ABSTRACT
Introduction In Germany, second wave feminism saw, much as in other Western countries at the time, many all-female bands being formed as well as the rapid establishing of female (music) festivals where such bands could perform. Women, who felt their concerns were not properly being listened to in the Student Movement, found that the growing importance of popular culture provided a new arena in which to try out new forms of protest. Performing in a band was one way to vent anger about obdurate patriarchal structures, but also offered the joys of newfound female solidarity and of expressing yourself freely in music and on stage. This essay provides an overview of the history of such feminist embrace of pop culture in Germany (and Austria), from the ‘Frauenfest’ concerts of the 1970s to the provocations of Lady Bitch Ray today.
