The First Ladies Of Heavy Metal. →[More:] Formed in 1979 in London, Girlschool (consisting of Kim McAullife, Kelley Johnson, Enid Williams and Denise Dufort) were the first all-female heavy metal band (although much of their music betrays a definite punk influence). Unlike the Runaways before them, they were not a product of a manipulate male svengali. Their frenetic rhythms, thick riffing, and football-chant catchy hooks made them an immediate favorite among the audience for NWOBHM (New Wave Of British Heavy Metal). They even worked with the almighty Mötörhead.(watch Philthy cut a rug!) These leather-swathed tough chicks are still considered royalty among serious metal fans to this day, which is a credit to both their talent and the growth of the sometimes sexist metal auidence. Now onto the tunes.

Yeah, Right. This insane stomper, in my opinion qualifies as the first (possibly only) heavy metal feminist anthem. (This early promo clip features an absolutely hilarious cameo from Philthy Animal Taylor of Mötörhead)

C'mon Let's Go. Emergency. These songs were their two biggest hits in England where they were bona fide rock stars. They never hit it quite as big in the US, but they've always had a devoted cult following. Personality clashes between Kim & Kelley, the two guitarists/vocalists led to the demise of the classic lineup, although a different version of Girlschool continues to exist to this day.

Please Don't Touch (with Mötörhead). This cover of a Johnny Kidd & The Pirates rockabilly classic is one of the finest moments of both bands, IMHO. Kelley and Lemmey's voices work perfectly together and everybody is playing their asses off and obviously having a ball.

Rock on, ladies and thanks for the tunes.