Cristina Scabbia, frontwoman of Lacuna Coil, received a memorable surprise for her 53rd birthday during the band’s concert at Metalfest in Plzeň, Czech Republic, on Friday, June 6. She was joined onstage by Sharon Den Adel of Within Temptation and Simone Simons of Epica, who presented her with a birthday cake. The duo also led the audience in a spirited “Happy Birthday” sing-along, marking the special occasion. Video footage of this heartwarming moment has been shared online and is available to watch down below.
This public display of camaraderie highlights a broader conversation about the role of women in the metal scene, a topic Scabbia herself has addressed in the past. Two years ago, as part of Jonathan Montenegro‘s “My 3 Questions To” series, Cristina was asked if she believes women are taken more seriously in metal now compared to three decades ago, when Lacuna Coil first formed.
Her response indicated a definite shift, while also acknowledging ongoing challenges. She stated: Do I feel that things changed? Absolutely, yes. When I started, there were not so many bands with a female in the lineup. Metal was still a no-no for females, because it was a very male-dominated scene. Which it still is, but of course there are many more bands with a female in the lineup, which makes me happy even though we are still seen differently. I don’t think that it will ever happen that we are going to be seen equally, and partially it is okay like this because we’re different. I think that we are sort of a different world.”
Scabbia further elaborated on a specific frustration she experiences as a woman in a male-dominated industry: often being judged by appearance. She continued: “What I don’t like about being a female in a male-dominated world is the fact that very often we are judged by our looks, which I get it; many guys get the same. But for women, if they have the look, it’s a plus in terms of media attention; it’s a plus in terms of — I don’t know — people drooling with you; but it doesn’t necessarily add up to the potential you already have. And that is a shame, because people should not be judged by their looks. I understand that the look is first thing that you see, but it will cool if it will be possible to go beyond that, especially in music, where the instrument you play, the voice you’re pushing out of your body and the feelings you’re trying to convey with your music are the most important things.
Lacuna Coil’s most recent album, “Sleepless Empire“, was released in February via Century Media Records, continuing their legacy in the metal genre.
