The Pioneering Women of Heavy Metal: Who was the First Female Heavy Metal Singer?
While there have been many influential female voices in the heavy metal scene, establishing the identity of the first female heavy metal singer is a matter of some debate. However, a significant milestone was achieved by a UK all-female band, Girlschool, with their critically acclaimed 1980 album, Demolition.
Early Genesis of Girlschool
The journey of Girlschool began in 1975 when a group of young women formed the band under the name Painted Lady. This initial lineup quickly transitioned into the original formation of Girlschool in 1978, right around the same time as Iron Maiden. The band, which became a notable part of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM), was comprised of:
Kim McAuliffe (guitarist and vocalist) Enid Williams (bassist and vocalist) Kelly Johnson (drummer) Denise Dufort (vocalist)Girlschool recorded a demo album in 1978 and officially began performing live. Their groundbreaking contributions did not go unnoticed, and they gained recognition for pushing the boundaries of female presence in heavy metal. The members were pivotal in the metal scene, contributing to a shift in genre norms.
Setting the Stage: Demolition (1980)
It is on their 1980 album, Demolition, that Girlschool solidified their place in music history. The album featured vocals from three out of the four members, with Enid Williams taking the lead. Notably, it was Kim McAuliffe who sang the opening track, Demolition Boys, marking the first female voice heard on a studio metal album. While it is challenging to definitively label the first female heavy metal singer, Girlschool is credited with being the first female-fronted band to produce a commercially released heavy metal album.
A common mistake in the historical narrative is the attribution of the first female heavy metal singer to Doro Pesch. Although Pesch had an earlier history with the band Warlock, which formed in 1983, Warlock's founding preceded that of Girlschool in 1975. Additionally, Pesch began her career as a metal vocalist in 1981, following her solo work with Warlock.
Influence and Legacy
Girlschool's impact on the genre was not limited to their groundbreaking album. Their continued presence in the metal scene demonstrates the lasting influence of their work. In 2023, Girlschool released their latest studio album, WTFortyfive, featuring three surviving members of the original lineup: Kim McAuliffe, Denise Dufort, and Jackie Chambers. McAuliffe remains the sole vocalist in the modern iteration of the band.
Today, Girlschool continues to be an active force in the metal community, embodying the spirit of female empowerment in a genre that has long been dominated by male voices. Their legacy reflects a vital step in the evolution of heavy metal as a genre open to all musically gifted talents.
Conclusion
While the exact identity of the first female heavy metal singer remains open to interpretation, Girlschool stands out as a pioneering act from the early 1980s, making their mark on the genre and opening doors for future generations of female metal vocalists. Their enduring impact serves as a testament to the power and significance of their music.