely sounds as though it could have sat comfortably alongside Hole’s mid-’90s catalogue. Richardson’s pounding drums and Rocha’s gritty guitar work provide the perfect platform for Perry’s snarling vocal delivery.
4 Non Blondes @ O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire
The new material consistently impresses. What They Want crackles with attitude, while Mighty Lady arrives after Perry reveals: “This is an old 4 Non Blondes song that we’ve never recorded, right? But we play it all the time.” What begins with Spanish-flavoured acoustic guitar quickly transforms into a thunderous rocker driven by Richardson’s relentless percussion and Perry’s soaring vocal power. It Follows showcases a more atmospheric side of the band. Acoustic guitar and Perry’s haunting voice gradually give way to cascading instrumentation, creating one of the evening’s most absorbing moments before the punchy Push And Shove kicks the energy levels back up.
At this point Perry addresses the elephant in the room. She knows exactly what some fans have come hoping to hear. “I know that we haven’t seen you guys in a long time, and then a lot of people want…” she begins before speaking candidly from the heart. “I know it’s kind of hard to come to see a band that you really want to see, and they’re not playing all the songs from the record.” What follows is one of the night’s defining moments.
4 Non Blondes @ O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire
“I need you to understand that I’m 61 years old. And the songs from that record are stupid, you know, and I can’t relate to them. So for me, not that they were stupid, but right now for me, as an adult, as a mom, as a creative, as someone who’s been writing songs for all these people for the past 25 years, I felt, in order to do this and put my heart into it, I had to write songs that made sense to who I am today.” The honesty earns immediate cheers. “So, I’m sorry,” she laughs, listing several favourites that won’t appear before adding: “But if you give these songs a chance, they’re really awesome. They’re from my heart. It’s my words today.”
The response from the Shepherd’s Bush crowd suggests they wholeheartedly accept the invitation. Nowhere receives a warm reception, while jangling guitars propel Strange Places, its lyrical nod to What’s Up? — “I’m screaming from the top of my lungs, what’s going on” — drawing knowing smiles across the room.
One of the evening’s most touching moments follows. Introducing her daughter once again, Perry tells the audience: “This is Rhodes, my 11-year-old.” As Rhodes shyly offers a quick “Hi”, Perry beams with pride. “A pretty prominent piece of my life, since I last saw you guys, this happened. It’s been a pretty amazing journey. Never thought I would be a parent. And I never thought I’d be a parent to such a lovely human being.” She continues, thanking Rhodes for accompanying her throughout a busy promotional week before adding: “I love you so much.”
The heartfelt tribute leads directly into the 1993 single Spaceman, one of only a handful of songs from the band’s breakthrough era. The audience embraces every word. “We’re throwing them in there, a few sprinkles,” Perry jokes afterwards, acknowledging the carefully rationed classics before declaring: “Back to the new.”
Fortunately, the newer songs justify their prominence. Wallflower proves particularly effective, with Perry later admitting, “That’s one of my favourite new ones.” Meanwhile the effervescent Drop The Bomb bounces along with infectious energy as Perry encourages the crowd to join in on its uplifting refrain: “Only you can change your world.”
4 Non Blondes @ O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire
Throughout the evening, Hillhouse and Richardson provide a masterclass in understated chemistry. Hillhouse’s basslines underpin every song with warmth and groove, while Richardson remains a powerhouse behind the kit. Perry also takes time to introduce longtime collaborator and touring guitarist Nick Maybury, describing him as her “go-to guitar player” who has worked on countless records with her over the years.
As the set approaches its conclusion, Don’t Wanna produces one of the night’s most memorable visuals. Perry climbs into the pit, clasping hands with fans as a forest of smartphones attempts to capture the moment. The connection feels genuine rather than performative. Live Forever closes the main set on an emotional high before the inevitable encore. Everyone knows what’s coming.
4 Non Blondes @ O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire
Returning to the stage, Perry begins strumming those instantly recognisable four chords from the wings before stepping back into view. The opening of What’s Up? triggers the loudest reaction of the night, transforming the Empire into one giant choir. Midway through, Perry hands her guitar to her tech to continue strumming and once again moves closer to the audience, allowing thousands of voices to carry the song. It is exactly the communal moment the crowd has been waiting for.
Yet, in keeping with the evening’s overall message, 4 Non Blondes refuse to let the past have the final word. “We should’ve finished on that one, but we’re not, we’re gonna be brave,” Perry says as the applause subsides. Instead, they close with Hollow, another new composition and a fitting statement of intent. It is a reminder that this reunion isn’t about recreating 1993. 4 Non Blondes are here to write a new chapter.
Judging by the reaction inside Shepherd’s Bush Empire, their audience is more than willing to turn the page with them.
4 Non Blondes @ O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire
Live review and photography of 4 Non Blondes @ O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London by Kalpesh Patel on 25th June 2026.
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