Leicester: The Rising Star of All-Women Punk Rock Bands in the UK
By Helen McCarthy
East Midlands
Leicester's music scene has been transformed by a wave of all-female punk rock bands, according to its musicians. This phenomenon can be traced back to the vision of Ruth Miller, who founded the Unglamorous music project in 2021. Her mission was to empower older women to join the music industry, and the impact has been profound.
Since its inception, approximately 27 all-female bands have emerged, creating a vibrant and inclusive community. The Unglamorous project not only taught women to play instruments but also helped them form bands, with the ultimate goal of getting older women to perform live.
Tragically, Ruth Miller passed away from breast cancer in October 2023, but her legacy lives on through the Riotous Collective. This not-for-profit organization, led by the members she inspired, has grown to approximately 80 members and continues to thrive. The collective's mission is to ensure women feel safe and empowered both on stage and at music venues, even when attending alone.
Janet Berry, known as Planet Janet, passionately states, 'Leicester is truly the all-women punk rock band capital of the UK.'
For 56-year-old Janet, joining the movement in 2022 was a life-changing decision. She found solace in the project after struggling with midlife and menopause, feeling invisible and unheard. The project's promise to transform older women with little music experience into punk rock band members in just 66 days resonated deeply with her.
Janet's experience with Velvet Crisis, formed on the same day she joined, showcases the project's success. Just 66 days after her first performance, the band played at a local venue on International Women's Day. Janet shares, 'It helped with my memory and mental health, allowing me to express my frustrations through singing.' She feels happier and more confident, proving the project's transformative power.
The Riotous Collective offers regular taster sessions for aspiring female punk rockers. Michelle Haggerty-Wood and Lou Baker, who run a podcast for women navigating menopause, embraced the project after turning 50. They embraced a 'yes' mindset, trying new experiences and embracing life's possibilities.
Christine Riedhofer, known as Whizzy McFly, sings and plays guitar in The Boilers, a Riotous Collective band. She humorously teaches new recruits, saying, 'It's easy; I teach them an E chord and tell them that's all they need.' The 62-year-old is proud of the women's growing confidence, both on stage and at gigs, creating a safe space for women to enjoy music.
Christine highlights the shift in women's attitudes towards nighttime outings, stating, 'Women were hesitant to go out at night, but now, with these women bands, people know they'll be in a safe space.' She believes this is the most significant impact, challenging the notion that men have a monopoly on music.
The article invites readers to share their thoughts and suggestions for stories to cover in Leicester, encouraging engagement and discussion.
