Paul Natkin’s 1982 Portraits of Girlschool Capture Early NWOBHM Style

In April 1982, renowned photographer Paul Natkin photographed the British heavy metal band Girlschool during their visit to Chicago, Illinois. His sessions captured both staged promotional portraits and live concert performances, highlighting the band’s distinctive early-1980s metal aesthetic, including leather, denim, and big hairstyles. The classic lineup featured Kim McAuliffe on guitar and vocals, Kelly Johnson on guitar, Denise Dufort on drums, and Gil Weston on bass. Girlschool was a pioneering force in the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) and gained fame for their fast, aggressive, punk-tinged metal sound. The band shared lead vocal duties and were known for their energetic performances and camaraderie with Motörhead, often collaborating under the name Headgirl. Their 1981 cover of Johnny Kidd & The Pirates’ ‘Please Don’t Touch’ became a UK Top 5 hit. Girlschool avoided glam styles, favoring a biker-inspired look, and were celebrated not just as an all-female band but as musicians in their own right. By 1982, the band had begun performing in large U.S. stadiums, supporting prominent acts such as Iron Maiden and Scorpions, solidifying their influence on heavy metal and women in rock music.