DJ Lori Barbero

Lori Barbero is known as the drummer and co-founder of the iconic all-female ‘90s band, Babes in Toyland – one of the greatest all-female rock bands of all time. Barbero formed the Minneapolis trio with lead singer/guitarist Kat Bjelland in 1987. Even though Barbero was not a drummer at the time she met Bjelland, Kat convinced her to start a band with her. The rest, as they say, is music history. Babes played together for 14 years (Courtney Love and Jennifer Finch were members briefly). They put out a single for Sub Pop‘s singles club, released three albums, and traveled the world before disbanding in 2001.

Barbero subsequently played drums for the bands Eggtwist and Koalas. She was also part owner of the now defunct Minneapolis label Spanish Fly Records, whose roster included Smut, Dumpster Juice, Milk, REO Speedealer, Sleep Capsule, and Likehell. In 2006, Lori was awarded with an Artist of Distinction award by Sound Unseen for her continuous contribution to the Minneapolis Rock and Roll scene. Barbero relocated to Austin in 2008 and, while she isn’t actively seeking a music career or reliving her glory days, she’s still got her hand in music, working each year for SXSW. [Tom Tom Mag]