One of the most underappreciated aspects of Rock music is the women. The groupies, the girlfriends and the wives. Yeah, they were “there”, but believe it or not, if it was not for them, the Rock and Roll carnival would not be complete, the greatest songs would have been left unwritten, and let’s face it, it would be just “Drugs and Rock & Roll” and honestly, how fun would that be?
Groupies– No I am not talking about the girls who get back stage and spread their legs for any man with a guitar (including the roadies). Those girls are just whores with low self-esteem and have daddy issues. I am talking about the girls who were there because of the music. They wanted to get closer to the men (and women) who created the music they loved so much. Yes, many (most) did fuck the band members of their choice, but it was their choice. These women were strong and powerful and were they because they wanted to be.
These women were not just sex toys, oh no. These women in many cases were muses. They inspired the music, and in the rock’s glory days, the relationship between a groupie and a rock star was very much equal. They wanted to get to know them. In many cases, they would be called “road wives”, for they would perform most of the duties a wife would do (sew their clothes, rub Vicks on their chest, make sure they were up on times etc.).
Today, the word “Groupie” appears to be slander, almost insulting.. mainly because the original concept of a groupie was ultimately thrown away and now completely circles around only sex with anyone famous. Today’s widely excepted definition is tarnished. However, the word in its original definition and context is really the furthest thing from insulting. Without these women, Rock & Roll would have a much different story and landscape. A landscape that, honestly, would be nowheres near as fun.
Further Reading : “I’m with the band: confessions of a groupie” by Pamela DesBarres.
Girlfriends and Wives– In many cases started out as groupies, but had that special something that made their music-playing heroes stick around and have a relationship on a more emotionally intimate level. Of course we all know that most rock musicians were never too big on monogamy, mostly because sex is what naturally comes with the lifestyle. However, girlfriends and wives usually see past the music and see the musician as a human being and less like a mystical figure. They loved them for who they were, not only just what they played. They, like their nemesis (groupies), inspire many songs as well. It takes a certain type of women to be rock girlfriend or wife: A really naïve one, or a very aware and knowledgeable one. It was/is clearly not an easy job, and obviously many marriages and relationships throughout rock history have ended horrifically. But believe it or not, there has been some fairy tales, and many musicians have fallen in love and managed to only share their cock with only one other. In some famous cases, it was girlfriend/wife who had wandering eyes! Rock music is circus, no one was completely innocent, right?
Further Info: Check of the E! television series “Married to Rock”- it is a modern-day look as what rock wives go through and deal with.
Further Reading: Wonderful Tonight- Pattie Boyd
Groupies, girlfriends and wives in many ways overlap, they ultimately all did the same things. The only difference between them is, in my opinion, is the rock musician’s desired attachment to them. Groupies often came and went, and that was the mutual understanding on both ends (though many hearts have been broken). Girlfriends and Wives had their own set of troubles to deal with, for they finally got past the “groupie” stage and became a partner.
Today the groupies, girlfriends and wives in rock music have changed since the 60’s and 70’s. Groupies are still around; however, access is very limited now-a-days. Everything is fenced and closed off and full of security guards. However, there are a select few who have the balls to give the security squad all blow jobs and get in (original groupies would never have done that). Girlfriends and wives won’t be going anywhere either and perhaps, their positions in the music world have gained more importance than groupies (thanks you shows like ‘Married to Rock’). Yeah, things have changed, but they are all still here.
All of them are important. Rock & Roll needs women, whether it be as musicians, lovers, or fans.
Looking for some sexist headlines to bring to my ESL class I found out this one. Totally disgusting, I must say. Do women just have a side role in rock? Don’t think so.