Paloma Romero

Paloma McLardy (née Romero, born 26 December 1954), known as Palmolive, is a Spanish drummer and songwriter who was a member of influential early punk bands. She founded the Slits toward the end of 1976. After leaving that group in 1978, she joined the Raincoats and performed on their first album, The Raincoats (1979) After leaving her native Spain for the UK, Palmolive met Joe Strummer in the vibrant London squat scene of the '70s. They fell in love, and as Joe's star began to rise—first with the 101ers, then The Clash—she, too, was drawn in by the explosive energy of punk. There, she formed strong friendships, clashed with Sid Vicious, and stood up to Malcolm McLaren. Even though she had never played an instrument, she taught herself the drums. And because she was a virgin to rock 'n' roll, its rules did not confine her, letting her passion, determination, and instinct make up for what she lacked in technique. After seeing a legendary gig by Patti Smith, she founded The Slits—the ...