The coolest thing about punk culture is that it transcends gender, race, and, of course, age. While it's often associated with rebellious youth, the truth is that rebellion against the system (whatever that system may be) sometimes grows stronger with age. Loud guitars and heavy, thumping drumbeats aren't just for kids.
Meet The NaNaz. They're a six-woman punk band from South Wales, and they play incredibly hard-hitting thrash metal. The best part? They're all in their 50s and 60s. And even though the band is relatively new, they're aiming for the top and have a lot to say.
Who is in the group?
The all-female band consists of founder Anne-Marie Bollen (vocals, bass guitar, and songwriter), Deb de Lloyd (creative merch and viola), Claire Simons (rhythm guitarist, backing vocalist, and "merch queen"), Angie Pearce (alias "Animal," lead guitar, vocals, songwriter), Marega Palser (multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and "performance artist"), and Jade Ball on drums.
As their official YouTube page points out, their music isn't just punk. "NaNaz is a rebellion in motion—a punk/alternative rock band proving that attitude knows no age limit. Born out of music workshops and fueled by unbridled energy, they embody the spirit of classic punk with a fearless, modern approach.".
The NaNaz combines sharp lyricism, uncompromising noise, and incredible individuality. Their sound is loud, honest, and meant to be felt as well as heard. Members of different generations shatter stereotypes and rewrite the concept of a punk band, bringing chaos, community, and creativity to every stage they perform.
Nanaz, punk, music
«"Real Rebels"»
As explained in a recent article in The Guardian, drama series BBC under the name «Riot Women» (Rebel Women) captured viewers' attention and reminded them that "real" rebels are already rebelling. The series follows a similar formula: "Five fierce women amplify their voices to be heard." The only difference with NaNaz is that they are very, very real.
Regarding the lyrics, Anita Chaudhuri writes that practically anything is off the table in terms of subject matter. "Their song repertoire touches on everything from exorbitant prices in nursing homes to men's attitudes toward older women and the challenges of recycling.".
Raw lyrics
It's these lyrics that often elevate NaNaz to a unique level. In Ryan Massey's article for BBC Wales He describes the themes that so often inspire them. "From minor annoyances like loud people on the bus to more serious issues like social security, NaNaz say their music is like therapy, an outlet for anger and frustration. They also talked about how it helped them cope with menopause, coming to terms with changes in their bodies and their identities.".
Their message is far from superficial. One of the first songs to become a fan favorite was "60 Lies," which, according to Massey, was dedicated to "a group of women protesting against inequality in state pensions.".
They recently released a music video for their song "The Isles." The lyrics are more metaphorical than some of their other tracks, including a line about the audacity of time: "Time's arrow flies backwards, forwards, sideways, and now it's frozen, and time goes nowhere.".
Moving forward quickly
Their popularity is rapidly growing. The comments under their Instagram post promoting a media article are full of typical Generation Xers. One jokingly writes, "Nursing homes are going to be a blast!" (Incidentally, Upworthy published an article about what nursing homes are starting to look like for Generation X. Imagine skateboards, Bon Jovi, and movie nights with John Hughes.)
This Instagram user used their support to complain about modern driving technology. "Hell yeah! Do you have a song about those idiots who leave their headlights on behind you when you're driving at night? Just a suggestion. Love you, ladies!"«
One millennial expresses sincere respect for his slightly older punk sisters. "Every generation, no matter their age, remains their own person. It's amazing to me that people are still amazed by that. I'm still in awe of that. Gen Xers were the cooler older brothers and sisters to me, an older millennial. I still admire them.".
The article "Punk Band Featuring Women Over 50 Rebelling Against Menopause Is Gaining Popularity, and It's Gaining Attention" first appeared on Upworthy.