Rude Girls: Women in 2 Tone and One Step Beyond

by Heather Augustyn

The ska revival in the UK and the 2 Tone label represented unity of black and white in both the content of the songs, and appearance of the bands. While race may have been central to this declaration, where did gender fit in? Many bands had few, if any, women in their lineup and so women had to do it for themselves. Empowered by punk and impassioned by Jamaican ska and reggae, they took up the microphone, the saxophone, drumsticks. Women demanded their space on the stage and in the studio. Through exclusive interviews with more than 50 women involved in ska in the UK during the ‘70s and ‘80s, Rude Women in 2 Tone and One Step Beyond tells their stories of adversity, perseverance, and sisterhood for an inspiring look at half of the story that has never been told.

Genres: Music

394 pages, Paperback

Published February 17, 2023

Reviews

[Nikki Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heather's knowledge on this topic is extraordinary. We are incredibly fortunate as a society that Heather has done the research, spoken with the people, and documented her findings in book form.