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 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.
© 2018 Ansel Pereira
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