About the Band

Photo by Hugh Warwick

Who are the horMones?

We are an over 50s women's feminist punk band, formed in March 2023. We are based in Oxford, UK, and our current line-up is: Becks (guitar); Caroline (percussion, backing vocals); Deb (bass guitar); Eloise (sax); Jane (drums); Laura (guitar); Lisa (lead singer); Suzette (percussion, backing vocals); and Viv (washboard). Our ages range from 52 to 79.

How did the band get together?

Deb, the horMones bass player, was inspired by an article she read about the Unglamorous Music project, founded by Ruth Miller and based in Leicester. The project's aim is to inspire older women to play in bands and create a local punk/garage scene regardless of age, ethnicity or previous experience. 'I thought it would be great if there was something like that in Oxford, so one evening in March last year (2023) I met up with a couple of friends in the back room of our local community centre, to see if we could make it happen in Oxford,' Deb explains, 'and from that meeting, the horMones was born.'

Why a punk band?

'None of us had sung or played instruments in a band, so it seemed fitting to embrace the punk ethos', explains Lisa, the band's lead singer. 'We absolutely didn't care what other people thought - we wanted to do this for ourselves, to be seen and heard, to be creative, to make a lot of noise, and most of all to have fun with our mates.' Undeterred by their lack of experience, they were determined to make it work: 'I had a drumkit in the house, Lisa had done a bit of singing, and Deb had borrowed a bass guitar from a friend, so we had the basis of a band,' explains Jane, the drummer. 'We knew other friends would want to join in the fun once they heard what we were up to, and they did!' After researching the easiest punk songs to play, they decided to go away and learn their instruments and practise before rehearsing together.

When did the horMones first go on stage?

Initially the band were wary of performing in front of an audience, but Deb persuaded the others that signing up to play on the local community festival's variety stage would be a lot of fun. So on 17th June 2023, seven very nervous women stepped in front of an enthusiastic and supportive local audience to play their full repertoire of two songs.

After that, the horMones played at a couple of private parties (increasing their set list to six songs), and decided that they loved gigging so much that they would organise a benefit gig at their local community centre. 'We loved the idea of supporting local projects that empowered young people,' explains Jane, 'so we decided to raise money for the YWMP, a project for young women, trans and nonbinary people that empowers them to have agency in all aspects of the music industry.' With the help of another local band and DJ, the horMones performed to a wildly enthusiastic crowd on 9th March 2024, in celebration of International Women's Day. Over £350 was raised, and the event was sold out, with disappointed fans being turned away at the door.

What music do you play?

We play a mix of our own songs and those by Bikini Kill, the Clash, the Ramones, the Cramps, Joan Jett and the Sex Pistols. We're working on some new material and can't wait to bring our new songs to our next gigs!

What's great about being in the horMones?

'I love being in this punk band. We have masses of fun. I look forward to rehearsals - there's always a bottle going round and I'm thumping out guitar chords. What more could you want?' Becks

'I love being in this band. Such strong women! We have everything we need in this group to become famous rock stars. It's not too late!' Eloise

'I would encourage everyone to make some space in their lives for creativity. Maybe especially if they don't feel creative or feel they don't have the time. That's when you need it the most. As far as I know, we're the only mammal to bond through aesthetics. As the arts are becoming devalued, they become inaccessible to lots of people but music, and other art forms, is what it means to be human. It is so much fun. Take up space and make some noise!' Laura

'Sixty years ago at school I was told 'you're tone deaf, just mime'. And I did, until I joined the horMones. Find your voice, take up space, make some noise.' Suzette

'It looks like great fun, and it is!' Viv

'We've all got to the age where we just don't give a fuck about what other people think. We're doing this for ourselves, we're not conforming to anyone's expectations of how older women should behave; and we don't take ourselves too seriously. Being in a band is joyous and liberating, and it's just enormous fun to have your own gang! I hope we can inspire others to find what they enjoy doing and just go for it.' Deb

What's next for the horMones?

We're looking forward to playing more gigs/festivals in Oxford and beyond (see our Upcoming gigs page) and we're planning on organising more benefit gigs in the new year. And we're open to suggestions! If you'd like us to play at your event, we'd love to hear from you.