We Were Going To Change the World: Interviews with Women from the 1970s and 1980s Southern California Punk Rock Scene

In interviews, 37 women recall their connection to 1970s and 1980s punk rock in southern California. Russo (library technology, Santa Ana Coll.; Life as Activism: June Jordan's Writings from The Progressive; The Library as Place in California) skillfully elicits candid stories and reminiscences of the punk scene: the how and why of their involvement, the music and the groups (from the Dead Kennedys to Black Flag), memorable clubs and events, political and social attitudes, and the lasting impact of this youthful experience. All felt a sense of belonging, empowerment, freedom, and creativity. However, the scene's darker side, including substance abuse, gave them much to contemplate. Russo wisely chooses a cross-section of women and allows them to speak for themselves: performers (Alice Bag, Phranc), journalists (Kristine McKenna), photographers (Ann Summa), fanzine writers/creators (Kathy Rodgers), and audience members. Although personalities and individual perspectives differ, together they present a richly textured whole. In a thoughtful and well-written introduction, Russo defines the scope and components of her project—a fine preamble to this sensitive account of the punk rock phenomenon that also reflects the larger social fabric of the time.