CELEBRATING EDWEENA BANGER!

On the eve of Christmas 2021, a month after her sellout gig at London's St. Moritz Club, singer-songwriter Edweena Banger brought out her second solo album, 'Diamond Rocks'.

- WARREN CHRISTOPHER HALLETT

A sequel to 'Diamond on Tenth Avenue' (released in February 2021), this new album continues the story of 'Diamond'; a trans escort who rises to cult status on the rock circuit after leaving the old profession to join a glam rock band.

The question is, who is Edweena Banger?

Born Edmund Garrity, Edweena was brought up Wythenshawe, Manchester - which was, at one time, the largest council estate in Europe. Growing up, she listened to the glam rock legends such as David Bowie, Marc Bolan and the New York Dolls the inspiration behind her latest album. Although her Glamtastic first solo album hit the market just over a year ago, Edweena's musical career started way back in the 70's.

At school, aged 13, she formed a band called 'Solid State' which subsequently evolved into 'Wild Ram'. Together with a school friend, Mick Rossi, they went on to form 'Slaughter & the Dogs'. In 1976, the band supported the legendary Sex Pistols at their second Manchester gig and Edweena ended up as their roadie.

Since then, Edweena (or Ed Banger as he was previously known - a pun for 'head banger'), has fronted 'The Nosebleeds', 'Edwina's Rockschool and the new look 'Slaughter & the Dogs'. If your favourite music genre is glam or punk rock, chances are that you may have encountered these bands at some point.

At 40, Edweena who started crossdressing in the early 80s, decided to embrace her true self and come out publicly as a transwoman. "Every day as Edweena is a celebration! Although, it took me 40 years to grab the handbag and dance, I guess it's better late than never".