Girlschool

The Profile

Girlschool are a British all‑female heavy metal band formed in London in 1978, emerging as key figures of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. They’re known for punchy albums like Demolition and Hit and Run, and for collaborating with Motörhead on the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre EP. Founding guitarist Kelly Johnson died on July 15, 2007.

Formed in London in 1978 after starting as Painted Lady; core early members included Kim McAuliffe, Kelly Johnson, Enid Williams, and Denise Dufort. Debut album: Demolition (1980), followed by Hit and Run (1981). Part of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal and collaborators with Motörhead on the 1981 St. Valentine’s Day Massacre EP. Kelly Johnson passed away on 2007-07-15.

Two lively reviews salute Girlschool’s debut Demolition as a gritty, hard ’n’ heavy NWOBHM staple. They spotlight the band’s all‑female lineup, tight riffs, and no‑frills punch, plus ties with Motörhead. Tracks like Race with the Devil and Emergency are singled out. One review also recalls guitarist Kelly Johnson, who passed away on July 15, 2007.