ABSTRACT
As discussed previously, both the counter culture and progressive rock were largely dominated by men who were reactionary in their attitude towards women. Inscribed as de-sexualised earth mothers, fantasy figures and easy lays, there was little real opportunity to either take control or enjoy the prestige afforded to male artists. Indeed, while the more challenging stance of progressive rock offered a new arena for experimentation, 1 the opportunities for women performers remained largely conventional in that they were not encouraged to compose or to become instrumentalists. Further, the emphasis on image remained. Front-line performers were expected to look feminine and in retrospect it is obvious that attitudes towards women artists had not undergone any significant change. To achieve success, it seemed that women had to take men on at their own game, and within the arena of rock this involved drink, drugs and sexual promiscuity.
