For some reason, the "rock star" image is associated with dudebros and dudebros only. While guys get sex, drugs, and rock n' roll, women are left with stale singer/songwriter and pop-star stereotypes. The following ladies can prove that iconic rock isn't a boys' club--and could probably kick your ass while doing so.
1. Tina Weymouth (Talking Heads)
Weymouth could be called the goddess of New Wave weird-rock. Her bass lines are the backbone of Talking Heads' iconic funk sound, plus she founded TomTom Club. Without her skills, David Byrne's freaky persona would have, in fact, stopped making sense.
2. Kim Gordon (Sonic Youth)
Kim Gordon is the definition of a cool girl, style-, music-, and empowerment-wise. Who else can sing about male white corporate oppression and make a guest appearance on "Gossip Girl"?
3. Debbie Harry (Blondie)
Debbie Harry, aka Blondie, has been called the Queen of Punk and was listed 12th on VH1's "100 Greatest Women of Rock n' Roll" in 1999. Plus, she used to be a Playboy bunny. Multi-talented!
4. Joan Jett
5. Nico
German singer Nico was known for her acting, modeling and angelic voice. She sang with The Velvet Underground on the iconic (and aptly titled) album "The Velvet Underground & Nico." As if she wasn't badass enough on her own, she also worked with legends like Andy Warhol and Jackson Browne.
6. Kim Deal (the Pixies)
The Pixies wouldn't be alt-rock legends without Kim Deal on the bass. Though she left the band in 2013, her contribution to the band will be forever replayed on influential albums "Doolittle" and "Surfer Rosa."
7. The Breeders
Kim Deal of the Pixies + Tanya Donnelly of Throwing Muses = The Breeders. The Breeders produced "Cannonball," a total 90s jam that is guaranteed to be stuck in your head until you stop crying over A Walk To Remember (which the song is featured in!).
8. Gwen Stefani (in No Doubt)
Before there was "Sweet Escape", there was No Doubt: Gwen Stefani's ska-punk roots. If you don't remember No Doubt: "CUZ I'M JUST A GIRLLLL!" You do now.
9. Bikini Kill
Kathleen Hanna, Kathi Wilcox and Tobi Vail were the girls of Bikini Kill (Billy Karren is the other member, but he's a dude). The band is credited with starting the riot-grrrl movement, a wave of punk rock that spread feminism through heavy guitar riffs. Grrrl power!
10. Carrie Brownstein (Sleater-Kinney)
Brownstein is known for her rad guitar skills and hilarious acting alongside Fred Armisen on "Portlandia." Talent goals? Sleater-Kinney isn't just her, though; rockers Corin Rucker and Janet Weiss deserve a shout out, too.
These ladies of alt-rock have inspired fashion, feminist attitudes and hopefully many more women in the industry. Next time you picture the "rock star" ideal as a big-haired dude from Poison, think again!
