About this ebook
East L.A. punk pioneer Alice Bag tells the raw, feminist memoir of survival, music, and the birth of West Coast punk. Violence Girl is the memoir of Alicia Armendariz—better known as Alice Bag—frontwoman of The Bags and one of the earliest voices of the Los Angeles punk scene. Raised in East L.A. by Mexican-born parents and shaped by a turbulent, often violent home life, Armendariz crossed cultural and geographic boundaries to become part of the 1970s underground movement that transformed American music and youth culture. From early performances at the Masque to appearances in Penelope Spheeris’ landmark film The Decline of Western Civilization, Alice Bag helped define the sound and spirit of West Coast punk. In this candid memoir, she traces her journey from barrio life and family trauma to feminist awakening, artistic community, and creative survival. The book documents not only the emergence of Los Angeles punk but also the experiences of women and Chicana artists within a male-dominated music scene. Combining personal history with cultural documentation, Violence Girl explores themes of identity, resilience, music, and self-invention. Nearly one hundred photographs capture the era’s clubs, bands, and personalities, placing Armendariz’s story within the broader evolution of punk and alternative culture. The memoir stands as both a personal narrative and an important record of the early L.A. punk movement. A core title for readers of punk history, feminist memoir, Chicana literature, and music biography. “It’s rare that someone at the real beginning of something so monumentally influential is around long enough to put it down in writing.” — Henry Rollins, LA Weekly “A riveting autobiographical reflection...equal parts Chicana lit and punk rock.” — OC Weekly “Fierce and funny, feminist and political, and punk as f___.” — Bitch “Absolutely inspiring...a thoroughly moving story of personal triumph.” — The Stranger
East L.A. punk pioneer Alice Bag tells the raw, feminist memoir of survival, music, and the birth of West Coast punk. Violence Girl is the memoir of Alicia Armendariz—better known as Alice Bag—frontwoman of The Bags and one of the earliest voices of the Los Angeles punk scene. Raised in East L.A....
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Ratings and reviews
9 reviews
Dr. Gillian McIver
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December 5, 2019
Alice is a good writer, bringing the reader into her intimate space with a clarity and empathy that's really engaging. Such a fascinating portrait of LA at that time.
Moris Rekher
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July 28, 2026
I enjoyed reading Alice Bag's account of her early life and the LA punk scene.
About the author
Alice Bag was there at the origins of L.A. punk, at the famed Masque and Whisky-a-Go-Go, hanging out with Darby Crash and the Go-Gos. But she started as Alicia Velasquez, and English was her second language. She knew Mariachis better than rock music. A certain violence was passed on to her from her Mexican-American father. Alice's feminist qualities were seen in the notorious Castration Squad band she formed in the late '70s.
Alice and her Bags band was featured in the notorious documentary, The Decline of Western Civilization. She is currently married, has children, and lives in Phoenix, Arizona.
Alice and her Bags band was featured in the notorious documentary, The Decline of Western Civilization. She is currently married, has children, and lives in Phoenix, Arizona.
Alice Bag was there at the origins of L.A. punk, at the famed Masque and Whisky-a-Go-Go, hanging out with Darby Crash and the Go-Gos. But she started as Alicia Velasquez, and English was her second language. She knew Mariachis better than rock music. A certain violence was passed on to her from h...
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