Violet Grohl Brings Intimacy, Confidence, and Star Power to Rough Trade NYC

In an era where legacy can be both a blessing and a curse, Violet Grohl continues to prove that she’s far more than the daughter of rock royalty, she’s on her own journey forging the path to her own musical legacy.

During her intimate in-store performance at the iconic Midtown Manhattan record store Rough Trade NYC on June 1, the 20 year old singer/songwriter showcased the confidence, songwriting ability, and magnetic stage presence that are rapidly establishing her as an artist not in the shadow of her father Dave Grohl but rather in her own spotlight.

Performing in support of her debut album Be Sweet To Me, which was released on May 29th. Grohl transformed the basement level venue better known as Rough Trade Below down under NY’s historic Rockefeller Center into a packed, intimate, underground performance where every lyric seemed to land with purpose. The event offered fans a rare opportunity to experience her music in its rawest form, stripped down, no production just Violet, her band and a stage surrounded by records from iconic artist some like PJ Harvey, The Breeders and many more.

From the moment she took the stage, Grohl commanded the room with a voice that balanced vulnerability and strength. Her vocal performance was striking yet delicate, capable of moving effortlessly from dreamlike passages to soaring choruses that hinted at the grunge and alternative influences entangled throughout her debut record. Songs such as “595,” “Applefish,” and “Cool Buzz” resonated strongly with the crowd, their emotional honesty amplified by the intimacy of the venue led to loud clapping and cheering after each song finished.

What stood out most was Grohl’s composure. Despite carrying one of the most recognizable surnames in rock music, she appeared entirely comfortable in her own artistic identity. Between songs, she smiled and thanked the audience with an understated charm, never overshadowing the performance itself.

The atmosphere throughout the evening felt less like a promotional appearance and more like the beginning of something significant. Fans leaned in to absorb every note, while Grohl rewarded their attention with a performance that felt genuine and refreshingly unguarded. Her songs blend elements of alternative rock, pop, and ’90s inspired indie textures, yet they feel fresh and distinctly her own. Tracks like “Bug in the Cake” showcased both her sharp songwriting instincts and her ability to turn deeply personal emotions into something the entire room could connect with. Rather than fitting neatly into a single genre, her music reveals an artist still exploring her voice while already possessing a clear creative vision. Grohl even premiered a new unreleased song titled “Sun Is Blind,” which drew an explosive reaction from the New York City crowd.

For a 20 year old artist releasing her first full-length album, Grohl displayed remarkable poise and maturity, she felt less like a newcomer and more like a seasoned veteran. The Rough Trade performance wasn’t simply a showcase for a new record it was a statement of intent for her musical legacy. If this intimate New York appearance is any indication, Violet Grohl’s future will be defined less by her famous lineage and more by the undeniable talent she brings to the stage.

This wasn’t Violet’s last New York performance either she will be performing on Thursday June 4th at Baby’s All Right and then again on June 24th at Pier 17 opening for the legendary The Breeders.

Setlist for Rough Trade NYC