100 Best All Female Rock Bands

The music revolution in the '60s played a vital role in shaping the rock scene for women. While a number of female musicians in the '50s made a big impact in the gospel, blues, and jazz scene, it was only in the '60s that all-female lineups started gaining momentum. Suddenly, the world started taking notice of the creative artistry of all-female bands. The folk movement in the '60s contributed immensely in free-form thinking and the feminist movement associated with the music. A few female-fronted rock bands and all-female rock bands created a distinctive identity with their brand of music.

In recent years, several all-girl bands that split up in the late '70s and '80s have reunited and released albums. Members of many female bands that disbanded in the '70s embarked on successful solo careers in the '80s and '90s. Post 2000, the heavy metal scene and indie music scene has witnessed an astonishing rise in woman fronted bands. They have taken the world by storm with their infectious brand of music. The intensity and passion women bring to music and performance is truly remarkable. All-female lineups from the '60s and '70s have been an inspiration for many present-day female bands. Women are choosing diverse musical paths, and one thing’s for sure: it’s only going to get better for women in the days ahead.

Here’s a list of the best all-girl rock bands from past and present, each with a signature sound and style. This list includes bands from various rock genres and its sub-genres. Feel free to have your say in the comments section.

Best All-Female Bands

1. The Runaways
2. Kittie
3. Civet
4. The Ronettes
5. The Donnas
6. Magenta Lane
7. The Graces
8. Fanny
9. 7 Year Bitch
10. Warbride

The sheer intensity and insane passion rock music brings is unknowable, unless experienced. While women in music have been outnumbered by their male counterparts in the past, in recent decades, the rise of women in the music industry has been phenomenal. In present times, the number of all-female rock bands that have emerged on the scene is astounding. All-girl bands in various genres of music are on an upward climb, and the rock scene is at a whole new level. All-female lineups have silenced critics with their fiery brand of music and their theatrical live performances. It has never been easy for women to establish a firm foothold in a male-dominated music industry; however, the dedication, passion, and devotion of women that have chased their dreams have rightfully earned them accolades in the realms of rock music.

How the All Female Music Movement Started

The '60s was the decade where it all began. Women from diverse backgrounds came together as a musical entity and blew away stereotypes. Thought provoking lyrics pertaining to social issues and freedom marked a strong presence among female rock bands. Several all female bands sent a strong message through their songs at concerts in the '60s and '70s. A movement had begun, and this musical movement paved the way for women in different music genres. Women rock bands from the '60s and '70s have influenced a new generation, and since then there has been no stopping them.

The Underground Music Movement and the Music Promotion of Female Bands

While major concerts in the '60s and '70s were dominated by the presence of alpha males in rock bands, the underground music movement helped women in different music genres emerge with a strong fan-following. A number of all-female rock bands started gaining a cult following in the underground music movement. From rock, punk, soul, and R&B to hard rock and metal, the all-female music movement had begun spreading its roots in major music genres. A number of female bands talked about social issues and female issues through their music.

Although only a few all-female rock bands managed to strike major record deals with recording companies, a number of bands promoted their music independently at local gigs and concerts. As girl power reached dizzying heights through the '70s, suddenly the number of all female bands faded to oblivion in the '80s, with only a few making a major breakthrough with audiences. However, the punk scene in the '80s helped many female bands pave the path of success. Through the '80s and '90s, a significant number of all female bands emerged in the realms of mainstream rock, pop, and R&B, with many enjoying chart-topping success.

Other Notable All Female Rock Bands

• Tijuana Sweetheart
• Girlpool
• The Coathangers
• Fuzzbox
• Amanda X
• The Bodysnatchers
• The Big Moon
• Dum Dum Girls
• Skinny Girl Diet
• Childbirth
• The Amorettes
• The Slits
• Birtha
• Honeyblood
• Sharkmuffin
• Baby In Vain
• Upset
• The Pierces
• Cayetana
• The Wimmins’ Institute
• Bratmobile
• The Belle Stars
• Audrey
• Frightwig
• The Tuts
• Frau
• The Priscillas
• Dickless
• Sweet Jayne
• Doll Skin
• The Prettiots
• The Spazzys
• Sidi Bou Said
• Marine Girls
• Ut
• Shampoo
• Haim
• LiveonRelease
• Mika Miko
• Snatch
• The Daisy Chain
• Scrawl
• The Scissor Girls
• Scandal
• Mambo Taxi
• BeBe K’Roche
• Stonefield
• Lunachicks
• Spires That in The Sunset Rise
• Skinned Teen
• Fire Party
• The Pack A.D.
• Scarlet