Pretend We're Dead

"Pretend We're Dead" by L7 from their 1992 album Bricks Are Heavy is a grunge anthem with a rebellious spirit that resonates with the Zoo Freaks tuning into THE ZOO. Written by frontwoman Donita Sparks, the song was initially inspired by a personal breakup but evolved into a powerful commentary on Reagan/Bush-era apathy. Sparks has shared that she was sitting in her Echo Park apartment, struggling with heartbreak, when the phrase "pretend we're dead" sparked the song’s concept, transforming personal pain into a call for societal awakening. The track’s infectious energy and defiant lyrics, like “When we pretend that we’re dead, they can’t hear a word we’ve said,” made it a generational rallying cry, peaking at #8 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks and #21 on the UK Singles Chart.

The song’s production, handled by Butch Vig alongside L7, was meticulous, with Vig drawing inspiration from Tommy James’ "Crimson and Clover" to add tremolo guitars and psychedelic effects. However, the music video shoot was chaotic, marked by a crane failure that injured guitarist Suzi Gardner’s cheekbone, as Sparks recounted to Uncut magazine. The band faced further challenges with overbearing video producers who stifled Sparks’ creative vision, as detailed in the 2016 documentary L7: Pretend We’re Dead. The song gained additional fame through its inclusion in video games like Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas and Rock Band 2, as well as the trailer for the 2004 zombie comedy Shaun of the Dead, despite not being about zombies.

L7’s live performances of "Pretend We’re Dead" are legendary for their raw energy and controversy. During a 1992 appearance on the British TV show The Word, Sparks famously dropped her pants, causing a media frenzy in the UK. That same year, at the Reading Festival, frustrated by technical difficulties and a mud-throwing crowd, Sparks hurled a used tampon into the audience, cementing L7’s reputation as punk provocateurs. A post on X by @L7officialhq in 2020 highlighted the documentary’s portrayal of these moments, noting how the band “redefined punk feminism.” Fans on Reddit’s r/OldSchoolCool still rave about seeing L7 perform the song live, with one user recalling a 1992 Lollapalooza show as their “first pit” experience.

L7 formed in Los Angeles in 1985, founded by Donita Sparks and Suzi Gardner, who met through the art-punk scene and connections at LA Weekly. Both were inspired by trailblazers like Suzi Quatro and Joan Jett, aiming to carve out a space for women in rock. Jennifer Finch joined on bass, and after early drummer Roy Koutsky, Dee Plakas solidified the lineup on drums. Their self-titled debut dropped in 1988 via Epitaph Records, blending heavy metal and punk. By 1990, they signed with Sub Pop for Smell the Magic, but it was their 1991 deal with Slash Records and the release of Bricks Are Heavy that propelled them to mainstream success. L7’s unapologetic attitude and support for causes like Rock for Choice, which they founded in 1991 to advocate for reproductive rights, set them apart from their grunge peers.

You can follow L7 on their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates on tours and new music. Fans connect through communities like the L7 Official Fan Group on Facebook, where Zoo Freaks can share their love for the band’s raw energy. Additional fan hubs include Last.fm for track insights and r/L7 on Reddit for discussions about the band’s legacy. Whether you’re spinning their records at THE ZOO or moshing in the pit, L7’s "Pretend We’re Dead" remains a timeless middle finger to conformity.