Speed Queen

Speed Queen is a French rock band from Mulhouse, Haut-Rhin, formed in 1977. Initially known as Black Rats, they renamed themselves Speed Queen in 1978 and gained early recognition by opening for Scorpions at Strasbourg. Composed of front woman Martine Himburg (aka Stevie or Stewie), guitarists Agnain Martin and Joël Montemagni, bassist Claude Kayser and drummer Bernard Reichstat, the band's first significant exposure came with their inclusion on the Rock d'Ici Vol. 2 compilation by Crypto Records, featuring "Be Bad Man" and "One of These Days". In January 1980, they released their self-titled debut album, recorded in nine days at Château d'Hérouville. The band's second album, Speed Queen II, was released in April 1982 by CBS Records, featuring the local hit "Haute tension", the English "Cool It Down" and notable backing vocals from Lemmy Kilmister on "Revanche". Despite this success, internal disagreements led to their disbandment in 1982. Post-Speed Queen, lead vocalist Stewie Hammerer pursued a solo career with the album Gypsy (1984) and later collaborated with Norbert Krief of Trust for the album Marche Avec Moi (1994). In 2025 was released a remastered edition of Speed Queen II retitled Haute Tension, along with the bonus CD High Voltage 1999-2010.

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