Intro (Edit)

The Runaways were an American all girl glam rock band. Their career as a band was short, spanning only from 1975 to 1979, but they made a mark on the glam rock scene that would last much longer.

The Runaways were formed in 1975. The band’s two founding members were drummer Sandy West and rhythm guitarist Joan Jett.

At first, they started as a trio, adding bassist Micki Steele. Once their first line-up was complete, they started playing the party and club circuit around L.A.

In 1976, the band decided to add more members. They added lead singer, Cherie Currie, and lead guitarist, Lita Ford, who was only 16 at the time.

A few weeks later bassist Micki Steele left the band. After a few bassists had came and left, they finally settled on Jackie Fox. Originally, Jackie Fox auditioned for the lead guitar spot. After this addition to the band, they were finally complete.

In 1976, the band was signed to Mercury Records and they released their debut album, The Runaways. The album peaked at number 194 on the U.S. charts. During the tour in support of this album, they headlined with opening acts such as, Cheap Trick, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Van Halen, and The Ramones. The song, Cherry Bomb, was named the 52nd best hard rock song of all time by VH1.

In 1977, the band released their second album, Queens of Noise. After the release, the band embarked on a world tour. During this time, the band began to be lumped in with the punk rock movement as they were touring with other punk bands, such as The Ramones and Blondie. The album peaked at number 172 on the U.S. charts.

During the tour in Japan, bassist Jackie Fox, left the band. For the rest of the gigs, Joan Jett filled in on bass guitar. Then when the band got back into the United States, they replaced her with Vicki Blue. Cherie Currie also left the group at this time to pursue a solo career. So Joan Jett took over the singing duties as well.

In 1977, the band released their next album, Waitin’ For The Night. This is the first album to feature Joan Jett on vocals and the band as a quartet. The album did not chart, but the band did go on another world tour with The Ramones.

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History (Edit)

Due to disagreements with management, The Runaways parted with their manager, Kim Fowley in 1978. Since their label was tied in with Fowley, they lost their label when they parted ways with their manager. The band has stated that their manager used divide and conquer tactics to control the band as well as verbal abuse.

Vicki Blue left the band in 1978 and was replaced with Laurie McAllister.

And Now…The Runaways, was the band’s next album. The album was releseased in 1978 and did not chart.

Flaming Schoolgirls was the band’s next and last studio album. The album consists of unreleased material from the Queens of Noise recording sessions and includes four left over tracks from the 1977 Live In Japan album.

On December 31, 1978, the band played their last gig, although the band was stil together until April of 1979.

In 1981, Little Lost Girls, was released. It was just a re-sequenced version of, And Now…The Runaways.

The Best of The Runaways, was released in 1982. It was the first and only best of compilation for the band.

In 1993, a compilation of early demos were released. This album was called, Born To Be Bad.

After the band split up, Joan Jett went on the be a successful solo artist. The had hits such as, I Love Rock ‘N’ Roll, Bad Reputation, and I Hate Myself For Loving You.

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Update (Edit)

Drummer, Sandy West, kept trying to record music, but nothing materialized. She eventually became a drum teacher. In 2005, she was diagnosed with cancer. On October 21, 2006, she died. A memorial, tribute concert was held in honor for her.

Original bassist, Micki Steele, eventually joined another all girl band called, The Bangles. They enjoyed a large amount of success with the songs, Walk Like An Egyptian, and Eternal Flame.

Cherie Currie tried starting an acting career and appeared in a few movies as well as releasing a solo album called, Beauty’s Only Skin Deep. She still performs and records.

Jackie Fox went to Harvard and became a lawyer. She is an amateur photographer as well.

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