Revenge of the She-Punks: Poly Styrene to Pussy Riot

Vivien Goldman, a punk professor, musician, and critic/filmmaker, explores women in punk from its 1970s London origins to the current global voices making waves. She investigates four themes: identity, money, love, and protest to showcase punk's liberating nature for women. Through interviews, history, and personal experience, Goldman presents a vivid documentary of the genre, featuring artists from various countries and genre-busting revolutionaries like Grace Jones.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 04 July 2019
Publisher: Omnibus Press

The vibrant Punk Professor, a multi-talented musician, and critic/filmmaker, presents a captivating exploration of women in punk, spanning from the genre's inception in 1970s London to the emerging voices making waves across the globe. As an industry insider and pioneering post-punk musician, Vivien Goldman's perspective on music journalism is exceptionally comprehensive. In Revenge of the She-Punks, she delves into four themes—identity, money, love, and protest—to unravel the essence of what makes punk such a liberating art form for women. Through her raw and evocative style, Goldman seamlessly blends interviews, history, and her personal journey as one of Britain's pioneering female music writers, resulting in a book that feels like a vivid documentary capturing the essence of a genre defined by transcending boundaries.

One notable chapter in the book explores the Patti Smith song "Free Money." Goldman begins this segment on a shopping spree with Smith, providing a candid glimpse into their dynamic. Tamar-Kali, whose name pays homage to a Hindu goddess, delves into the influence of her Gullah ancestors on her music, while the late Poly Styrene's daughter reflects on the inspiration behind her mother's iconic 1978 punk anthem, "Identity." Other strands feature artists from diverse backgrounds, including Colombia and Indonesia, as well as genre-busting revolutionaries like Grace Jones, who although not strictly punk, profoundly influenced the movement while embracing its empowering audacity.

This book takes readers on an exhilarating world tour, tracing the origins of punk in Europe to its global impact. It sheds light on the struggles and triumphs of women in the punk scene, highlighting their contributions to music, fashion, and culture. Revenge of the She-Punks is a testament to the power of punk as a vehicle for self-expression and social change, and it serves as a valuable resource for anyone interested in exploring the rich history and evolving landscape of women in punk.

Weight: 374g
Dimension: 231 x 150 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781913172022