Babes in Toyland - He's My Thing Clip (Cal Jam 17)

About This Footage

The grainy, sun-scorched footage of Babes in Toyland's "He's My Thing" clip, captured at the inaugural Cal Jam festival in 2017, is a fleeting glimpse into the band's frenetic live energy. The brief, 40-second snippet is all that remains of their performance on October 7th of that year, but it's enough to convey the intensity and chaos that defined Babes in Toyland's sound.

At the time of this footage, Babas in Toyland was a veteran band with over two decades of experience under their belt. Formed in Minneapolis in 1988, they had already weathered the grunge explosion of the early 1990s, but were still known for their abrasive, punk-infused sound and Kat Bjelland's distinctive vocals. The band had been together through various lineup changes, with Bjelland being the constant driving force behind their music.

What makes this clip rare is not just its brevity or the fact that it's a snippet of live footage, but also the context in which it was captured. Cal Jam, held at the Glen Helen Amphitheatre in San Bernardino, CA, was an inaugural event, and one that would go on to become an annual festival featuring some of the biggest names in rock music. Babes in Toyland's performance was likely a highlight of the day, given their reputation for delivering high-energy sets.

The footage itself is characteristic of Babes in Toyland's live shows: frenetic, chaotic, and unapologetically loud. Kat Bjelland's vocals are unmistakable, piercing through the mix with her signature snarl. The guitar work is similarly intense, with a focus on driving riffs and chunky chords that propel the song forward. What's striking about this clip is how it captures the raw energy of Babes in Toyland's live performance, even if only for a brief moment.

Watching this clip offers a glimpse into what made Babes in Toyland such a compelling live act. Their music was never about polish or finesse; instead, they reveled in their own raw power and intensity. This clip is a testament to that ethos, capturing the band's unbridled energy and chaotic soundscapes.

It's also worth noting that this footage offers a snapshot of Babes in Toyland at a particular moment in time – 2017, when they were still an active touring band. The music industry had changed significantly since their heyday in the early 1990s, but Babes in Toyland continued to thrive, albeit with a smaller audience and less mainstream recognition.

In watching this clip, viewers are likely to be struck by the sheer force of Babes in Toyland's live performance. It's a brief glimpse into a world that's both familiar and alien – one where music is raw, unbridled, and uncompromising. Even if only for 40 seconds, "He's My Thing" clip offers a window into the band's unique sound and energy, making it a rare and significant find in their discography.

The image of Kat Bjelland standing at the edge of the stage, her guitar slung low and her eyes locked on the crowd, is one that stays with you long after the clip ends. It's an image of intensity, of passion, and of a band that refused to compromise or conform – even in their later years as a touring act.

Curated from public records and music databases.