An equal world is an enabled world and that’s why Vive Le Rock! is celebrating International Women’s Day with a rock'n'roll twist.
The day is about challenging stereotypes, fighting bias and broadening perceptions which has always been a thread running through rock music and especially punk. At the Vive Le Rock! Awards we’re honouring Chrissie Hynde who’s always been a loud and proud voice for feminism and activism within her music and outside of it.
Today we’re shining a light on another amazing woman, Hard Rock Café’s original rock‘n’roll waitress, Rita Gilligan! Forty-nine years ago, Rita was there in 1971 when the original Hard Rock Café opened its doors in London. Hungry for the job, she told the manager, “I’m the best you’re gunna get so you might as well hire me!” And he told her to start work right then, on the spot. Since then she’s hung out with The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton and remembers what a great place it was for them to hang out.
With 49 years of work under her belt, she’s travelled the world and opened 170 cafes and still loves the job. She was awarded an MBE for serving the public and says she “Enjoyed every second of it!”
Here’s to you Rita!