Shakin' Street (band)

Shakin' Street was a French hard rock/heavy metal band formed in Paris in 1978. The band is notable for being one of the earliest French acts to gain international recognition in the heavy metal scene, and for featuring two female members, Fabienne Shine on vocals and Mandi Sweet on rhythm guitar, which was uncommon for hard rock bands of the era.

History:

Shakin' Street was formed by Fabienne Shine after her previous band, Fabienne Shine and the Planets, dissolved. The initial lineup included Shine (vocals), Mandi Sweet (rhythm guitar), Eric Lewy (lead guitar), Jean-Lou Kalinowski (bass), and Michel "Mike" Braun (drums). They quickly built a following in the Parisian music scene.

In 1980, the band signed with CBS Records and released their debut album, Vampires. The album showcased their blend of hard rock with punk and new wave influences and received positive reviews, leading to increased touring opportunities.

Their international breakthrough came in 1981 with the release of their second album, Shakin' Street. This album was produced by Sandy Pearlman, known for his work with Blue Öyster Cult. Shakin' Street was a more polished and commercially oriented effort, and it earned the band significant airplay on MTV and radio stations in Europe and the United States. They toured extensively in support of the album, including opening for Black Sabbath on their Mob Rules tour.

Despite their rising popularity, Shakin' Street disbanded in 1982. Internal tensions and disagreements over musical direction contributed to their split.

Post-Breakup:

Fabienne Shine continued to pursue a solo career and collaborated with other musicians. She released several solo albums and remained active in the music scene. Mandi Sweet largely retired from professional music. Other members pursued various musical projects.

Legacy:

Shakin' Street is remembered as a pioneering French hard rock band that paved the way for future French metal acts. Their albums, particularly Shakin' Street, are considered cult classics by fans of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) and early hard rock scenes. Their innovative sound and the presence of two female musicians in prominent roles helped them stand out in a male-dominated genre. The band’s brief but impactful career left a lasting mark on the history of French rock music.