Paloma Romero

Biography

Paloma McLardy (née Romero, born 26 December 1954), known as Palmolive, is a Spanish drummer and songwriter who was a member of influential early punk bands. She founded the Slits toward the end of 1976. After leaving that group in 1978, she joined the Raincoats and performed on their first album, The Raincoats (1979) After leaving her native Spain for the UK, Palmolive met Joe Strummer in the vibrant London squat scene of the '70s. They fell in love, and as Joe's star began to rise—first with the 101ers, then The Clash—she, too, was drawn in by the explosive energy of punk. There, she formed strong friendships, clashed with Sid Vicious, and stood up to Malcolm McLaren. Even though she had never played an instrument, she taught herself the drums. And because she was a virgin to rock 'n' roll, its rules did not confine her, letting her passion, determination, and instinct make up for what she lacked in technique. After seeing a legendary gig by Patti Smith, she founded The Slits—the first all-female punk band—in 1976. She recorded two Peel Sessions, toured with The Clash, and performed trailblazing shows around the UK and Europe. Though she left the band before recording the classic debut, Cut, the album includes four songs that she wrote: "Shoplifting," "FM,"" Newtown," and "Adventures Close to Home." By 1979, she had joined another all-female outfit—The Raincoats—with whom she recorded the band's self-titled debut, The Raincoats, and went on a UK tour. This album is regarded as a landmark record in the development of post-punk, new-wave, and indie pop, with Rolling Stone calling it one of the 100 most influential alternative albums of all time and one of the 500 greatest rock albums of all time. The Slits and The Raincoats were a revolution within a revolution. Through their attitude and lyrics, they created a shortcut between themselves and their audience without the interference of greedy, giant corporations. Today, that kernel of insurgency is still alive in her. Grounded on a spiritual understanding of the world and building community around her, she is now ready to reflect and write her story from that much-mythologized time.