The world of rock doesn’t have a great history of women fronting bands, and an even worse record with women in bands doing other stuff – guitar, bass, keys, drums, etc. The best way I can think of to try to address this is to support bands with awesome rock women in them.

Last night I went to a gig at the fabulously grungy Cherry Bar, in AC/DC Lane in the Melbourne CBD. Each of the nights three bands were fronted by women who fucking rock.

First up were Hayley and the Fugitives, as the opening act they played to an underpopulated dance floor, something they certainly don’t deserve. Hayley’s vocals are solid and engaging, she leads the boys in her band with style and power and struts her stuff across the stage with excellent rock presence. Playing mostly original songs they’re definitely worth checking out.

Next up were Peta Evans Taylor and her band. Peta’s voice combines power and beauty in a way that is both unique and haunting. She can move from straight up rock to beautiful ballads, like ‘Amy’, which such ease that you don’t realise how hard it must be. Her band are all fantastic, be it the guitarist with his Hendrix-esque behind the head solos, the drummer who keeps it all together (and they never get the credit they’re due), or the new bassist who makes the fiddly licks look easy, and I know they’re not because I pretend to play bass and I’ve tried them. This band are consistently awesome, and well worth supporting.

Finally we come to the closer, the driving force behind the Women of Rock nights at the Cherry Bar, Last Mistress. Front woman Brihony Dawson is rock. She has a voice that will vibrate through your chest, she has a stage presence that would make any of the greats proud, she is undeniably in charge of an audience, and as you can see from the picture, she definitely draws the crowds. Whether it’s original songs or covers Last Mistress are epic. I should also give a mention to the lead guitarist who not only pulled out some kick ass solos, but also did so while riding on Brihony’s shoulder. Yes, that happened, and it was so, so great.

For the full photo set, have a look at my facebook album. And support our local artists like these guys! Keep live music alive and get more women in it!