Lawyer by Day, Rocker by Night: Au Pairs Return

Lesley Woods, former singer and guitarist of the influential 1980s post-punk band Au Pairs, is embarking on a UK tour under the band's name with a new lineup. Woods, who has spent the last 35 years working as a barrister specializing in immigration law, felt it was time to return to music. The decision has created friction, as the original band members have publicly stated their displeasure, asserting that Woods trademarked the band name without their consent.

Woods recalls facing significant aggression and misogyny during Au Pairs' initial run, and experienced similar challenges in the legal profession. Despite the controversy surrounding the reboot, Woods is enthusiastic about rehearsing old songs and creating new material, with aspirations for a new album. The current band members include Estella Adeyeri of Big Joanie and musicians from Thurston Moore Group.

The original Au Pairs disbanded in 1983 after releasing two albums. The reunion attempt by Woods was met with refusal from the other original members, leading her to trademark the name and recruit new talent. This has resulted in a public dispute, with former bandmates claiming the tour is misleading to the public by using the original album artwork.