Women have always been a part of Alternative, but they’ve rarely been glorified in the same way as their male counterparts. Starting with the poet laureate of punk (Patti Smith), the uncompromising resolve of Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders, the dynamic presence of Debbie Harry of Blondie, these icons were known for subverting expected gender norms and kicking down the proverbial “boys club” door. Siouxsie Sioux of Siouxsie And The Banshees shaped the goth and post-punk sound we now know. These women were matter-of-factly doing their own thing and inspiring others. Kim Deal with The Pixies and the Breeders, Alanis Morisette, Shirley Manson of Garbage, these women defined Alternative. Hayley Williams and Tori Amos, Lorde and Gwen Stefani, Billie Eilish and Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs… The past, present and future is certainly female for the History Of Alternative.
