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If you inquire about the most punk thing she's ever accomplished, Cathy Loughead answers without pause: “I played a show with my neck broken in two places. I couldn't jump around, so I decorated the brace instead. That show was incredible.”

She is part of a growing wave of women transforming punk music. While a new television drama focusing on female punk broadcasts this Sunday, it echoes a movement already blossoming well beyond the television.

The Leicester Catalyst

This momentum is felt most strongly in Leicester, where a recent initiative – presently named the Riotous Collective – lit the fuse. Cathy participated from the outset.

“In the early days, there existed zero all-women garage punk bands here. Within a year, there were seven. Today there are twenty – and growing,” she remarked. “There are Riotous groups throughout Britain and internationally, from Finland to Australia, producing music, gigging, appearing at festivals.”

This boom extends beyond Leicester. Throughout Britain, women are taking back punk – and transforming the scene of live music simultaneously.

Rejuvenating Performance Spaces

“Various performance spaces around the United Kingdom flourishing due to women punk bands,” said Loughead. “Rehearsal rooms are also benefiting, music teaching and coaching, production spaces. That's because women are occupying these positions now.”

They are also transforming the crowd demographics. “Female-fronted groups are performing weekly. They draw more diverse audiences – attendees who consider these spaces as secure, as for them,” she remarked.

A Rebellion-Driven Phenomenon

Carol Reid, from a music youth organization, stated the growth was expected. “Ladies have been given a dream of equality. However, violence against women is at epidemic levels, the far right are exploiting females to promote bigotry, and we're manipulated over topics such as menopause. Females are pushing back – via music.”

Another industry voice, from the Music Venue Trust, sees the movement reshaping local music scenes. “There is a noticeable increase in more diverse punk scenes and they're integrating with local music ecosystems, with grassroots venues programming varied acts and establishing protected, more inviting environments.”

Entering the Mainstream

In the coming weeks, Leicester will stage the inaugural Riot Fest, a multi-day celebration showcasing 25 female-only groups from the UK and Europe. Earlier this fall, Decolonise Fest in London honored BIPOC punk artists.

And the scene is edging into the mainstream. A leading pair are on their maiden headline tour. A fresh act's initial release, their record name, charted at sixteenth place in the UK charts lately.

Panic Shack were nominated for the an upcoming music award. Problem Patterns won the Northern Ireland Music Prize in last year. Hull-based newcomers Wench appeared at a major event at Reading Festival.

It's a movement originating from defiance. In an industry still dogged by sexism – where women-led groups remain underrepresented and live venues are closing at crisis levels – women-led punk groups are establishing something bold: opportunity.

Timeless Punk

In her late seventies, Viv Peto is evidence that punk has no age limit. The Oxford-based percussionist in a punk group began performing only twelve months back.

“As an older person, all constraints are gone and I can do what I like,” she said. Her latest composition features the refrain: “So shout out, ‘Who cares’/ This is my moment!/ I own the stage!/ I'm 79 / And in my top form.”

“I appreciate this influx of older female punks,” she said. “I didn't get to rebel when I was younger, so I'm making up for it now. It's wonderful.”

Kala Subbuswamy from the band also said she hadn't been allowed to rebel as a teenager. “It has been significant to be able to let it all out at my current age.”

A performer, who has toured globally with various bands, also considers it a release. “It's a way to vent irritation: feeling unseen in motherhood, as a senior female.”

The Power of Release

Similar feelings led Dina Gajjar to create her band. “Standing on stage is a release you were unaware you lacked. Females are instructed to be acquiescent. Punk rejects that. It's noisy, it's imperfect. It means, when bad things happen, I consider: ‘I can compose a track about it!’”

Yet, Abi Masih, a percussionist, said the punk woman is every woman: “We are simply regular, working, amazing ladies who like challenging norms,” she said.

A band member, of her group She-Bite, shared the sentiment. “Females were the first rebels. We had to smash things up to get noticed. This persists today! That badassery is in us – it feels ancient, instinctive. We're a bloody marvel!” she stated.

Challenging Expectations

Not every band match the typical image. Julie Ames and Jackie O'Malley, from a particular group, aim to surprise audiences.

“We don't shout about the menopause or swear much,” noted Julie. The other interjected: “Actually, we include a small rebellious part in each track.” Julie chuckled: “That's true. Yet, we aim for diversity. Our last track was about how uncomfortable bras are.”