Jane Crockford
of The Mo-dettes
By: Fernando Velazco
The Mo-Dettes were part of the punk movement in the late 70s. Although they only recorded one album called “The Story So Far” (1981), the band is recognized as one of the first all-female punk rock groups. The members were Kate Korus on guitar, Jane Crockford on bass, Ramona Carlier on vocals and June Miles-Kingston on drums. Their sound was similar to The Slits and The Raincoats. Kate Korus was a member of both bands before formed The Mo-Dettes. Their best known song was the single “”White Mice” which was written by Jane Crockford.

Punk Globe:
What do you remember about the time you shared a flat with Johnny Rotten and Sid Vicious?
Jane Crockford:
I remember a lot but it was an intense time and really now I would prefer not to share that with the world. John was working hard with the Sex Pistols and really wasn't there with us too much, but I will tell you that Sid could be extremely gentle.
Punk Globe:
You wrote the most famous song of The Mo-dettes called "White Mice". What can you tell me about that song?
Jane Crockford:
White Mice is about seducing boys. I wrote it before I met my future husband Woody and really he was such a perfect example, to seduce from afar. It is the girl as predator and this disturbed Rough Trade, our distributors as not being correct! But it was and still is a happy celebration of dating and loving as young, emergent women.
Punk Globe:
Are you still in contact with your former bandmates?
Jane Crockford:
I was a very disruptive and energetic force as a song writer and musician, for a couple of the band I think that they have had quite enough of me while I am in contact constantly with Kate and Melissa, the two guitarists. But then they are on another continent.
Punk Globe:
Did you play in another band after The Mo-dettes disbanded?
Jane Crockford:
I did try but no, my heart was broken at the demise of the Mo-dettes and I blame the machinations of the record companies and business men, I did not want to involve myself with that aspect of music again, so I did play with bands but 'quietly' and with no ambition for commercial success.
Punk Globe:
If you could live your life again, what would you change?
Jane Crockford:
I would not change my life, despite the mistakes and darker sequences, as I am now, I am intrigued and still greedy for life and my past has given me that gift. As regards to the Mo-dettes, I wouldn't have let them; (Management and London Records) sack Ramona, for that was the beginning of the end, Kate was soon to follow and then the heart of the Mo-dettes was torn assunder.

Punk Globe would like to thank Jane Crockford and Fernando Velazco for the interview..