ABOUT UNGLAMOROUS

A strange and wonderful music scene has grown in Leicester, UK recently, based on the idea that women of all ages can learn to play punk-style, create their own songs and go on stage to genuine cheers and rapturous applause. These all-women Unglamorous bands are great songwriters who bring their meaningful life experiences and self-assured wit to a whole new seam of art-rock.

The project, or more accurately, the movement was started by Ruth Miller, a ‘failed 1990s DIY indie-pop creator’ who found a new enthusiasm for making music as she approached 60 by going back to her punk roots. First she formed The Verinos, writing songs with just a few chords and playing about with concepts of humour, anger and wisdom to make the band something that others could relate to – and they did.

From the very first Verinos gig in November 2021, the Unglamorous idea of ordinary women starting bands has attracted media interest from all over the world, and a following of women of all ages who want to get started in bands.

A series of music workshops for women in January 2022 led to more bands forming, following Ruth’s unique learning methods to hit Leicester with a bang on International Women’s Day at Duffy’s Bar in March 2022. The 66 Days to Your Debut method was born, and repeated in January 2023 and April 2023, culminating in a huge all-dayer at firebug in September 2023.

The bands have become more accomplished, and the model has spread beyond Leicester, with three bands forming in Folkstone! But the passion, the energy, and the sheer enjoyment that being in bands brings is still the driving force behind Unglamorous.

And tales of our achievements spread – with multiple TV appearances and documentaries. In fact, for 6 months you couldn’t go to an unglamorous gig without at least one film crew being present. You can see the ARTE documentary here.

All the more remarkable was the fact that Ruth achieved all of this while bravely dealing with a terminal cancer diagnosis. She hid it well, ever the performer, the mentor, the friend and the role model. Unfortunately she lost her battle in October 2023.

The entire Unglamorous family has been rocked by this, but as we process, what remains is our love of our musical sisterhood, our joy at performing on stage, and the memory of a mentor who was always pushing us to go bigger, do better and be authentic.

And so, in her memory we push forward. More bands than ever, more music than ever, more songs than ever and more determination than ever, we are too big for just one day.

So we are launching a musical takeover of Leicester – the International Women’s Weekender! 3 different gigs, different lineups and different venues but all very much in the spirit of what Ruth has started. And we are bringing our Unglamorous Folkstone sisters along for the ride! We have more to say, more to show than ever. And we can’t wait to see you there.