Watch Betty Blowtorch

Betty Blowtorch is a 2003 documentary that tells the story of an all-female punk rock band from Hollywood, California, famous for their electrifying live performances and their feminist spirit. The film follows the band from their early days, when they were just a group of friends who loved punk music, to their rise to fame and their tragic end. Throughout the movie, we see interviews with band members, friends, and fans, who share their memories of the band and their music.

The movie begins by introducing the four members of Betty Blowtorch: Bianca Butthole (vocals and guitar), Blare N' Bitch (bass), Sharon Needles (guitar), and Judy Molish (drums). We learn about their backgrounds, their influences, and their musical aspirations. It becomes clear that these women are not just in it for the music, but also for the message. They see punk rock as a way of expressing their anger at a world that often discriminates against women, and they want to empower other women to do the same.

As Betty Blowtorch starts to gain a following, the movie shows us some of their most memorable performances, including shows with other punk icons like The Misfits and The Vandals. The band's live shows are wild, energetic, and often controversial, featuring Butthole's signature move of setting her pubic hair on fire. But as much as the band loves to shock and provoke, they are also committed to using their music to address serious issues. They perform songs about rape, domestic violence, and sexism, and their music becomes a rallying cry for young women who feel similarly marginalized.

The documentary doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of the band's story. We see the toll that constant touring and a fast-paced lifestyle take on the members, as well as some of the personal struggles they face. The movie also covers the tragic events that led to the band's demise in 2002, when Bianca Butthole died in a car accident. The remaining members of the band talk candidly about their grief and their attempts to move forward in the aftermath of such a tragic loss.

One of the most compelling aspects of Betty Blowtorch is the way it frames the band's story within the broader context of women in rock music. Throughout the film, we hear from other female musicians who have also faced sexism and discrimination in the music industry. These interviews help to illustrate the ways in which Betty Blowtorch was both a product of and a response to this culture. The band members themselves are refreshingly candid about their own experiences with sexism and harassment, and their determination to succeed in spite of it.

Overall, Betty Blowtorch is a fascinating look at a truly unique band. It's a movie that combines gritty punk rock energy with emotional depth and social commentary, and it's a must-see for anyone interested in the history of women in rock music. The film is a tribute to the power of music to bring people together and to inspire meaningful change, and it's a fitting tribute to a band that did exactly that.