Monday 13 March 2017

Motorhead Slot

Ah, Girlschool. Here's another example of the longevity of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal as these London ladies came out of left field to be right at the forefront of the NWOBHM movement around 1980 and continue to be active today over thirty years later mostly with the original line-up.  Motorhead Online Slot Machine
As a youngster in South Yorkshire I recall bouncing around record shops seeking out early Girlschool stuff looking for the band's singles - three of which I just within the loft. Emergency, Race With the Devil and Nothing to Lose - all in virtually mint condition and picture sleeves. I believe I bought the Hit and Run album on blue vinyl though can't be sure. Mists of time and all that.
Girlschool were a breath of fresh air in those days and something a bit different even though the Motorhead influences are slightly obvious. And they always looked like they were having huge fun on stage. And in Kelly Johnson they'd some serious "eye candy" to help keep us boys amused. She could play as well. Underrated guitarist for years in my own book and sadly lost to cancer in 2007.
They started out on South London in the late 1970s gigging here and there like so many before (and after) them. A few independent single releases brought them to Motorhead's attention and Girlschool got the support slot on the outrageous Overkill tour. Links forged the would see the 2 bands almost inter-twined and they even released a joint-single as Head Girl.
Snapped up by Motorhead's record company Bronz, Girlschool soon released their maiden album and several singles in 1980. Another album (Hit and Run) followed which put them in the spotlight with gold status sales and sell out tours.  Motorhead Online Slot Machine Game
Screaming Blue Murder came next with increased big name support slot tours sharing the trail with famous brands Iron Maiden, The Scorpions and Blue Oyster Cult. You couldn't get a great deal more high profile than that during the time and their sales and popularity continued to grow.
A couple of line-up changes ensued with both Kelly Johnson and original bass player Enid Williams leaving. Denise Dufort Kim McAuliffe remained constants whilst the replacements came and went and albums were recorded though maybe it's argued after Johnson and Williams went the classic Girlschool period was over. Dufort even departed for a while and it looked not great for the girls though soldier on they did with fate working things out and Johnson returned in the 1990s whilst the band started to obtain active again and toured much.

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