The term “groupie” might have only entered the scene in the mid-1960s, but the phenomenon of fans chasing after their musical idols has roots that stretch back even further. Imagine a young woman in a bygone era, captivated by a musician’s talent, much like the legendary tales of fans enamored with composers from centuries past.
While the images of corsets and classical concerts might come to mind, the modern concept of groupies is steeped in the world of rock and roll. It’s about the wild, the rebellious, and the unforgettable moments that defined an era.
Today, we’ll explore seven of the most iconic groupies from both the past and present. These women have left their mark on music history in ways that go far beyond just being fans.
1. Bebe Buell
Bebe Buell moved to New York at 18, quickly becoming a model and Playboy Playmate of the Month. Rock stars soon followed, with Buell romantically linked to Elvis Costello and Mick Jagger.
Her most notable connection, however, was with Steven Tyler, the father of her daughter, Liv Tyler. Buell initially claimed Todd Rundgren was Liv’s dad, a secret she kept to protect her from Tyler’s drug problems.
Buell later turned to music, releasing albums starting in 1981. Though not commercially successful, her transition from groupie to musician and mother underscores a fascinating journey.
2. Sable Starr
Sable Starr, the queen of 1970s groupies, led the Baby Groupies. She plunged into the rock scene at a very young age, with Iggy Pop famously mentioning their encounter when she was just 13.
By 16, Starr had connections with Mick Jagger, David Bowie, Alice Cooper, and Robert Plant. Her youth didn’t stop her from mingling with rock royalty.
Starr later moved to New York, diving into the punk scene with Johnny Thunders and Richard Hell. By the 1980s, she had left the groupie life and worked as a table game dealer before her death in 2009. Her impact, noted by Bebe Buell, was undeniable.
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3. Anita Pallenberg
Anita Pallenberg is famous for her ties to The Rolling Stones. In 1965, she started a relationship with guitarist Brian Jones, which lasted two years. During a trip to Morocco, Keith Richards intervened after witnessing Jones assault her.
Richards then began a 13-month romance with Pallenberg. She also reportedly had an affair with Mick Jagger, completing her connections with the band’s main members.
After her time with the Stones, Pallenberg acted in TV movies. Her later years were marked by drug abuse, and she died from hepatitis C in 2009.
4. Pennie Lane Trumbull
Pennie Lane from Cameron Crowe’s Almost Famous is a famous depiction of a groupie. Her glamorous look and style have shaped the modern image of groupies. But did you know Pennie was inspired by a real person?
Pennie Trumbull moved to LA at 18 and embraced the rock and roll lifestyle. She formed the Flying Garter Girls with other groupies, touring with their favorite bands. Trumbull’s experiences influenced Crowe’s portrayal of the idealistic groupie in the film.
After years on the road, Trumbull and the Flying Garter Girls retired from the groupie scene. She later became a competitive fencer, ran a rock and roll ranch, and even launched a wine called Swallows, with a playful nod to its name.
5. Cynthia Plaster Caster
Cynthia Albritton, known as Cynthia Plaster Caster, made her mark in a unique way. As an art student, she came up with the idea of creating plaster molds of rock stars’ penises. Her first famous subject was Jimi Hendrix in 1968.
Trumbull’s collection grew to include molds of musicians from The Kinks, Journey, and The Lovin’ Spoonful, among others. With over a hundred molds, one might wonder what she does with them.
Her unusual art inspired songs like “Plaster Caster” by KISS and “Five Short Minutes” by Jim Croce. A 2001 documentary also explored her work. Although not a traditional groupie, Cynthia has certainly made a unique impact on rock history.
6. “Sweet” Connie Hamzy
Being a groupie doesn’t require living in glamorous cities like LA or New York. Just ask “Sweet” Connie Hamzy, who claims to have had intimate encounters with every rock star passing through Little Rock, Arkansas, in the 70s and 80s.
Her adventures were immortalized in the Grand Funk Railroad song, “We’re An American Band.” The lyrics mention her unforgettable performance in Little Rock, reflecting her bold presence in the rock scene.
In 1984, Connie even tried to charm then-Governor Bill Clinton, famously dropping her bikini top and asking for his opinion. She later wrote several tell-all books and continued her groupie lifestyle into her 50s, making her a standout figure in the rock world.
7. Pamela Des Barres
Want to meet rock stars without just hanging out at clubs? Pamela Des Barres found a unique way in the 60s and 70s by becoming Frank Zappa’s nanny. This role helped her connect with many rock legends.
She had relationships with Keith Moon, Jimmy Page, Graham Parsons, Mick Jagger, Jim Morrison, and Waylon Jennings. Des Barres also joined Zappa’s all-female groupie act, The GTOs, which didn’t last long.
After an acting career that didn’t take off, she wrote two memoirs: I’m With The Band and Take Another Little Piece of My Heart. Her stories even helped shape Kate Hudson’s role in Almost Famous. Des Barres continues to be a prominent figure in rock history.