A female punk playlist in celebration of Viv Albertine
- Text by Robin Nierynck
- Photography by Jackie Dewe Mathews
In Huck 49 – The Survival Issue, we talked to Viv Albertine about her days in punk band The Slits, the grounds for female rebellion, and the ways she is standing up for young women today.
The 70s saw a wave of radical female figures breaking with the narrow opportunities laid down for them to throw themselves into the punk scene and smash down barriers for future generations. At a time when very few women even drove, abandoning all social convention and going wild on stage (and beyond) was not a small step to take.
This playlist is a collection of the best and most radical frontwomen of the Seventies’ punk scene.
Viv Albertine – The Slits
Poly Styrene – X-Ray Spex
Marianne Joan Elliott-Said, otherwise known as Poly Styrene of X-Ray Spex was an archetypal punk feminist. Their single “Oh Bondage Up Yours!” says it all, really.
Siouxsie Sioux, Siouxsie and the Banshees
Formed in London in 1976, Siouxsie and the Banshees was headed by lead vocalist Siouxsie Sioux, who went on to define the post-punk era with albums such as The Scream and Kaleidoscope.
Debbie Harry, Blondie
Known and loved by many, Debbie Harry, remains a popular punk icon and pioneer of female rebellion, confirming the lasting influence of the 70s’ punk movement.
Patti Smith
Pioneer of New York City’s punk rock movement, Patti Smith’s first album Horses has been lauded as one of the greatest albums in music history, and she is still at the forefront of the music and art scene today.
Chrissie Hynde, The Pretenders
Lead singer of rock band The Pretenders, Chrisse Hynde assembled the band and was the only member to stay constant throughout its drug-fuelled history.
Joan Jett, The Runaways
Another household name in punk, Joan Jett was one of the founding members of the Runaways and continued on to lead Joan Jett & the Blackhearts; the rest is history.
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