Thee Headcoatees
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1991 |
| Founder | Billy Childish (formed the band) |
| Defunct | 1999 (initially) |
| Fate | Reunited in 2025 |
| Headquarters | Chatham, Kent , England |
| Products | Music albums |
Thee Headcoatees is a female garage rock ensemble originating from Chatham, Kent, England, established in 1991. They were integral to the Medway scene. The lineup featured Holly Golightly, Kyra LaRubia, Ludella Black, and "Bongo" Debbie Green. After their split in 1999, the group reunited in 2025 and released the album Man Trap.
Formation
Billy Childish formed Thee Headcoatees to serve as a supporting act for his band Thee Headcoats. Ludella Black had previously played in The Delmonas, a band that fulfilled a similar supporting function for Childish’s earlier projects such as The Milkshakes. Most of their repertoire was composed by Childish and consisted of songs that did not align with his primary bands. Following Holly Golightly’s guest appearance with Thee Headcoats, Childish incorporated her into The Delmonas, which was subsequently renamed Thee Headcoatees.
History
Originally functioning as an opening act for Thee Headcoats, Thee Headcoatees established their identity with the track "Headcoat Girl" from The Sisters of Suave, featuring the lyric "I wanna be a headcoat girl." Their debut album, Girlsville, was released in 1991 on Hangman Records and included songs penned by Childish alongside covers from artists such as The Kinks, The Beatles, and The Tamrons. In 1998, Debbie Green departed the group, which continued as a trio and issued their final album, Here Comes Cessation. They toured alongside Thee Headcoats until their dissolution in 1999.
Post break-up
Following the band's disbandment, Holly Golightly embarked on a solo career, producing over ten albums and collaborating with acts including The Greenhornes and The White Stripes. She later established Holly Golightly & The Brokeoffs. Kyra and Debbie became members of The A Lines, which also featured Delia from Mambo Taxi and Julie Hamper of Billy Childish's Musicians of the British Empire. Debbie and Delia currently perform together in Ye Nuns. Kyra and Ludella took part in The Shall I Say Quois with Julie Hamper, while Debbie also contributed to Dutronc, Baby Birkin, The Speed of Sound, Would-Be-Goods, and recorded with The Buffets.
Album discography
- Girlsville (1991)
- Have Love Will Travel (1992)
- Ballad Of The Insolent Pup (1994)
- Bozstik Haze (1997)
- Punk Girls (1997)
- Here Comes Cessation (1999)
- The Sisters Of Suave (1999) [singles compilation]
- Man Trap (2025)