100 Best All-Female Rock Bands

Author:
Ansel Pereira
Updated date:
Nov 16, 2021 2:14 AM EST

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 to free-form thinking and the feminist movement associated with 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.

Top 10 Best All-Female Bands

The Runaways
Kittie
Civet
The Ronettes
The Donnas
Magenta Lane
The Graces
Fanny
7 Year Bitch
Warbride

Best All-Female Bands (11–20)


Band	Members
11. Sleater-Kinney	Carrie Brownstein, Corin Tucker, Janet Weiss, Laura Macfarlane, Toni Gogin, Misty Farrell, Katie Harkin
12. Luv’d Ones	Char Vinnedge, Chris Vinnedge, Mary Gallagher, Faith Orem
13. Astarte	Maria Kolokouri, Kinthia, Nicolas Maiis, Derketa
14. Slant 6	Christina Billotte, Myra Power, Marge Marshall, Rachel Carns
15. Aldious	Rino, Marina Bozzio, Yoshi, Rami, Aruto, 髏姫-Ruki-, 風-kaze-
16. L7	Donita Sparks, Jennifer Finch, Demetra Plakas, Suzi Gardner, Gail Greenwood, Janis Tanaka, Roy Koutsky
17. Super Junky Monkey	Mutsumi Fukuhara, Shinobu Kawai, Matsudaaahh!! , Keiko
18. The Micragirls	Mari Halonen, Katariina "Kata" Haapalainen, Kristiina "Risu" Haapalainen
19. Mo-dettes	June Miles-kingston
20. KSM	Shelby Cobra — Lead vocals Shae Padilla — Lead guitar Katie Cecil - Rhythm guitar, backing vocals Sophia Melon — Bass guitar, backing vocals Kate Cabebe — Drums

Finding a Foothold in a Male-Dominated Industry

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 the 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.

Best All-Female Bands (21–40)


Band	Members
21. Goldie & The Gingerbreads	Genya Ravan
22. Babes In Toyland	Kat Bjelland, Courtney Love, Lori Barbero
23. Sahara Hotnights	Maria Andersson, Josephine Forsman, Johanna Asplund, Jennie Asplund
24. The Ace of Cups	Denise Kaufman, Diane Vitalich, Mary Ellen Simpson
25. Ivy Lies	Emla Palmer - lead vocals, rhythm guitar (2006–present) Lisa Blatchford - bass guitar, backing vocals (2006–present) Rosie O'Connell - drums (2006–present)
26. BarlowGirl	Lauren Barlow, Alyssa Barlow, Rebecca Barlow
27. Vixen	Janet Gardner, Roxy Petrucci, Share Ross, Britt Lightning
28. The Pandoras	Melanie Vammen Kim Shattuck Karen Blankfeld Hillary Burton
29. Autoclave	Mary Timony Christina Billotte Nikki Chapman Melisa Berkoff
30. The Pleasure Seekers	Suzi Quatro Patti Quatro Nancy Ball Mary Lou Ball
31. LiLiPUT (Kleenex)	Klaudia Schiff, Marlene Marder, Astrid Spirit
32. Shonen Knife	Naoko Yamano, Michie Nakatani, Atsuko Yamano
33. Vivian Girls	Katy Goodman, Fiona Campbell, Cassie Ramone, Frankie Rose, Ali Koehler
34. Red Aunts	Louise Lee Outlaw, Taffy Davis, Terri Wahl
35. Girlschool	Kim McAuliffe, Denise Dufort, Enid Williams
36. Plastiscines	Katty Besnard - vocals, guitar (2006–present) Louise Basilien - bass (2006–present) Anaïs Vandevyvere - drums, backing vocals (2008–present)
37. Luscious Jackson	Jill Cunniff, Kate Schellenbach, Gabby Glaser, Vivian Trimble
38. The Headcoatees	Holly Golightly, Kyra LaRubia, Ludella Black and "Bongo" Debbie Green
39. Fifth Column	Caroline Azar, Beverly Breckenridge,
40. Spitboy	Michelle Gonzales Adrienne Droogas Karin Gembus Paula Dominique Davison

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.

Best All-Female Bands (41–60)


Band	Members
41. Tribe 8	Lynn Breedlove and Leslie Mah
42. Phantom Blue	Michelle Meldrum, Linda McDonald, Gigi Hangach, Nicole Couch, Kim Nielsen-Parsons, Courtney Cox
43. Jale	Jale
44. The Trashwomen	Tina Lucchesi and Dannielle Pimm, Elka Zolot
45. Heavens To Betsy	Corin Tucker, Tracy Sawyer
46. Skulker	Greer Skinner Annette Harada Angela Blackshaw Naomi "Batti" Battah Gregory Boulting
47. The Raincoats	Gina Birch, Ana da Silva, Palmolive, Vicky Aspinall
48. Lash	Belinda-Lee Reid, Micaela Slayford, Jaclyn Pearson, Jessica Bennett
49. The Bangles	Susanna Hoffs Debbi Peterson Vicki Peterson Annette Zilinskas
50. The Go-Go’s	Belinda Carlisle, Jane Wiedlin, Charlotte Caffey
51. Broadzilla	Rachel May, Kim Essiambre, and Angie Manly
52. The Like	Z Berg, Tennessee Thomas (drums), Laena Geronimo (bass), and Annie Monroe (organ)
53. The Shaggs	Helen Wiggin, Austin Wiggin Jr., Betty Wiggin , Dorothy Wiggin, Rachel Wiggin, Robert Wiggin
54. Girl Monstar	Damian Child Anne McCue Sherry Valier (aka Sherry Rich) Ritchie Hine Sue World Janene Abbott
55. Hepburn	Jamie Benson, Beverley Fullen, Lisa Lister, Tasha Baylis, Sarah Davies
56. Sick Of Sarah	Abisha Uhl, Jessie Farmer, Katie Murphy, Jessica Forsythe, Jamie Holm, Brooke Svanes, Alexa Wolfe
57. Cadallaca	Corin Tucker, Sarah Dougher, sts
58. Tattle Tale	Jen Wood Madigan Shive
59. General Luna	Bea Lao, Alex Montemayor, Audry Dionisio, Caren Mangaran, Nicole Laurel Asensio
60. The Heart Beats	Wally Roker, James "Shep" Sheppard, Albert Crump

The Legacy of Underground Music Movement and 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.

Best All-Female Bands (61–80)


Band	Members
61. Splendora	Janet Wygal, Tricia Wygal, Cindy Brolsma, Delissa Santos, Jennifer Richardson
62. Antigone Rising	Cathy Henderson Kristen Henderson Jen Zielenbach Dena Tauriello
63. Jack Off Jill	Jessicka, Scott Putesky, Chris Vrenna, Robin Moulder, Clint Walsh, Helen Storer, Michelle Inhell, Tenni Ah-Cha-Cha
64. Screamin’ Sirens	Pleasant Gehman Boom Boom Lafoon Rosie Flores Laura Bandit
65. Cherri Bomb (Hey Violet)	Rena Lovelis Nia Lovelis Casey Moreta Iain Shipp
66. Finally Punk	Veronica Ortuño, Stephanie Chan, Erin Budd
67. The Deadly Nightshade	Helen Hooke, Pamela Robin Brandt, Florence Ballard, Anne Bowen, Beverly Rodgers, Gretchen Pfeifer
68. Indica	Johanna Salomaa, Sirkku, Heini, Laura, Jenny
69. Plumtree	Catriona Sturton, Lynette Gillis, Carla Gillis, Amanda Braden, Nina Martin
70. Exit Trace	Jyou Naoto Mally Miko Omi
71. Care Bears On Fire	Sophie Kasakove, Isadora Schappell-Spillman, Lucio Westmoreland, Lulu Prat, Jena, Jena Gilbert-Merrill, Sohpie
72. Rock Goddess	Jody Turner, Julie Turner, Julia Longman, Becky Axten
73. Girl In a Coma	Nina Diaz, Jenn Alva, Phanie Diaz
74. Bikini Kill	Kathleen Hanna, Tobi Vail, Kathi Wilcox, Billy Karren
75. Gallhammer	Vivian Slaughter, Mika Penetrator, Risa Reaper
76. Crucified Barbara	Mia Coldheart Klara Force Ida Evileye Nicki Wicked
77. Tegan and Sara	Sara Quin, Tegan Quin, Brendan Buckley, Gabrial McNair
78. Isis	Carol MacDonald, Ginger Bianco, Suzi Ghezzi, Stella Bass, Nydia "Liberty" Mata, Lauren Draper, Lolly Bienenfield, Jeanie Fineberg, Margo Lewis, Faith Fusillo, Vivian Stoll, Barbara Cobb, Laurie Frink, Lynx Quicksilver
79. Cake Like	Kerri Kenney-Silver Jody Seifert Nina Hellman
80. Angelica	Holly Ross, Brigit Colton, Rachel Parsons, Claire Windsor

Best All-Female Bands (81–100)


Band	Members
81. The Aquanettas	Jill Richmond, Claudine Troise, Deborah Schwartz, Stephanie Seymour
82. Chatmonchy	Eriko Hashimoto, Akiko Fukuoka, Kumiko Takahashi, Ishida Elina, Sone Kayo, Yumi Nakamura
83. Voodoo Queens	Anjali Bhatia, Ella Guru, Stefania Lucchesini, Rajni Bhatia, Anjula Bhasker, Mary Deigan
84. The Feminine Complex	Mindy Dalton Judi Griffith Lana Napier Pame Stephens Jean Williams
85. Zelda	Sachiho Kojima (bass) Sayoko Takahashi (vocals) Ako Ozawa (drums) Fukie Ishihara (guitar 1983-90) Naomi Motomura (guitar 1991-96)
86. Vanilla Ninja	Lenna Kuurmaa Katrin Siska Piret Järvis
87. Gore Gore Girls	Amy Gore Marlene Hammerle Lianna Castillo Alicia Warrington
88. Team Dresch	Donna Dresch, Kaia Wilson, Jody Bleyle, Melissa York, Marci Martinez, Scott Plouf
89. Team Dresch	Donna Dresch, Kaia Wilson, Jody Bleyle, Melissa York, Marci Martinez, Scott Plouf
90. Blaxy Girls	Rucsandra Iliescu Anamaria Nanu Diana Ganea Gela Marinescu Cristina Marinescu
91. Conquer Divide	Kiarely Castillo
92. Drain STH	Maria Sjoholm, Martina Axén, Flavia Canel, Anna Kjellberg
93. Wild Flag	Carrie Brownstein Mary Timony Janet Weiss Rebecca Cole
94. The Liverbirds	Valerie Gell, Pamela Birch, Mary McGlory
95. Warpaint	Emily Kokal Theresa Wayman Jenny Lee Lindberg Stella Mozgawa
96. Boye	Atheist Rap, La Strada, Muzika Poludelih, Obojeni Program, Veliki Prezir
97. Savages	Camille Berthomier, Gemma Thompson, Ayse Hassan, Fay Milton
98. The Devotchkas	Johnny Kray
99. Dolly Mixture	Debsey Wykes
100. Fluffy	Amanda E Rootes Bridgette Jones Helen Storer Angie Adams Pandora Ormsby-Gore

Women in Music 1980s–1990s

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 to 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

Questions & Answers

Question: What ever happened to Nickey Barclay from FANNY?

Answer: After leaving Fanny, Nickey Barclay released a solo album 'Diamond in a Junkyard.' She also wrote a song (Solid Gold) and played keyboards for Keith Moon on his 1976 album 'Two Sides of the Moon.' After Moving to the UK, she formed the Nickey Barclay Band in the 1980s with musicians Dave Ball, Wilgar Campbell, and Lou Martin. The band performed at venues in London.

Comments

roncatt@live.com on March 02, 2020:

Saw/heard a band of women who ROCKED on Little Steven's Garage Rock. Can't remember their name, dammit! i wanna hear them some more. Any suggestions?

Kelly on November 23, 2019:

Who was in a girl band in 80s with a member named joyce