Rock Goddess

Last updated

Rock Goddess
RockGoddessmontage.jpg
From left to right: Jody Turner (vocals; guitar), Julie Turner (drums), Tracey Lamb (bass)
Background information
Origin Wandsworth, London, England
Genres Heavy metal
Years active
  • 1977 (1977)–1987 (1987)
  • 1994–1995
  • 2013–2022
Labels
  • A&M
  • JID
  • Thunderbolts
Members
  • Jody Turner
  • Julie Turner
  • Jenny Lane
Past members
  • Tracey Lamb
  • Dee O'Malley
  • Isabella Fronzoni
  • Aki Shibahara
  • Nicky Shaw

Rock Goddess were an English all-female heavy metal band formed in Wandsworth, South London, in 1977 by sisters Jody Turner and Julie Turner.

Contents

The band were initially active during the new wave of British heavy metal musical movement, releasing two singles that entered the Top 75 charts in the UK. The band had a cult following throughout the 1980s and reformed in 2013.

History

The band was formed in Wandsworth, South London in 1977, [1] by sisters Jody Turner (vocals and guitar) and Julie Turner (drums) when they were thirteen and nine years old respectively. [2] They recruited high school friend Tracey Lamb on bass guitar and that completed their first line-up. [3] Later Donnica Colman joined, adding a second guitar, and after her departure, Jackie Apperley replaced her, also on second guitar. After Apperley left, the band rehearsed intensively as a trio, and placed a track on a sampler album, which circulated in the London music underground. [2] Meanwhile, their manager John Turner, Jody and Julie's father, who owned a music store and rehearsal rooms, used his musical connections to get the band their first gigs. [3] Finally, after an appearance at the Reading Festival in 1982, the band obtained a recording contract with A&M. [2]

They released their self-titled debut studio album with record producer Vic Maile in February 1983, [3] and at that time there were temporary legal problems – Julie Turner was still a minor attending high school, and she was restricted in the number of live shows that she could participate in. [2] Also during this period, Kat Burbella briefly joined the band as a second guitarist, and Tracey Lamb became disgruntled and quit the band, initially forming the band She with Burbella, but then joining Girlschool in 1987. [3] She was replaced by Dee O'Malley, who played the bass guitar and keyboards on the band's second studio album, Hell Hath No Fury , which was produced by Chris Tsangarides and released in October 1983. [3] The band co-headlined with Y&T, supported Iron Maiden and Def Leppard on UK and European tours, and embarked on their own headlining tours. O'Malley announced her pregnancy just before Rock Goddess' first US tour and left the band. Rock Goddess left A&M with their third album unfinished and unreleased. [4] O'Malley was replaced by Julia Longman on bass guitar, and Becky Axten on keyboards. [2]

In 1987, their third studio album was released exclusively in France, with the title Young and Free , however, due to insurmountable problems Rock Goddess disbanded shortly thereafter. [3] In 1988, the Turner sisters reappeared as the Jody Turner Band with two male musicians, but they did not go beyond the local club circuit. [4] Jody Turner fronted a new line-up of Rock Goddess in 1994. After a name change to Braindance, [2] the band disbanded again in 1995. They played their last gig at the pub Thomas O'Becket.

The band reformed in 2009 to play the Hard Rock Hell music festival in Prestatyn, Wales, but split before they had a chance to perform. [5]

In March 2013, it was announced that the original line-up of Jody Turner, Julie Turner, and Tracey Lamb had reformed and would start recording a new album. The three of them began the process of recording a new album tentatively titled Unfinished Business. [6]

Rock Goddess - Headbangers Open Air 2015 16.jpg
Rock Goddess - Headbangers Open Air 2015 02.jpg
Rock Goddess at Headbangers Open Air 2015 in Germany

The album failed to appear, but in 2017 a three-track EP was announced. It's More Than Rock and Roll was released on 19 May 2017, and a video for the title track was released via Vintage TV on 21 April that year.

On 10 July 2018, it was announced that bassist Tracey Lamb had left the band. [7] She later rejoined Girlschool in 2019 as a temporary touring member initially and then as the successor for long-time bassist Enid Williams. Jenny Lane was announced as the new bassist on 9 October 2018. [8] The band were then set to release their comeback record This Time in October 2018, but it was delayed until 1 March 2019 where it gained a top 10 placing the UK rock/metal chart and a top 40 placing in the national indie chart. [9]

The band announced in August 2022 that they had broken up.

Band members

Final lineup

Former members

Timeline

Rock Goddess

Discography

Studio albums

YearTitleLabel UK Albums Chart [10]
1983 Rock Goddess A&M 65
1983 Hell Hath No Fury 84
1987 Young and Free JID–
2019This Time [9] Bite You to Death–

EPs

YearTitleLabel UK Albums Chart
2017It's More Than Rock and RollCargo–

Singles

YearTitle B-side Album UK Singles Chart [10]
1982"Heavy Metal Rock 'n' Roll""Satisfied Then Crucified"Rock Goddess–
1983"My Angel""In the Heat of the Night"Rock Goddess64
1984"I Didn't Know I Loved You (Till I Saw You Rock and Roll)""Hell Hath No Fury"Hell Hath No Fury57
1986"Love Has Passed Me By""Jerry"Young and Free–

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Obituary (band)</span> American death metal band

Obituary is an American death metal band formed in Tampa, Florida, in 1984. They were one of the fundamental acts in the development of death metal music, and are one of the most successful death metal bands of all time. Obituary has released eleven studio albums, and with the exception of a six-year hiatus from 1997 to 2003, they continue to perform live.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Voivod (band)</span> Canadian heavy metal band

Voivod is a Canadian heavy metal band from Jonquière, Quebec. The original line-up consisted of vocalist Denis "Snake" Bélanger, guitarist Denis "Piggy" D'Amour, drummer Michel "Away" Langevin and bassist Jean-Yves "Blacky" Thériault. The band has had numerous members changes throughout its 42-year career, with Langevin as the only consistent member. Their current line-up includes Langevin, Bélanger, Daniel "Chewy" Mongrain (guitar) and Dominic "Rocky" Laroche (bass).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Britny Fox</span> American glam metal band

Britny Fox was an American glam metal band from the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area, initially active from 1985 to 1992 then subsequently reforming from 2000 to 2003, again in 2006 to 2008 and final time reforming in 2015 to 2016. They are best known for their music video for "Girlschool" and their minor hit "Long Way to Love". Bassist Billy Childs has been the only band member to be a part of each of the band's many lineups.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stone Sour</span> American rock band

Stone Sour was an American rock band formed in Des Moines, Iowa, in 1992. The band performed for five years before disbanding in 1997. They reunited in 2000 and since 2015, the group has consisted of Corey Taylor, Josh Rand (guitar), Christian Martucci (guitar), Johny Chow (bass) and Roy Mayorga (drums). Longtime members Joel Ekman and Shawn Economaki left the band in 2006 and 2011, respectively. Former lead guitarist Jim Root left in 2014. The band has been on an indefinite hiatus since 2020.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Orange Goblin</span> English heavy metal band

Orange Goblin is a heavy metal band from London, England. Formed in 1995, the band's lineup currently consists of singer Ben Ward, guitarist Joe Hoare, drummer Chris Turner, and bassist Harry Armstrong.

Massacre is an American death metal band. They were formed in 1984 by Allen West, Bill Andrews, and Mike Borders, soon after vocalist Kam Lee joined. The band has reunited several times with varying line-ups, most recently in late 2016.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tygers of Pan Tang</span> British heavy metal band

Tygers of Pan Tang are an English heavy metal band who are part of the new wave of British heavy metal movement. They formed in 1978 in Whitley Bay, England, and were active until 1987. The band reformed in 1999 and continue to record and perform. The name is derived from Pan Tang, a fictional archipelago in Michael Moorcock's Elric of Melniboné fantasy series whose wizards keep tigers as pets.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rudy Sarzo</span> Cuban American bassist

Rodolfo Maximiliano Sarzo Lavieille Grande Ruiz Payret y Chaumont is a Cuban American hard rock/heavy metal bassist. He remains best known for his work with Quiet Riot, Ozzy Osbourne, and Whitesnake, and has also played with several well known heavy metal and hard rock acts including Manic Eden, Dio, Blue Öyster Cult, Geoff Tate's Queensrÿche, Devil City Angels, and the Guess Who. He re-joined Quiet Riot in 2021. Though not a founding member, he is the longest-serving member currently in the band.

Nitro was an American heavy metal band from Hollywood, California. Formed in 1988, the group originally featured vocalist Jim Gillette, guitarist Michael Angelo Batio, bassist T. J. Racer and drummer Bobby Rock. Nitro released its debut album O.F.R. in 1989, which reached number 140 on the US Billboard 200. Rock was replaced by K. C. Comet for the album's tour and Racer would leave the band thereafter. Nitro II: H.W.D.W.S., released in 1992, featured Ralph Carter on bass and Johnny Thunder on drums. The group broke up in 1993, with a number of previously unreleased demo recordings issued on the 1999 album Gunnin' for Glory.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">James LoMenzo</span> American bass guitarist

James LoMenzo is an American musician, currently the bassist for thrash metal band Megadeth. LoMenzo was a member of White Lion, performing with them from 1984 to 1991. He was later the bassist for Black Label Society and Slash's Snakepit. In August 2021, LoMenzo was announced as the touring bassist for Megadeth following David Ellefson's dismissal and in June 2022 was announced as a permanent replacement. Outside music, he is known for being a contestant on the 21st season of the reality television series The Amazing Race.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Girlschool</span> British rock band

Girlschool are a British rock band that formed in the new wave of British heavy metal scene in 1978. Frequently associated with contemporaries Motörhead, they are the longest-running all-female rock band, still active after more than 40 years. Formed from a school band called Painted Lady, Girlschool enjoyed strong media exposure and commercial success in the UK in the early 1980s with three albums of "punk-tinged metal" and a few singles, but lost their momentum in the following years.

Cristina "Cris" Bonacci is an Australian-born producer, songwriter, and musician. She was the lead guitarist in the British heavy metal band Girlschool and has also provided session guitar work for other artists.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cynic (band)</span> American progressive metal band

Cynic is an American progressive metal band formed in Miami, Florida by Paul Masvidal in 1987. Masvidal original served solely as the band's guitarist, but later took over as lead vocalist and chief songwriter. Cynic incorporates elements of progressive rock, alternative, and metal.

<i>Take a Bite</i> 1988 studio album by Girlschool

Take a Bite is the seventh studio album by British heavy metal band, Girlschool, released by GWR Records in 1988. It is the first album to feature Tracey Lamb on bass, replacing Gil Weston-Jones.

<i>Girlschool Live</i> 1995 live album by Girlschool

Girlschool Live was the first official live album by British heavy metal band, Girlschool, released on Communiqué Records in 1995. It again features Kelly Johnson on lead guitar.

<i>21st Anniversary: Not That Innocent</i> 2002 studio album by Girlschool

21st Anniversary: Not That Innocent is the ninth studio album by British heavy metal band, Girlschool, released on Communiqué Records in 2002. The production of the album lasted for a prolonged time and it was finally released when lead guitarist Kelly Johnson and bassist Tracey Lamb had already left the band. They were replaced by new lead guitarist Jackie Chambers and by the original bass player Enid Williams, who play in two new songs included in this album.

<i>Young and Free</i> 1987 studio album by Rock Goddess

Young and Free is the third studio album by the English all-female heavy metal band Rock Goddess. It was recorded in 1985 and was released in 1987 by the small French label JID exclusively in France, after the expiration of their recording contract with A&M. In 1994, Magnum Music Group tracked down the master tapes and re-released the album on Thunderbolt ; The album also received a new album cover. In 2006 it was reissued once again with new artwork and the new title The Original Rock Goddesses. It was their last album for over 32 years until their latest and final album, 2019's This Time.

<i>Rock Goddess</i> (album) 1983 studio album by Rock Goddess

Rock Goddess is the debut studio album by the English all-female heavy metal band Rock Goddess. It was originally released in February 1983, on the label A&M. It was produced by experienced sound engineer Vic Maile.

<i>Hell Hath No Fury</i> (Rock Goddess album) 1983 studio album by Rock Goddess

Hell Hath No Fury was the second studio album by the English heavy metal band, Rock Goddess. All songs were again written and composed by Jody Turner. The American version was published with different cover artwork and 2 different songs, taken from the "I Didn't Know I Loved You " single, instead of songs 2 and 7 of the European edition.

References

  1. ↑ "Rock Goddess Biography, Songs, & Albums". AllMusic. Retrieved 8 July 2023.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 van Poorten, Toine (7 April 2008). "Back To The Past (15): Rock Goddess". Metalmaidens.com. Retrieved 2 January 2011.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Colin Larkin, ed. (1999). The Virgin Encyclopedia of Heavy Rock (First ed.). Virgin Books. p. 371. ISBN   0-7535-0257-7.
  4. 1 2 Watts, Chris (11 June 1988). "Band of Jo(d)y". Kerrang! . Vol. 191. London, UK. p. 10.
  5. ↑ Barton, Geoff (4 September 2009). "News in brief". Classic Rock . Archived from the original on 8 September 2009. Retrieved 15 January 2011. Rock Goddess split
  6. ↑ "ROCK GODDESS Is Back For 'Unfinished Business'". Blabbermouth.net . 29 April 2014. Retrieved 12 July 2014.
  7. ↑ "ROCK GODDESS Parts Ways With Bassist TRACEY LAMB". Blabbermouth.net . 10 July 2018. Retrieved 10 July 2018.
  8. ↑ "ROCK GODDESS Announces New Bassist". Blabbermouth.net . 9 October 2018. Retrieved 9 October 2018.
  9. 1 2 "Rock Goddess: 'This Time' Album Pushed Back To February". Blabbermouth.net. 31 August 2018. Retrieved 10 October 2018.
  10. 1 2 Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 456. ISBN   1-904994-10-5.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.