SAN ANTONIO — All things must come to an end.
The "Final Curtain" tour ended an almost two-decade journey for the Alamo City’s beloved alternative punk rock band Girl in a Coma. And it was only fair to have it end where it all began, in the heart of San Antonio.
Phanie Diaz and Jenn Alva had no idea they would create one of the most iconic San Antonio groups when they first met in junior high art class. The pair quickly became best friends and stayed inseparable for years - bonding over their love of music and pop culture. The two eventually thought about starting a band with Phanie on drums and Jenn on bass, but there was only one problem, their rhythm section needed a singer.
Cue Nina Diaz, Phanie’s younger sister with powerful vocals even at the tender age of thirteen. And just like that the all-female group, Girl in a Coma was born.
The trio practiced together for a few years, played gigs at local clubs, bars, birthday parties, and talent shows before hitting the road and creating a strong and loyal fan base.
The girls even played for a cable tv show featuring unknown bands which garnered the attention of rock n roll icon Joan Jett. The girls had apparently impressed Jett so much that they signed to her label on the spot back in 2006, Blackheart Records reported.
The girl power group continued touring and soon their fanbase not only stemmed from their hometown of San Antonio but all across the county.
GIAC released three records with Blackheart Records including “Both Before I’m Gone,” “Trio BC” and “Exits and All The Rest.”
The trio also released a cover album “Adventures in Coverland” – which has become a fan favorite according to Spotify which ranks the bands' most streamed song as their cover of David Bowie’s “As The World Falls Down.” The album features covers from famous musicians like David Bowie, Ritchie Valens, and even Selena.
According to Blackheart Records Robert Rodriguez even asked GIAC to compose a song - which lead to the creation of "Yo Oigo" a vital song in the "Machete" soundtrack.
In 2018 the group disbanded, shocking fans and band members. Nina went and focused on her solo career with three current albums while Jenn and Phanie concentrated on their Latina punk group Fea.
The Final Curtain Tour consisted of a few Texas shows in the hopes of bringing closure to hard-core fans and the bandmates themselves.
Most of the shows were sold out including both San Antonio shows at the Paper Tiger and their Houston show at the Continental Club.
The band played beloved songs including “Their Cell,” “Pink Lemonade”, “Smart” and finished with a true homage to Selena with “Si Una Vez.”
Nina told fans during their show in Austin that they would still be getting good music from Fea and her own solo albums so, it wasn’t necessarily goodbye. She joked it would take time for everyone to “adjust” making a segue to play their song from the “Exits and All The Rest” album.
Nina hopes she can cultivate and guide future musicians growing up in the San Antonio area, Texas Monthly reported in 2022. She wants to use her experiences in the musical world to help lift other struggling artists.
The days of Girl in a Coma rocking out in the Alamo City and across the country may be over but their impact on musicians and future artists should hopefully stand the test of time.
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