Complete List Of Girlschool Band Members

Feature Photo: Gastr0naut, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Four women from London transformed from club cover band Painted Lady into one of Britain’s most enduring all-female rock acts when they formed Girlschool in 1978. The band emerged as a significant force within the New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement during the early 1980s, achieving commercial success with multiple singles and albums entering the British charts. Unlike their male counterparts in the heavy metal scene, Girlschool distinguished themselves through their unique approach of featuring multiple lead vocalists, with singing duties shared among various band members throughout their career.

Throughout their 46-year history, Girlschool has released numerous studio albums including Demolition (1980), Hit and Run (1981), Screaming Blue Murder (1982), Play Dirty (1983), Running Wild (1985), and more recent releases like Guilty as Sin (2015) and WTFortyfive? (2023). The band has weathered significant lineup changes, temporary breakups, and personal tragedies, including the loss of founding member Kelly Johnson to cancer in 2007. Despite these challenges, core members Kim McAuliffe and Denise Dufort have maintained the band’s legacy while adapting to changing musical landscapes and audience preferences.

The group’s resilience is demonstrated through their ability to reinvent themselves musically while maintaining their essential identity as pioneers of female-fronted heavy metal. From their raw early sound through experimental phases in the mid-1980s and their return to heavier music in later decades, Girlschool has consistently challenged industry expectations for women in rock music. Their influence extends beyond their recorded output, inspiring countless female musicians and proving that women could not only participate in but lead within the traditionally male-dominated heavy metal genre.

Kim McAuliffe

Kim McAuliffe stands as the creative backbone and primary spokesperson for Girlschool since its inception in 1978. Born in London on May 13, 1959, she has remained the band’s most consistent member, serving as rhythm guitarist and sharing lead vocal duties throughout the group’s entire career. McAuliffe was instrumental in forming the original lineup and has guided most major career decisions, from their initial heavy metal sound through their commercial phase in the mid-1980s and back to their rawer musical roots. Her songwriting contributions span all of Girlschool’s releases, making her one of the band’s most prolific composers.

Beyond her musical contributions, McAuliffe became known for her romantic relationships with prominent rock musicians including Eddie Clarke, Gary Owens, Michael Monroe, Nick Lashley, and Cozy Powell. Her media presence expanded in the 1990s when she worked with punk singer Beki Bondage and later served as a presenter on the Raw Power television show for British commercial channel ITV. McAuliffe also participated in special projects, including the NWOBHM celebration album All Stars in 1990 with Cris Bonacci and the Metal Christmas album in 1994 alongside Paul Di’Anno and Eddie Clarke.

During the late 1990s, McAuliffe expanded her performance experience by playing with Born to Be Girls, a cover band that performed at various summer biker rallies across Britain. She served as Girlschool’s sole lead vocalist from 1986 to 1993, later sharing vocal duties with Enid Williams until Williams’ departure in 2019. McAuliffe’s leadership and musical vision have been crucial to the band’s survival through multiple lineup changes, industry shifts, and personal challenges over more than four decades.

Denise Dufort

Denise Dufort, born in London on October 18, 1958, represents the rhythmic foundation of Girlschool as their drummer since 1978. As one of three founding members still active with the band, Dufort brings a punk background to her playing, having performed in several punk bands before joining the group that would become Girlschool. Her musical journey began as a fan of Painted Lady, the cover band formed by Kim McAuliffe and Enid Williams during their school years, which eventually evolved into Girlschool with Dufort behind the drums.

Her family connection to the British metal scene runs deep through her brother Dave Dufort, who served as drummer for the NWOBHM band Angel Witch. This familial tie to the movement that helped launch Girlschool’s career provided additional credibility within the tight-knit British metal community. Throughout her tenure with Girlschool, Dufort maintained a long-term relationship with the band’s road manager Tim Warhurst, creating personal stability within the often chaotic world of touring musicians.

Dufort’s versatility as a musician extended beyond Girlschool during certain periods, notably when she simultaneously played with the post-punk band Au Pairs. Her drumming appears on every Girlschool release from their 1980 debut Demolition through their most recent work. In addition to her musical contributions, Dufort handles the band’s web communications, demonstrating her commitment to maintaining Girlschool’s connection with their fanbase in the digital age. Her consistent presence has provided stability through the band’s numerous lineup changes and stylistic evolution over nearly five decades.

Jackie Chambers

Jackie Chambers joined Girlschool as lead guitarist in 2000, bringing a self-taught approach and fresh creative energy to the band. Born in Leeds on March 27, 1964, Chambers developed her musical skills through participation in punk bands in both her native Leeds and later in London. Her connection to Girlschool began around 1995 when she started writing music with Kim McAuliffe, establishing a creative partnership that would prove essential to the band’s continued evolution. Her integration into the group was facilitated by both Kelly Johnson and Cris Bonacci, who helped develop her lead guitar skills to the level required for Girlschool’s demanding musical standards.

Chambers shared a London flat with Kelly Johnson for seven years, during which time she absorbed the techniques and approaches that had defined Girlschool’s guitar sound since their formation. Her official debut with the band occurred at Venue 27 in Luton, England, on October 5, 2000, marking the beginning of what would become her longest tenure with any musical group. She quickly became a driving force within Girlschool, contributing significantly to both their stage presence and songwriting output while helping shape their sound for the new millennium.

Her musical activities extended beyond Girlschool when she joined the reformed Blitzkrieg, a British punk band from Southport, in 2007. Chambers divided her time between London and Los Angeles, where she composed and performed her own music until March 2012, when she returned to live in Leeds. In 2015, she formed Syteria, a pop-punk band based in Yorkshire, allowing her to explore different musical territories while maintaining her commitment to Girlschool. Her guitar work appears on all Girlschool releases from 21st Anniversary: Not That Innocent (2002) onward, establishing her as a crucial element in the band’s modern incarnation.

Olivia Airey

Olivia Airey represents the newest chapter in Girlschool’s ongoing story, joining as bassist in July 2024 following Tracey Lamb’s third departure from the band. As the current bass player and backing vocalist, Airey brings fresh energy to a group approaching its fifth decade of existence. Her recruitment came at a crucial time for Girlschool, ensuring continuity as they continue touring and potentially developing new material. While her tenure with the band is still in its early stages, her addition maintains Girlschool’s tradition of featuring strong female bassists who contribute both musically and vocally to their sound.

The timing of Airey’s arrival allows her to build upon the foundation established by her predecessors while bringing her own musical perspective to the group. As the band’s newest member, she inherits the responsibility of maintaining Girlschool’s distinctive bass sound while potentially contributing to future recordings and performances. Her role as backing vocalist continues the band’s tradition of shared vocal duties, though the full extent of her contributions will likely become clearer as she settles into her position within the group.

Given Girlschool’s history of lineup changes and musical evolution, Airey’s success with the band will depend on her ability to adapt to their established sound while bringing her own creative input to their ongoing musical journey. Her presence ensures that Girlschool can continue their touring activities and maintain their position as pioneers of female-fronted heavy metal music. As she has not yet appeared on any Girlschool releases, her recorded contributions to the band’s legacy remain to be established through future projects and performances.

Enid Williams

Enid Williams, born in London on April 28, 1960, served as a founding member of Girlschool and one of their three original lead vocalists. Her musical journey with the band began during their transformation from the cover band Painted Lady to the heavy metal pioneers they would become. Williams contributed bass guitar and lead vocals to Girlschool’s first wave of success, appearing on crucial early releases including Demolition (1980), Hit and Run (1981), and the Wildlife EP (1982). Her vocal contributions helped establish the band’s unique approach of featuring multiple lead singers, setting them apart from other heavy metal acts of their era.

Williams made the difficult decision to leave Girlschool in 1982 during the peak of their commercial success, departing under stressful circumstances that reflected the intense pressure the band faced during their rise to prominence. Following her exit, she formed the short-lived band Framed before pursuing education and developing a career in musical theater composition and performance. Her interests expanded to include acting and professional astrology, demonstrating her diverse creative talents beyond rock music. Despite her departure, Williams maintained contact with her former bandmates and participated in special projects during the early 1990s, including the She-Devils and Strange Girls collaborations.

Her return to Girlschool in 2000, coinciding with the departures of Kelly Johnson and Tracey Lamb, marked a significant reunion that lasted nearly two decades. During this period, Williams resumed her role as lead vocalist and bassist, contributing to albums including 21st Anniversary: Not That Innocent (2002), Believe (2004), Legacy (2008), Hit and Run – Revisited (2011), and Guilty as Sin (2015). Her lyrics during this era often addressed social and political themes, reflecting her personal growth and broader worldview developed during her time away from the band. Williams departed Girlschool again in January 2019, ending her second extended tenure with the group she helped create.

Kelly Johnson

Kelly Johnson, born in London on June 20, 1958, stands as one of Girlschool’s most influential founding members and a pioneering figure in female-fronted heavy metal. Her collaboration with Kim McAuliffe formed the songwriting core for Girlschool’s first four albums, blending her pop music sensibilities with the punk and heavy metal influences of her bandmates. Johnson’s tall stature and blonde hair made her a striking visual presence that helped attract attention within the male-dominated heavy metal scene, while her lead guitar skills set a standard that future Girlschool guitarists would strive to match. Beyond her instrumental contributions, she served as the band’s third lead vocalist, handling vocals on notable tracks including “Hit and Run,” “C’mon Let’s Go,” “The Hunter,” and the collaborative “Please Don’t Touch” with Motörhead.

Johnson’s departure from Girlschool in early 1984 led her to Los Angeles, where she lived with Vicki Blue, former bassist of The Runaways. Her decade-long California sojourn involved writing and performing her own music while also working outside the music industry, representing a period of personal exploration and creative development. Her pop music influences became more apparent in Girlschool’s Play Dirty album, reflecting her growing interest in more commercially accessible sounds that would later influence the band’s mid-1980s direction.

Her return to England and Girlschool in 1993 marked a triumphant comeback that lasted until 2000, when she received a cancer diagnosis that forced her to step back from regular touring duties. Even after leaving active performance, Johnson remained connected to the band, playing occasional shows, mentoring her replacement Jackie Chambers, and collecting materials for a planned band biography. Her battle with spinal cancer ended on July 15, 2007, when she passed away at age 49, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential female guitarists in heavy metal history. Her musical contributions appear on all early Girlschool releases and several later live recordings, cementing her place as an essential architect of the band’s sound and success.

Ghislaine ‘Gil’ Weston

Ghislaine ‘Gil’ Weston joined Girlschool in 1982 on the recommendation of Lemmy from Motörhead, replacing original bassist Enid Williams during a crucial transitional period for the band. Born on February 15, 1958, Weston brought punk credentials from her previous work with short-lived bands The Killjoys and Alternating. Her timing proved crucial as Girlschool navigated their post-breakthrough period, requiring a bassist who could handle both the musical demands and the pressure of replacing a founding member. Weston’s contributions appear on significant releases including Screaming Blue Murder (1982), the 1-2-3-4 Rock and Roll EP (1983), and Play Dirty (1983), helping maintain the band’s momentum during their peak commercial period.

Weston’s role extended beyond bass playing to include backing and occasional lead vocals, contributing to Girlschool’s distinctive multi-vocalist approach. Her five-year tenure with the band coincided with some of their most successful chart performances and extensive touring schedules, establishing her as a reliable and professional presence during intense periods of activity. Her punk background provided an edge that complemented the band’s heavy metal foundation while her vocal contributions added depth to their harmonic arrangements.

Her departure from Girlschool in January 1987 marked a personal choice as she left to spend her life with partner Steve Pritchard, effectively retiring from the music business. Following her exit, she worked for the National Health Service in England, demonstrating her commitment to public service after her rock career ended. Weston has since retired from her NHS career, representing a complete transition from the music industry to conventional professional life. Her contributions to later Girlschool releases include appearances on compilation and live albums, ensuring her legacy within the band’s recorded history remains intact.

Cris Bonacci

Cris Bonacci brought international flair to Girlschool when she joined as lead guitarist in 1984, replacing Kelly Johnson during another pivotal period in the band’s evolution. Born in Melbourne, Australia, on October 15, 1964, Bonacci moved to England specifically to participate in the British musical explosion of the early 1980s. Her London experience began with the hard rock band She, which featured future and former Girlschool members Jackie Bodimead and Tracey Lamb, providing her with direct connections to the network that would eventually lead to her recruitment by Kim McAuliffe.

Bonacci’s nine-year tenure with Girlschool proved transformative, as her Jeff Beck-influenced guitar playing brought a new sophistication to the band’s sound. Her contributions span from Running Wild (1985) through Girlschool (1992), including their experimental mid-1980s period and their return to heavier music in the early 1990s. Her songwriting abilities complemented her instrumental skills, contributing significantly to the band’s creative output during a period when they explored more commercial sounds before returning to their metal roots. In a 1992 interview, Bonacci expressed her philosophy about balancing Girlschool with other projects, stating her intention to remain with the band only while pursuing additional creative opportunities.

Following her departure from Girlschool in 1993, Bonacci built a successful career as a touring musician, artist manager, and record producer, demonstrating the business acumen she developed during her time with the band. Her post-Girlschool career reflects the diverse skills she cultivated while helping navigate the band through changing musical landscapes and industry challenges. Her guitar work with Girlschool influenced the band’s sound during a crucial developmental period, and her techniques were later passed on to successor Jackie Chambers, ensuring continuity in the band’s lead guitar approach. Bonacci also appeared on the NWOBHM celebration album All Stars in 1990 alongside Kim McAuliffe, highlighting her recognition within the British metal community.

Jackie Bodimead

Jackie Bodimead joined Girlschool in 1984 as lead vocalist, bringing accomplished singing experience from her previous work with hard rock and progressive rock bands Stratagy and Canis Major. Born on November 13, 1962, Bodimead arrived at Girlschool through her involvement with the all-female band She, which served as a talent pool for several future and former Girlschool members. Her addition to Girlschool coincided with their expansion to a five-piece lineup and their exploration of more commercially oriented music, reflecting the band’s attempt to achieve broader mainstream success during the mid-1980s.

Bodimead shared lead vocal duties with Kim McAuliffe on the Running Wild album (1985) and participated in the band’s world tour that same year, representing Girlschool during their most ambitious commercial period. Her keyboard skills added a new instrumental dimension to the band’s sound, contributing to their exploration of more accessible musical arrangements. However, her vision for the band’s musical direction ultimately conflicted with their desire to return to heavier sounds, leading to her departure in 1986 after just two years with the group.

Following her exit from Girlschool, Bodimead pursued the more commercial musical direction she preferred by joining British AOR band If Only, demonstrating her commitment to melodic rock styles. She later released a solo album titled Don’t Believe in Love, produced by Lea Hart, showcasing her abilities as both a vocalist and creative artist outside the constraints of band dynamics. Her brief but significant tenure with Girlschool occurred during a crucial experimental phase that, while commercially unsuccessful, demonstrated the band’s willingness to evolve and take creative risks in pursuit of broader audience appeal.

Tracey Lamb

Tracey Lamb’s relationship with Girlschool spans three separate periods, making her one of the most frequently returning members in the band’s history. Born in Bishop Auckland on June 17, 1963, Lamb initially gained recognition as a founding member of Rock Goddess, another prominent all-female metal band from the New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement. Her first connection to Girlschool came in 1983 when she briefly substituted for Gil Weston during a tour in Israel, providing her initial exposure to the band’s musical approach and professional standards.

Her first official tenure with Girlschool lasted from 1987 to 1991, during which she contributed to the Take a Bite album (1988) and helped stabilize the band following Weston’s departure. Between her Girlschool stints, Lamb formed the all-female band She with Jackie Bodimead, Cris Bonacci, Kat Burbella, and Suzie Roll, though this group remained confined to the English club scene and disbanded in 1985. Her second period with Girlschool began in 1993 when she replaced the briefly tenured Jackie Carrera, remaining until 2000 when she departed alongside Kelly Johnson. This era saw her contributions to Girlschool Live (1995) and the commemorative 21st Anniversary: Not That Innocent (2002).

During her absence from Girlschool, Lamb founded Rock ‘n’ Roll Gypsies in 2005, a band that worked the British rock club circuit but failed to secure a recording contract. She relocated to Spain where she worked as a gym instructor and manager before rejoining Rock Goddess in 2014, though she left that band again in 2018. Her third return to Girlschool in 2019, following Enid Williams’ departure, lasted five years and included work on WTFortyfive? (2023). The band announced her final departure in June 2024, acknowledging her significant contributions across her three separate tenures spanning the band’s 46-year history and noting the amicable nature of her final exit.

Jackie Carrera

Jackie Carrera’s tenure with Girlschool proved brief but significant, representing a transitional period between the band’s late 1980s struggles and their 1990s revival. Coming from indie pop bands The Flatmates and The Caretaker Race, where she had performed since 1988, Carrera brought a different musical perspective to Girlschool when she joined in 1991. Her background in indie pop contrasted with the band’s metal foundations, reflecting their continued willingness to experiment with different musical influences and lineup combinations during their search for renewed commercial success.

Carrera contributed to Girlschool’s eponymous 1992 album, which marked another attempt by the band to redefine their sound for changing musical landscapes. Her bass playing and backing vocals supported the band during performances across the UK, Europe, and Russia, demonstrating her adaptability to Girlschool’s demanding touring schedule and diverse international audiences. However, when the band prepared for a US tour that could have significantly expanded their American presence, Carrera declined to travel, leading to her amicable departure from the group.

Following her exit from Girlschool, Carrera worked as a session musician for several bands, including the hugely successful pop group Take That, until 1996. This experience provided her with exposure to mainstream commercial music production and performance, skills that served her well in her subsequent career transition. She eventually moved away from music performance to become a writer, focusing primarily on theatrical works, demonstrating her creative versatility beyond rock music. Her replacement by returning bassist Tracey Lamb ensured continuity for Girlschool while allowing Carrera to pursue her preferred artistic direction in writing and theater.