Damian Child Anne McCue Sherry Valier (aka Sherry Rich) Ritchie Hine Sue World Janene Abbott
Girl Monstar are an all female Australian rock band formed in 1988 with the line-up ofAnne McCue on lead guitar and vocals; Sherry Valier (aka Sherry Rich) on vocals and rhythm guitar (ex-Cactus Fever); Sue World on drums and vocals (ex-The Wet Ones) and Damian Child on bass. Both of their singles, "Surfing on a Wave of Love" / "He's Hell" (1989) and "Joe Cool" (1990), topped the Australian Independent charts. They released one album, Monstereo Delicio, in July 1992 on Timberyard Records. Child was replaced by Janene Abbott in 1992, however the group disbanded in 1993. Australian musicologist, Ian McFarlane, described their sound "trash pop style mixed tough guitar riffs with strong harmonies". Valier as Rich, is a country rock artist and has issued solo material as well as performing in bands. McCue is also an alternative country artist, she relocated to Nashville and has released several solo albums. In 2025 the band with original members Rich, McCue, Abbott and Sue World (Shaw) reunited to record new material released as GRRRR!! The Album. [1]
Girl Monstar formed in 1988 in Melbourne with the line-up of Damian Child (Feline Touch) on bass guitar and vocals; Anne McCue (Vertigo) on lead guitar, slide guitar and vocals; Sherry Valier (aka Sherry Rich)(Obscure Alternatives, Cactus Fever) on lead vocals, harmonica and rhythm guitar; and Ritchie Hine on drums. After a few months Hine left the band to join the newly formed Screaming Tribesmen and was replaced by Sue World (Wet Ones).[2][3] The group signed with Timberyard Records and in October 1989 issued their debut double-A-sided single, "Surfing on a Wave of Love" / "He's Hell".[2][3] Both tracks are written by Valier.[4][5]
Early in 1990 Girl Monstar supported the Australian leg of a tour by Danish hard rock group, D. A. D., which was followed by a similar support for United States heavy metal band, Skid Row.[2] Later that year they issued a second single, "Joe Cool", which is also written by Valier.[6]
Both of their singles, "Surfing on a Wave of Love" / "He's Hell" and "Joe Cool", topped the Australian Independent charts.[7] The single "Joe Cool", was produced by Kevin 'Cavemen' Shirley.[8] The band provided a support show for The Buzzcocks and then The Ramones.[2]
In July 1992 Girl Monstar released their debut album, Monstereo Delicio, which was produced by Paul Kosky (Not Drowning, Waving) and Jedd Starr.[2][3] After it was recorded but before it was issued Child was replaced on bass guitar by Janene Abbott.[2][3] The group disbanded in early 1993.[2] Valier has a recording career as a country rock artist, Sherry Rich, which has included an album recorded with members of Wilco. She formed the groups, Sherry Rich and the Grievous Angels and Sherry Rich and Courtesy Move.[2] Rich performed as part of The Grapes with Ash Naylor on guitar, and from 2004 in The Mudcakes, which included former Girl Monstar bandmate, Sue World and Rich's husband, Rick Plant. Anne McCue is based in Nashville and has a recording career as an alternative country solo artist. In 2010, Girl Monstar were featured in 'Rock Chicks' – an exhibition held at Melbourne's Arts Centre, which highlighted the achievements of women in the Australian music scene.[9]
In 2010, Girl Monstar were featured in 'Rock Chicks' – an exhibition held at Melbourne's Arts Centre, which highlighted the achievements of women in the Australian music scene.[10]
In April 2025, it was announced via singer Sherry Rich's Instagram page that Girl Monstar had reformed. A new single, "Blue Cats with Green Eyes", was released in July 2025, with a forthcoming album of new material to follow later in the year on Vicious Kitten Records. [11]
On 14 July 2025, Sherry Rich and Anne McCue were interviewed on the program Sound Decisions on radio station WXNAFM out of Nashville, an interview which included the airing of the single Blue Cats with Green Eyes.[12]
Members
Damian Child– bass guitar, vocals (1988–92)
Ritchie Hine– drums (1988)
Anne McCue– lead guitar, vocals (1988–93, 2025 - present)
Sherry Valier– lead vocals, guitar (1988–93, 2025 - present)
Sue World– drums, vocals (1988–93, 2025 - present)
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