Ah, the glorious days of rock ‘n’ roll. When you think of the 1960s and 70s, images of vibrant clubs filled with music and the mingling of celebrities likely come to mind. Nightclubs like Whisky a GoGo and the Viper Room were hot spots where fans and famous names shared the same space. And right in the midst of it all were the women, often referred to as groupies, who were crazy about the music and the artists behind it.
This era wasn’t just about surfers and sound waves; it was inextricably linked to the counterculture movement in America that championed Civil Rights, Women’s Liberation, and sexual freedom. Groupies then were true trailblazers, challenging the norms of the time, yet they rarely get the props they deserve.
Speaking of icons: Legendary figures from that era like Pamela Des Barres—known as the ‘Groupie Godmother’—are finally being recognized as symbols of feminism. Despite often being dismissed as just eye candy or love-struck fans, groupies contributed significantly to discussions about agency and autonomy.
For those who don’t know, Pamela was more than just the woman behind the scenes. From 1968 to 1970, she rocked out with the all-girl band GTOs (Girls Together Outrageously), proving that groupies could also be stars in their own right. In a recent chat with The Mirror U.S., the now 76-year-old Pamela remarked on how, during her formative years, women made strides in securing rights that seem threatened today.
Reflecting on her youth, Pamela drew attention to the legalization of abortion in 1973 through the historical Roe v. Wade ruling, which granted women greater control over their bodies. However, that victory feels imperiled today; not only is the Civil Rights Act of 1964 still crucial but the recent overturning of Roe v. Wade has brought about significant backlash against women’s rights.
Furthermore, the previous Trump administration saw the appointment of justices who took part in this rollback, leading to a return to ideologies reminiscent of past decades. “We have a monster in the White House trying to take us back to the 50s and much worse,” Pamela declared, expressing her frustration at societal regression driven by fear.
So what does living ‘fear-free’ mean for Pamela? She’s all about embracing life and doing what she wants to do, including her upcoming one-woman show at the Horse Hospital in London this December. Additionally, fans can look forward to the re-release of her album I’m with the band on Omnibus.
Pamela Des Barres’s journey reflects how the fight for women’s independence continues, with lessons from the past shaping the conversation today. It’s clear that the echoes of her era still resonate as the world grapples with its future.
