Whenever I have free time I'm always blasting music especially when doing these blog entries to get inspired. The main music genre I tend to listen to consists of a lot of rock music, especially 70’s- 90’s Metal music [It's something I've become a lot more passionate about over the past few years]. However as I looked more into it and thought of a topic of this blog I realized that the metal scene in earlier years (and even in present time) is typically a more Male dominating genre and I thought that topic could be quite fitting for this entry.
Before I get to the main topic, a moment to appreciate this legend.
I could take the easy route and talk about how men would break Stereotypes and “gender norms” but I wanted to use this time to appreciate some of the women within the metal scene. I myself am guilty of this as well, when I typically listen to male dominant bands such as Black sabbath, Metallica, Dio, Judas Priest, etc [all of which are amazing bands by the way and I could go on], however I never sought out many women-led groups. With that being said I'm going to use this as a way to introduce not only myself but others to this genre of music and the sexism that was a dominating issue in the 70s and 80s.
In an interview with Nancy Wilson (Heart) there are many topics brought up about how women within the rock industry should be only promoted by showing off their bodies and looks. However Wilson states that within the band of heart they wanted to be like the Beatles, and not just girls trying to be the Beatles. There was a sort of dictator shit brought on by men in the rock industry where women had to be extremely feminine, and could go outside of those stereotypes. They had experienced many encounters at gigs and parties where they were disrespected for being women and even got fired from a gig on the spot after a comment Ann Wilson made about the food. However soon after they got a call from Rod Stewart and were given an opportunity to play an opening at a gig, this would be their first introduction onto the “big stage”.
As time went on they were seen as great musicians and led the way for many other women within the music industry especially within rock and roll.
Heart - Alone
Heart - Barracuda
There's another instance where Joan Jett (Joan Jett and the Blackhearts) talks about the sexism in Hair Metal. Jett was a part of an all women's band in 1975 known as the Runaways, who performed openers for groups such as Cheap Trick and Van Halen, and were seen as more of a novelty act. The Runaways disbanded in 1979 and then in later years Jett went on to form The Blackhearts. The “I Love Rock and Roll” album took years to surface but when it did it was a massive hit. She ignored many of the derogatory comments of her being a woman and continued to do what she was passionate about and created a space for others to grow in this industry.
The Runaways - Cherry Bomb
Joan Jett & The Blackhearts - Bad Reputation
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As a kid the song Barracuda was on Guitar Hero and I played this song every time because it was one of the only songs with a lead female singer and my brother would get so mad that I always played the same song! Plus Joan Jett and The Blackhearts song "Bad Reputation" is a great song to play to build confidence!
ReplyDeleteI <3 Ozzy. I don’t listen to much Metal or Rock, but I really enjoyed all the songs in this blog! It very typically of women to be put off to the side and the cheap version of the men's groups so I'm glad that you chose the topic you did. The 70s and 80s were a crazy time in music and Im glad to learn more about it.
ReplyDeleteThe fact that The Runaways were seen as a novelty act is so crazy to think about. Their music is amazing, and "Cherry Bomb" is a classic! I know things in the music scene are still pretty rough for women, but, after reading about some of the struggles these women faced, it is nice to see how far things have come since the 70s-80s.
ReplyDeleteI love reading your blogs and I love our share in music tastes. Perfect timing and topic for this blog, it’s gold. I am also guilty of listening to the male dominated bands, and I totally agree about their amazing talent. Heart is a definite go to. Thank you for giving me more songs to add to my Spotify!
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