Melissa Auf der Maur Reflects on Turning Down Elastica, Championing Women in Rock

The legendary Hole bassist opens up about a pivotal career decision and the challenges faced by female musicians in the 1990s

Apr. 10, 2026 at 10:28pm

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An abstract close-up photograph of shattered, glittering glass fragments in high-contrast studio lighting, representing the complex and textured experiences of women in the male-dominated rock music industry.The shattered remnants of the 1990s rock scene reflect the challenges and triumphs faced by pioneering female musicians like Melissa Auf der Maur.Cleveland Today

Melissa Auf der Maur, the acclaimed bassist and member of the iconic band Hole, reflects on a pivotal moment in her career - being offered a spot in the influential British post-punk group Elastica. In a recent interview, Auf der Maur candidly discusses the complexities of her decision and the broader implications for women seeking opportunities in the male-dominated rock music industry of the 1990s.

Why it matters

Auf der Maur's story sheds light on the competitive yet supportive environment for female musicians at the time, where they often had to fight for recognition and opportunities. Her decision to turn down Elastica highlights the difficult choices women in rock had to make, as they navigated a landscape still heavily skewed towards male artists and gatekeepers.

The details

Auf der Maur describes Elastica's offer as "very cool," but also acknowledges the bittersweet nature of having to say no. "It was not cool that I had to say no! We - women in rock - were rooting, and starving, for each other," she explains, underscoring the challenges female musicians faced in supporting one another amid the industry's gender imbalance. Elastica's unique blend of British post-punk and pop catchiness made them an "exciting anomaly" in the rock landscape, and Auf der Maur was drawn to their innovative sound.

  • Auf der Maur was offered the spot in Elastica in the early 1990s.

The players

Melissa Auf der Maur

A legendary bassist and member of the band Hole, known for her influential role in the 1990s rock scene.

Elastica

An iconic British post-punk band that rose to prominence in the 1990s with their unique blend of punk and pop sounds.

Sinéad O'Connor

A powerful female artist who influenced the 1990s rock landscape, including Hole's decision to play Lollapalooza.

Courtney Love

The frontwoman of Hole, who has hinted at a potential reunion with Auf der Maur.

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What they’re saying

“It was not cool that I had to say no! We - women in rock - were rooting, and starving, for each other.”

— Melissa Auf der Maur, Bassist, Hole

“When Elastica came out with that British post-punk attitude combined with pop catchiness, they were an exciting anomaly.”

— Melissa Auf der Maur, Bassist, Hole

“Everyone thinks the '90s is the time of women, but they didn't all last and there wasn't a lot.”

— Melissa Auf der Maur, Bassist, Hole

What’s next

Auf der Maur's memoir, "Even The Good Girls Will Cry", is set to be released in 2025 and is expected to provide rare insights into her personal journey and the challenges she faced in the music industry. Additionally, the future of Hole remains a topic of speculation, with Courtney Love hinting at a potential collaboration between her and Auf der Maur, including new music and live shows.

The takeaway

Melissa Auf der Maur's reflection on her decision to turn down Elastica offers a fascinating glimpse into the complexities and gender imbalances that women in rock music faced during the 1990s. Her story highlights the importance of female artists supporting one another and the ongoing need to create more equitable opportunities in the industry.