Rebel Grrrls: The Real Story of Women and Punk sees LOUD WOMEN writer Molly Tie offer a fresh, and necessary, look at the role women have played in the punk scene. From the birth of punk in the 1970’s, through to the American hardcore scene, straight edge, riot grrrl, pop-punk, ska, and emo, this could quite possibly be the definitive book on the subject.
One of the things that immediately sets this book apart from others I’ve read is how Molly doesn’t focus just on the bands themselves; she takes a wider look at the societal influences on each “era” of punk, and also shines a light on what it was like to be a woman in those scenes without being in a band. Throughout the book, there are testimonies from different women, talking about their experiences of going to shows, how they were treated, and so on. So many other books I’ve read, while informative and interesting, overlook the simple fact that the punk scene is more than just bands and larger-than-life icons – it’s also about the fans, the people who are attending these gigs, making zines, building a scene.
While there is, of course, a lot to love about the punk scene, Molly doesn’t fall into the trap of romanticising things. Experiences of sexism and exclusion, while antithetical to what punk should be about, are given the space and exposure they deserve. Confronting these issues head on is part of what gives this book that extra layer of credibility.
Rebel Grrrls is a genuinely fascinating and insightful look at the rich history of women in the punk scene. It’s a great book to pick up if you’re looking to learn more beyond the surface level history of punk, and get an idea of what it felt like to be part the scene at various points in history.
LOUD WOMEN’s Cassie Fox will be talking to Molly Tie tonight at Rough Trade Denmark Street for the London launch of her book tour – tickets on DICE
Rebel Grrrls is released on 11 June and can be pre-ordered from from Omnibus Press
