Girl power on the stage

For decades rock chicks have inspired fashion trends, empowered women across the world and inspired the sounds on the airwaves.
Rock Chicks gives an insight into the hottest female rockers from the 1960s till now. The book tells stories about the lives of everyone from Annie Lennox and Pink to Madonna.
Artist manager and co-publisher Mark Byrne said the music industry had changed a lot since the 60s and that female singers had played a vital role in the development of women.
“What I’ve always seen was the parallel between the development of the rock chick beginning with Janis Joplin, with the development of women’s rights, the change in the focus of women from the 60s till now and their positioning in society,” Byrne said.
“Music always represented that voice of the people, especially for these women. The rock chick is this self-empowered, strong and almost rebellious figure.
“The rock chicks today are more underground. I think commercial music, the pressures from record companies and the commercial viability of music has almost squashed the possibility of a true rock chick.”
Author Alison Stieven-Taylor gives an up-close-and-personal look at the experiences, adventures and musical passions of these extraordinary and talented singers.
With the image emerging of old and new rock chicks it looks like the music industry is changing again.
“Right now there seems to be a resurfacing of the old rock chicks,” Byrnes said.
“Locally, we seem to be developing a whole new list of strong females. From The Veronicas to Natalie Bassingthwaighte and Vanessa Amorosi, it’s a female-empowered industry.”
Rock Chicks in out now at all good bookstores.