Introduction to The NaNaz
When considering a typical punk band, The NaNaz may not be the first group that comes to mind.
The band, consisting of six women, was formed last year during a Nana Punk workshop held in Newport. This workshop was designed to encourage women over 50 in south Wales to engage in creating punk music.
Following a recent trip to New York City for their inaugural international performance, The NaNaz aim to inspire younger audiences to form their own bands.
Rise in the British Punk Scene
After a year of rehearsals and live performances, The NaNaz have rapidly emerged as one of the most promising bands in the British punk scene.
In August 2025, they released their debut single, "60 Lies," dedicating it to the Women Against State Pension Inequality campaign group.
Since then, the band has performed at multiple venues across the UK, including Bristol, Swansea, Cardiff, Newport, Aberdare, and Chippenham.
The group members—Anne-Marie Bollen, Deb de Lloyd, Claire Symons, Ange Pearce, Marega Palser, and Jade Ball—released their debut EP, Nanafesto, in April.
Comparison to the Riot Women
The NaNaz have frequently been compared to the real-life Riot Women, a reference to the BBC drama written by Sally Wainwright, creator of Happy Valley. The drama aired in October and has been confirmed for a second series.
The Yorkshire-based show follows five menopausal women who form a punk rock band to enter a local talent contest, discovering they have much more to express than they initially anticipated.
Band Members' Perspectives
Anne-Marie Bollen, the lead singer, described the experience as revitalizing.
"We realise we don't have many years ahead of us, so we thought we should go for it now,"
"I certainly don't want to be sat in a care home singing war songs."
Claire Symons, who had never played guitar before joining the workshops, shared her journey.
"I just went along to the workshop because my husband saw the flyer.
When we decided to start the band, they said we need someone on second guitar. So I thought I'd better learn then.
I've written a song now. It's a very big surprise."
Jade Ball, the drummer and youngest member, expressed the strong bond within the group.
"We've just gelled really quickly.
I've almost become the adopted granddaughter in a way, you know?"
Themes and Inspirations in Their Music
The NaNaz channel their frustrations and emotions into their music, addressing issues ranging from minor irritations like noisy passengers on buses to significant societal concerns such as social care.
They have also discussed how their involvement in the band has helped them manage menopause, adapting to bodily changes and evolving identities.
Anne-Marie Bollen balances her role in the band with her work as an NHS nurse. Her experiences, along with her mother's residency in a care home, inspired the song "Carehome Robbery."
"I spent years working in services to do with mental health and in the community.
My mum went into a nursing home after my dad died and I usually see her three times a week.
It's socially very draining. You're going through prolonged grief periods.
The song is in support of all the older people that are really wronged by having huge sums of money taken off them so they can be provided with care when they are at the most vulnerable stage of their lives."
Engagement with Younger Audiences
As The NaNaz gained visibility, Bollen observed increasing interaction with younger fans.
One of the band's most rewarding experiences has been offering guidance to young people attending their shows.
"The great thing we get when we play live is looking out into our audience and seeing all ages.
When we were busking outside The Cabin in Newport, four young girls were talking to us.
They had been to three of our gigs already and they are absolutely delightful.
They were saying to us 'we think we are going to start a band now, what you're doing is so cool and so great', so we said to them they should just go for it."
First International Gig in New York City
On 16 May, after crowdfunding to cover travel and accommodation expenses, The NaNaz performed their first international gig at the Loud Women Festival held at Main Drag, a second-hand musical instrument shop in Williamsburg, New York City.
Their set included eight original songs, and Bollen described the event as "an absolute dream come true."
Reflecting on the experience while recovering from jetlag in Wales, she added that the band performed before "a large audience of all ages."
"We played underground in the cool industrial space that sheltered us from the hot temperatures outside. The Manhattan skyline provided a breathtaking surreal backdrop,"
"Alliances were formed ready for future transatlantic exchanges. Watch this space."
Loud Women Festival and Support
Loud Women began as a platform for female musicians in London and has since expanded internationally to Canada, Australia, the United States, and Japan.
Cassie Fox, founder of Loud Women, expressed her admiration for The NaNaz.
"I've loved The NaNaz from the start and it was obvious straight away how much talent and spirit they had. They're incredibly inspiring,"
"I know what it's like being a woman in music beyond your 20s - menopause, dodgy hips, caring responsibilities - and still getting on stage.
The NaNaz represent that brilliantly and people really connect with it."
Upcoming Media Appearance
The NaNaz will be featured in the tenth series of the BBC's Our Lives series, scheduled to air in July on BBC and BBC One Wales.
