Girl Monstar
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1988 |
| Founder | Anne McCue, Sherry Valier, Sue World, Damian Child |
| Defunct | 1993 (initially) |
| Fate | Disbanded in 1993; reunited in 2025 |
| Headquarters | Melbourne , Australia |
| Products | Music albums and singles |
Number of employees | 6 (members) |
Girl Monstar is a Melbourne-based Australian rock group composed entirely of women, established in 1988. The lineup included Anne McCue on lead guitar and vocals, Sherry Valier (also known as Sherry Rich) handling vocals and rhythm guitar, Sue World on drums and vocals, and Damian Child playing bass. Their 1989 double A-sided single "Surfing on a Wave of Love" / "He's Hell" and the 1990 release "Joe Cool" both reached the top position on Australia's Independent music charts. The band issued one full-length album, Monstereo Delicio, in July 1992 under Timberyard Records. Before their dissolution in 1993, bassist Child was succeeded by Janene Abbott in 1992. Music historian Ian McFarlane characterized their style as "trash pop" that combined gritty guitar riffs with powerful vocal harmonies. Following the band's split, Valier (performing as Rich) and McCue each developed notable solo careers in country rock and alternative country genres, with McCue relocating to Nashville.
In 2025, the original members—Rich, McCue, Abbott, and World—came together again to produce new tracks compiled in GRRRR!! The Album.
History
Girl Monstar originated in 1988 with Damian Child on bass, Anne McCue as lead guitarist, Sherry Valier providing vocals and rhythm guitar, and Ritchie Hine on drums. Soon after formation, Hine was replaced by Sue World behind the drum kit. The band signed with Timberyard Records and debuted with the double A-side single "Surfing on a Wave of Love" / "He's Hell" in October 1989; both songs were penned by Valier.
In early 1990, they toured Australia supporting Danish hard rock outfit D.A.D. and American heavy metal band Skid Row. Later that year, their second single "Joe Cool," also written by Valier and produced by Kevin Shirley, was released. Both singles achieved number one status on the Australian Independent charts. Additionally, Girl Monstar opened for punk legends The Buzzcocks and The Ramones.
Their only album, Monstereo Delicio (released July 1992), was produced by Paul Kosky alongside Jedd Starr. After recording sessions but prior to the album’s release, Janene Abbott took over bass duties from Child. The band ceased activity in early 1993.
After disbanding, Valier continued her career under the name Sherry Rich in the country rock scene, collaborating with members of Wilco and leading groups such as Sherry Rich and the Grievous Angels. She also performed with The Grapes alongside Ash Naylor and later joined The Mudcakes with Sue World and her husband Rick Plant. Anne McCue pursued a solo career focused on alternative country music based out of Nashville.
In 2010, Girl Monstar was recognized in Melbourne’s Arts Centre exhibition titled 'Rock Chicks,' which honored women’s impact on Australia's music industry.
The band announced their reunion in April 2025 via Sherry Rich’s Instagram account. They released the single "Blue Cats with Green Eyes" in July 2025, with plans for a new album slated for later that year through Vicious Kitten Records.
On 14 July 2025, Sherry Rich and Anne McCue appeared on Nashville’s WXNAFM program Sound Decisions to talk about their reunion and premiere their latest single.
Members
- Damian Child – bass guitar, vocals (1988–92)
- Ritchie Hine – drums (1988)
- Anne McCue – lead guitar, vocals (1988–93, 2025–present)
- Sherry Valier – lead vocals, guitar (1988–93, 2025–present)
- Sue World – drums, vocals (1988–93, 2025–present)
- Paddy Chong – bass guitar (1991)
- Janene Abbott – bass guitar (1992–93, 2025–present)
Albums
| Title | Album details |
|---|---|
| Monstereo Delicio |
|
Singles
| Title | Year | Album |
|---|---|---|
| "Surfing on a Wave of Love" / "He's Hell" | 1989 | non-album single |
| "Joe Cool" | 1990 | Monstereo Delicio (bonus track) |
| "Blue Cats with Green Eyes" | 2025 | (digital release) |
Additional contributions
- "Dead by Christmas" featured on Rockin Bethlehem – Timberyard (SAW025) (1989)
- "Is that You?" included in Hard to Believe: Kiss Covers Compilation – Waterfront Records (DAMP121) (1990)
ARIA Music Awards
Since 1987, the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) has annually honored outstanding achievements and creativity in Australian music through the ARIA Music Awards.
| Year | Work | Category | Outcome | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | "Surfing on a Wave"/"He's Hell" | Best Independent Release | Nominated | [1] |
| 1991 | "Joe Cool" | Best Independent Release | Nominated | [1] |