A unique group of menopausal women come together to create a punk band in Sally Wainwright’s latest Sunday night series, Riot Women, airing on BBC One. The six-part show, with episode 2 scheduled for tonight at 9pm or available on iPlayer, evokes nostalgia for Gina Birch and Ana da Silva, who established the punk group The Raincoats nearly five decades ago.
Gina, a vibrant 21-year-old from Nottingham, and Ana Da Silva, a laid-back 28-year-old from the Portuguese island of Madeira, crossed paths as art students in Seventies London. Despite their contrasting personalities, they built a strong working relationship, forming the band during the era of The Clash and The Sex Pistols, where rebellion eclipsed musical skill. For Ana, who grew up under Estado Nova’s dictatorship, London symbolized freedom, allowing individuals to express themselves without fear of judgment or restrictions.
Inspired by the punk movement, Ana found a sense of liberation and self-expression in London, while Gina embraced the city’s adventurous spirit, residing in a bohemian squat in Notting Hill. Their friendship blossomed as they frequented music gigs, including The Roxy club, immersing themselves in the vibrant punk scene. Witnessing female-led bands like The Slits perform on stage ignited Gina’s belief that she too could pursue music, leading her to impulsively purchase a guitar and join forces with Ana to establish The Raincoats in 1977.
The band’s journey was marked by significant milestones, including the release of their debut album and single, which solidified their presence in the music scene. Despite creative tensions and eventual disbandment in 1983, The Raincoats experienced a revival in the ’90s following a chance encounter with Kurt Cobain, who hailed their music and facilitated their reintroduction to audiences. The Nirvana frontman’s admiration led to a resurgence of interest in The Raincoats, culminating in a collaboration and tour opportunity that sadly ended with Kurt Cobain’s untimely passing.
Reflecting on their tumultuous yet impactful journey, Ana and Gina cherish the legacy they’ve built, attributing Kurt Cobain’s influence to their reemergence in the music scene. Though The Raincoats are no longer actively performing, their story continues to resonate with fans, cementing their place in music history.
This article was derived from an Outlook interview on The World Service and further details can be found in Audrey Golden’s book, “Shouting Out Loud,” which chronicles The Raincoats’ remarkable narrative.