Honoring Women’s History Month: 5 Amazing All-Women Bands to Add to Your Playlist 

“What’s that?” you say – want more music by women? Yeah, listening to Sabrina Carpenter, Taylor Swift, and Beyoncé, is great, but how about checking out some all-women bands? Guys can rock (and play metal, blues, and punk) – but so can women! Shocker, right? We’re just ribbin’ you a bit, but grrrrlz can definitely rock, too! Here we have five all-women bands – who largely do their own writing, compositional arrangement, and perform their own music. 

5 All-Women Bands You Need to Know 

Let’s just get this out of the way. Hands-down, the Go-Go’s are one of the most recognized all-women bands still today. These five women formed in 1978 and were truly pioneers of creating their own sound, advocating for themselves, and forging a path for future artists. Besides the Go-Go’s, we wanted to bring your attention to five other all-women bands who need to be on your music radar. 

Vixen

Both glam metal aficionados and rockers alike love Vixen. Fronted by Janet Gardner, the band reached their peak success between 1987 and 1992. Their best known singles were “Edge of a Broken Heart” and “Cryin’” – both from their eponymous first album. Vixen supported bands like Bon Jovi and Ozzy Osbourne on tours. 

The band went through several lineup changes amongst some legal issues with guitarist Jan Kuehnemund, regarding the name, Vixen. Currently the lineup consists of Roxy Petrucci, Britt Lightning, Julia Lage, and Rosa Laricchiutta. Former singer Gardner still plays music in a project with her husband, guitarist Justin James. 

Meanstreak

Staying in the metal genre, let’s take a look at Meanstreak. Considered thrash metal, this quartet has made waves since their inception in 1985. According to the Spirit of Metal, Meanstreak is known to be the first all-women band that’s thrash metal – so definitely put your freakin’ horns up! 

One unusual feature about this group is that at one point, the band had three members who were married to the prog rockers in Dream Theater. Lisa Myung is married to John Myung, Rena Sands Petrucci is married to John Petrucci, and Marlene Apuzzo-Portnoy is married to drummer Mike Portnoy.

Klymaxx 

Now, you didn’t think we’d go totally metal, did you? Klymaxx, formed by drummer and producer Bernadette Cooper, has been around for nearly five decades. Wow! Formed in the late 1970s, this talented R&B band set the stage for other all-women bands and female artists in the industry. 

Best known for their hit “I Miss You,” Klymaxx is most recognized for their classic band member lineup. This was Lorena “Lungs” Porter Shelby (lead vocalist), Cheryl Cooley (guitar), Robbin Grider (keyboards/guitar), Lynn Malsby (keyboards), Joyce “Fenderella” Irby (bass), and percussionist Cooper.

Luscious Jackson 

This all-women band got their name from the basketball player, Luke (Luscious) Jackson. Formed in 1991, this rock-rap group had a few well-known singles – catchy “Naked Eye” and “CitySong” were two of their better known songs. 

As fate would have it, Luscious Jackson broke up in 2017, after reforming in 2011. The main lineup consisted of Jill Cunniff, Gabby Glaser, Kate Schellenbach, and Vivian Trimble. Although Trimble passed sway in 2023, the remaining members still make music through their other projects. 

The Bangles

It’s hard to believe this band has been around for 45 years. The Bangles have produced some of the most memorable hits from the late 80s. Formed in 1981, these musicians are still going strong – and with very few member changes. 

Although the group reached its highest recognition with bassist Michael “Micki” ‘Steele, the original bassist Annette Zilinskas, rejoined in 2018. We hope to have another full album soon from them, as their last released material was from 2011.

Honorable Mentions – The Iron Maidens and The Runaways

Just as you thought it would be, The Iron Maidens are an all-female tribute band to Iron Maiden. No, they don’t write their own music, but their interpretations, stage presence, and raw energy put them on our list of best all-women bands to check out.

An impressive lineup of five women comprised a late-1970s band called The Runaways. Unfortunately their time together was only five years, but they left their mark on the music industry. This band launched the careers of both Lita Ford and Joan Jett. 

Why Their Music Matters 

There’s no denying the majority of bands are still comprised of men. However, when you see all-women bands who can play music as passionately as their talented male counterparts, you know you’ve got something special. Plus, often female performers draw more women into a particular genre – including the harder, heavier genres. Whether it’s screaming vocals, speed drumming, amazing writing, or running incredible solos on the guitar, these women certainly hold their own in the realm of music.