Retired Science Teacher, 73, Embraces Punk Rock

Steph Smith, a 73-year-old former science teacher, describes punk as “simple, passionate, creative and it’s loud.” Until two years prior, her musical experience was limited to classical guitar. She is now among dozens of women, many exceeding 60 years of age, who have taken up a new instrument and become part of a band. These women participated in the Unglamorous Music project, based in Leicester, which aimed to empower women to compose and perform their own music. The initiative concluded following the death of its founder, Ruth Miller, from breast cancer in October 2023, at the age of 61. However, participants of the collective intend to persist in inspiring underrepresented individuals to perform on stage, honoring Ruth Miller’s memory. Steph, a Leicester resident and the project’s oldest member, stated that her involvement with the group was “life-changing.” She elaborated, “Before Unglamorous I was a retired science teacher and all my friends were older people.” Smith added, “I was trying to find things to occupy myself; I tried quilting and things like that but nothing stuck.” Reflecting on her musical background, she noted, “I’d been a classical guitarist for decades, since my 40s, so I thought I’d give it a go but I didn’t know what to expect.” Smith recalled her initial experience: “In my first session I was faced by Ruth who said she’s booked my debut gig in 60 days’ time.” She concluded, “Now I’m always writing songs and gig a couple of times a month with my band Velvet Crisis. It’s certainly changed my life.” The project commenced in 2021, initiated due to the absence of female-only bands operating within the city. Subsequently, the local punk scene has significantly expanded, with 20 groups formed by women associated with the collective, many of whom had no prior experience playing an instrument. Now continuing under a different name, the project will offer new introductory workshops. These sessions will be led by graduates of the Unglamorous Music project and are open to any women interested in participating at Stayfree Music on 24 November and 8 December. Steph, who retired nine years ago, will assist in tutoring new participants alongside Chrissie Riedhofer, another project member. Alison Dunne, who serves as drummer and vocalist for her band Boilers, remarked that “people come to watch our band and it’s like being in 1977 again.” Dunne further explained, “The whole thing about punk is you can just step up there and do it as long as you’ve got ideas.” She encouraged, “Women can come to give it a go even if they’re absolute beginners – we’ll show them how to play an instrument.” She also noted, “A lot of the ladies are surprised that we get them together and form a song in just a couple of hours. There’s no messing about here!” An exhibition detailing the evolution of the Unglamorous Music Project is scheduled to be displayed at the Leicester Museum and Art Gallery until 14 February. For updates, follow BBC Leicester on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Story submissions can be sent to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp at 0808 100 2210. This content is copyrighted by BBC 2024. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for content on external websites and provides information regarding its external linking policy.