Tucked away in the snug of the Dog & Bell pub in Deptford, The Ukadelix are proving that it is never too late to start a band. Formed in 2015, this all-female group comprises five women aged between 57 and 71 — Angie, Gill, Heather, Kirsty, and Michele — who came together out of a shared passion for music later in life. What was initially meant to be a brief project has, over nearly a decade, blossomed into a vibrant musical force with a dedicated following across London’s community venues and pubs.

The Ukadelix celebrate a genre-defying sound, playing an eclectic mix of instruments including bass guitar, drums, accordion, harmonica, and ukulele. They write their own songs, drawing inspiration from their London surroundings in tracks like "Loughborough Junction" and "Charing Cross," alongside more reflective pieces examining the emotions and experiences of midlife. Their music resonates with audiences, young and old, who are drawn to the inclusive and supportive community the band fosters.

Members of The Ukadelix bring diverse life experiences, having pursued careers in acting, illustration, journalism, and education before committing to music collectively. Their stories are imbued with the challenges of ageing, including arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and vision loss — ailments that make performing more difficult but have not curtailed their enthusiasm or commitment. Michele, the oldest member, also channels creativity into graphic design for the group, underscoring their multifaceted talents.

The band is proud of the message they convey: it’s never too late to explore creative pursuits, and music serves as a powerful coping mechanism and source of joy. “Anybody who has a bit of time on their hand or faces a lot of stress, I’d recommend getting a cheap ukulele and just plucking away,” says Heather. They actively champion female artists, standing against the ageism and sexism occasionally encountered during performances, where some dismissively label them as “ancient Spice Girls” or “a bunch of old mums.” Yet, The Ukadelix embrace these challenges with humour and resolve.

Their journey mirrors and indeed complements the themes explored in the BBC drama Riot Women, which follows five middle-aged women who form a punk band to navigate work, family, and menopause while forging a new kind of friendship. The series, created by Sally Wainwright and filmed in West Yorkshire, has garnered attention for its poignant portrayal of empowerment, resilience, and the reclamation of creativity in later life. While The Ukadelix do not identify as punk rockers, their own story echoes Riot Women’s celebration of female friendship and the reclaiming of identity in midlife.

The band’s members highlight the therapeutic power of music, not just for themselves but for the wider community. They note that audiences often approach them, inspired to start their own musical endeavours, fostering a sense of belonging and interconnectedness. Despite physical hurdles and occasional negative remarks, The Ukadelix show no sign of slowing down, with a busy schedule of gigs and plans to continue bringing people together through music.

As the drama Riot Women airs on BBC One, The Ukadelix stand as a real-world testament to the possibilities that open up when passion meets perseverance, proving that age is no barrier to creativity, connection, and making noise.

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Source: Noah Wire Services