Swedish: Lädernunnan) was formed in 1978 in Gothenburg, Sweden by radio DJ and fanzine editor Jonas Almquist (vocals) who, after getting agreement from Genesis P. Orridge to release a single on the Industrial Records label, recruited Bengt "Aron" Aronsson (guitar), Freddie Wadling (bass) and Gert Claesson (drums), all from punk band Strait Jacket.

[citation needed] Although many people think so, Jonas Almquist says the band did not take their name from the American underground comic Tales from the Leather Nun.

He also tells that it was not taken from the stage name of a London stripper, but chosen because "it felt just as a clockwork name for a band who based its music on the dynamics between the pure innocent and the black shameful ...".

In 1987 the group released the top-selling compilation LP Force of Habit (consisting of the handful of singles plus other tracks from Lust Games), first in the US, adorned with a controversial cover shot by photographer Mick Rock.

In 1988 The Leather Nun were reviewed in Rolling Stone and quoted to be the first rock act to sell condoms as tour merchandise.

Jonas Åkerlund used music by The Leather Nun in his debut movie Spun feat Mickey Rourke.

In native Gothenburg on 12 September 2009 they played their last live gig, with guest appearances by original Leather Nun-members.