The founding members of Tampax were Gaby Schlag and Bettina Köster, who played guitar and bass, respectively. In the early days of the band, they performed as a duo, using a drum machine instead of a live drummer. Later on, they added drummer Eva Gössling to the lineup. Tampax’s music was heavily influenced by punk rock and post-punk, but they also incorporated elements of new wave and experimental music.
Tampax released their first single, “UFO Dictator,” in 1982. The song was a scathing critique of authoritarian leaders, and featured Köster’s thundering bassline and Schlag’s distorted guitar riffs. The single was well-received by the punk rock community in Germany, and helped establish Tampax as an up-and-coming band.
Over the next few years, Tampax released several singles and one full-length album, “Tampax on the Beach.” The album was a mix of political anthems and more introspective songs, such as “Da Da Da,” a cover of a German new wave hit. Tampax’s live shows became legendary for their sheer energy and confrontational attitude. The band members were known for jumping into the crowd, spraying beer on the audience, and challenging the patriarchy in their lyrics.
Despite their growing fan base, Tampax faced some challenges as an all-female punk band in a male-dominated scene. They were often belittled or dismissed by male musicians and critics, and faced sexist remarks from audience members. In response, Tampax became even more outspoken about their feminist beliefs, and wrote songs like “Punk and Proud,” which called out sexism in the punk rock community.
By the mid-1980s, Tampax had gained a following outside of Germany as well. They toured extensively throughout Europe, and even played shows in the United States. However, in 1986, the band dissolved due to internal conflicts and creative differences. Köster went on to form the experimental post-punk band Malaria!, while Schlag continued to perform under the name Tampax II.
Despite their relatively short lifespan, Tampax had a lasting impact on the punk rock scene in Germany and beyond. They challenged stereotypes about women in rock music, and helped inspire a whole generation of feminist punk bands. Today, their music continues to resonate with audiences who value social justice and rebellion against the status quo.
In conclusion, Tampax was a pioneering punk rock band that helped pave the way for feminist music in Germany and beyond. Their music was radical, confrontational, and relentlessly political, making them a unique presence in the punk scene of the 1980s. While they may not have achieved widespread fame, Tampax’s legacy lives on through their influence on modern feminist rock bands.