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Sharon Osbourne would become the manager for several bands, but is most remembered for her work with Ozzy Osbourne and Motörhead

Lzzy Hale of Halestorm

History of Women in Metal

The history of women in heavy metal can be traced back as far as the 1970's, when the band Vixen was formed in 1973. For perspective, what many consider to be the first heavy metal band, Black Sabbath, was founded in 1968. Another hard rock band that featured all-female members, The Runaways, would be founded in 1975. And while the Runaways may have been lost to time, two former members would rise to fame in solo careers. Those being Joan Jett and Lita Ford, who would have a very successful metal career. In 1978, with the rise of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, the band Girlschool would be founded. They are remembered for their collaboration with the popular band Motörhead in 1980 under the pseudonym "Headgirl". Women have also found a home as singers in the sub-genre of symphonic metal. In 1996, Finnish band Nightwish was founded and has featured many different women in the role of lead singer. This would lead to a surplus of metal bands featuring women as lead singers, such as Grammy Award Winners Halestorm, Delain, Within Temptation, and Epica.

Importance of Women in Metal

Women have also played an important role behind the scenes, such as Gaby Hoffmann. In 1981, she would help Don Dokken acquire his first record deal. Without Gaby, the band Dokken wouldn't become a 10 million record selling band. Another example of what Gaby Hoffmann was able to do for other bands can be seen in her work with the German metal band Accept. Hoffmann became Accepts manager in 1981 and wrote songs under the pseudonym of "Deaffy" for the bands most popular albums, including Restless and Wild, Balls to the Wall, Metal Heart, Russian Roulette, Eat the Heat, Objection Overruled, Death Row, and Predator. In the bands later albums, songwriter Mark Tornillo has acknowledged that Gaby still has some influence when it comes to songwriting. Another woman who played a similar behind the scenes role is Sharon Osbourne. The wife and manager of Ozzy Osbourne, Sharon would found the popular Ozzfest music festival as well as managing for several popular bands, of which include Motörhead, Coal Chamber, Smashing Pumpkins, ELO, Lita Ford and Queen.