Jutta Weinhold: Crafting Metal Legends, Breaking Barriers, and Reclaiming Fantasy

In this compelling interview with heavy metal icon Jutta Weinhold, we dive deep into her groundbreaking career, from creating Zed Yago—the fictional daughter of the Flying Dutchman who embodies lost fantasy and creative rebellion—to her ongoing work with Velvet Viper. Jutta opens up about navigating a male-dominated industry, staying true to her artistic roots, and how mythology, literature, and her unique perspective as a woman have shaped her music. She also reflects on the power of metal to offer deeper, more authentic expressions, and discusses the underrated women in the genre, the evolution of metal, and her personal commitment to keeping the spirit of originality alive in a world of commercialism.

– Hi, first off, thank you for taking the time to answer our questions. How are you doing?

In the 1980s, you formed Zed Yago, with the character Zed Yago being the fictional daughter of the Flying Dutchman, a compelling figure. How did the concept for her come about, and what does she personally represent to you, both artistically and as a woman in metal?

Jutta: During this time I was bored with the normal blues rock, lyrics from the rock ‘n roll assembly line and went looking for new inspiration. I read a lot and also listen to classical music. Richard Wagner’s opera came at just the right time: The Flying Dutchman and the light suddenly dawned on me. I gave him a daughter named Zed Yago. She comes to earth to look for the lost fantasy, because without imagination the soul dies and without a soul the human being dies. That was my Zed Yago concept. It was also important for me to be respected as a woman in a conservative male world.

– Many artists fear being confined to a particular sound or image. How have you balanced staying true to your artistic roots while also exploring new directions in your career with both Zed Yago and Velvet Viper?

Jutta: For me it is important to make music that corresponds to my mentality, because only then are you an original and not a copy. The world needs originals and not copies. I have always remained true to myself musically and lyrically with Zed Yago, Velvet Viper and also with my Weinhold albums. Of course there is a lot of stress and disappointment in show biz, but you have to know what you want. Take it or leave it, there is nothing in between.

– Zed Yago has been described as «dramatic rock» or «fantasy metal,» with a strong focus on storytelling. How do mythology and fantasy influence your creative process? Do you view these genres as a form of escapism or as a way to confront deeper societal truths, possibly even in a feminist context?

Jutta: Everything you mention is true. I love stories from mythology, sagas and legends, love literature and poetry. This is the well from which I draw. I don’t know if I’m a feminist. Maybe a bit in a male-oriented world. But I believe in people in general.

– In past interviews, you’ve mentioned that being a woman brings a unique perspective to the metal scene. How do you feel your identity as a woman has shaped the themes and stories in your music? Do you consciously draw on aspects of femininity, or do you prefer to focus on more universal expressions in your work?

Jutta: Women definitely bring different values to metal and that is important for the scene. Above all, I don’t do fast food and I also want something deep and serious. Metal is not just consumption and commerce or partying and entertainment. Music can convey ideal values that are almost extinct in our society. Every kind of music has to have a message. That’s exactly what it’s all about. It has to be touching and without the “spirit” it doesn’t work. Because otherwise everything is just plastic music for plastic people. I could very well imagine a Metal-Matriachat festival -smile-

– Throughout your career, you’ve portrayed defiant, larger-than-life characters. How do these characters reflect your personal experiences or perspectives as a woman? Have they helped you process or challenge societal norms?

Jutta: Self-knowledge, self-confidence, strength and energy, creativity and willpower. People grow with their goals. My goal has been to be part of the rock music family since 1969. As you know, I did it and I am still active. In rock ‘n roll you die young or not at all, the first can’t happen to me anymore. -smile- Everyone is born to take care of themselves and live the life they have chosen, that is their responsibility. Social norms are arguably part of the reality of a country, as are the laws we must accept. There is no other way in a democracy. Women but also men have to stand up straight and fight for their existence. However, women have to make a lot more effort.

– Metal often explores dark and fantastical themes. Do you think this allows women, especially those with powerful voices like yours, to express themselves in ways that might be more restricted in mainstream genres?

Jutta: Yes, absolutely mainstream is not possible. I fear commerce like the devil fears holy water -smile-

– You’ve been part of an industry that has seen significant changes—from analog to digital, and from male-dominated to somewhat more balanced. How do you feel these shifts have affected the way female artists, particularly in heavy music, connect with their audience?

Jutta: Metal music is still heavily male-oriented. But there are now also women who do a good job. I like artists who put the music first and not the wardrobe, the makeup, the show. If you have something to say, you will find an audience…a give and a take.

– Aside from the well-known German singers like Doro Pesch and Sabina Classen from Holy Moses, which female artists do you feel are underrated, either within or outside the metal genre?

Jutta: It’s all a question of business. Unfortunately, Zed Yago collapsed in 1990 and I was no longer allowed to use the name I invented because I did not have a private copyright for Zed Yago in a legal dispute. The name stuck with the majority. Tragic! This resulted in Velvet Viper in 1991. In a time that was already occupied by a different style of music….Too “underrated” I hear that very often and all I can say is: bad luck as an artist. I don’t have the professional business, without which a career is not possible. So I take what I can do alone with my musicians. We play the festivals and clubs around Germany, and it is always a pleasure and it feels real good.

– Watching your performance at the 2021 edition of Keep It True Rising was an amazing experience. What do you remember most about that festival?

Jutta: The day was special. KIT wanted a one-off just Zed Yago songs show. It was nice because people love the old songs. Even now with Velvet Viper we still have Zed Yago songs in the set list.

– Why did you decide to dissolve Zed Yago in 1990, only to return that same year with Velvet Viper? What is the current status of both bands?

Jutta: I have already described it. There was a lot of trouble right up to the court. Thank God the metal community didn’t accept Zed Yago without me. A small consolation. Velvet Viper has been back since 2015 with great musicians. With Holger Marx, guitarist and composer, I brought Velvet Viper back to life. The new songs come from both of us.

– That’s all from us. Thank you again for your time. If you’d like to share any final thoughts, the floor is yours.

Jutta: I wish that the metal boat always has enough water under the keel so that it doesn’t sink. And metal women: be brave, say no to pop and commercial music and dedicate yourself to the heavy, hard beat. This music has the best audience ever. There is no scene that is more faithful and honest. Nothing compares to metal

Thank you for your interest Queens of Steel.

Greetings to Spain from Jutta

By: Pere Guiteras and Tania Giménez