The Runaways
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.
Original Members (Edit)
- Cherie Currie – Vocals
- Joan Jett – Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar
- Lita Ford – Lead Guitar
- Sandy West – Drums, Percussion
- Jackie Fox – Bass Guitar
Albums (Edit)
- The Runaways (1976)
- Queens of Noise (1977)
- Waitin’ For The Night (1977)
- And Now…The Runaways (1978)
- Flaming Schoolgirls (1980)
- Little Lost Girls (1981)
- The Best of The Runaways (1982)
- Born To Be Bad (1993)
Last Line Up (Edit)
- Joan Jett – Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar
- Lita Ford – Lead Guitar
- Sandy West – Drums, Percussion
- Laurie McAllister – Bass Guitar
Live Albums (Edit)
- Live In Japan (1977)
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.
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.
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.
June 26th, 2009 at 10:49 am
Wow!
February 26th, 2010 at 2:25 am
have thier first album,havent listened for years but after reading this think Ill pull it out and give a listen.Always loved the Runaways!
February 27th, 2010 at 7:11 am
Omg did anybody hear about the movie that is coming out about the Runaways. I am so going to watch it.
September 10th, 2010 at 11:35 pm
In the 80s, my entire wardrobe was based on what The Runaways used to wear at the time. Wish I still had it
September 19th, 2010 at 4:41 am
There were lots of glam bands that we in it for the look and the babes. With The Runaways, the music always came first
September 25th, 2010 at 2:33 pm
I love The Runaways!I have seen them live twice&they were awesome both times!my favorite!
October 3rd, 2010 at 10:48 pm
The Runaways rockin’ America xxx
October 9th, 2010 at 9:07 pm
gosh these guys put on a great live show
October 17th, 2010 at 3:06 pm
The Runaways are the fucking creme a’ la creme of the glam genre! calisixx, did you say you went to school with the drummer?
October 24th, 2010 at 10:33 pm
These guys are awesome!
Marketing Strategy Sydney
October 31st, 2010 at 5:40 am
best live act ever existed?end of story!!!=)
November 8th, 2010 at 2:23 am
The Runaways kick major ass !!
November 14th, 2010 at 12:59 pm
Haha, you get a snippet of each song on the music players in the left hand column. Cool feature
November 20th, 2010 at 5:06 am
FUCK YEAH!!! gimme an A power chord
November 27th, 2010 at 9:58 pm
My fav band of all time. I love The Runaways.
December 11th, 2010 at 9:00 am
I love The Runaways!I have seen them live twice&they were awesome both times!my favorite!
December 18th, 2010 at 5:49 pm
The Runaways were one of the leaders in pioneering the glam sound
Marketing Strategy Sydney
December 25th, 2010 at 9:36 am
One of motleymike88 favorites
January 2nd, 2011 at 3:13 pm
My Favorite all time glam/ hard rock all things to everyone band! The Runaways
Marketing Strategy Sydney
January 9th, 2011 at 10:38 am
The Runaways zijn de best presterende in de wereld
January 16th, 2011 at 12:55 pm
The Runaways put on the best concert that Cleveland has ever seen!
January 23rd, 2011 at 3:21 am
There were lots of glam bands that we in it for the look and the babes. With The Runaways, the music always came first
January 31st, 2011 at 2:49 am
The Runaways had one song that would always grind on my nerves. so glad i haven’t heard it for so long and hope to never hear it again
February 7th, 2011 at 12:08 am
The Runaways zijn de best presterende in de wereld
February 12th, 2011 at 9:07 pm
Hahaha, only saw a The Runaways tribute band the other nite. It was lotsa fun
February 21st, 2011 at 6:28 am
The Runaways are the fucking creme a’ la creme of the glam genre! danastrumfan, did you say you went to school with the drummer?
February 28th, 2011 at 9:54 am
strangeways747 if you are around, wats your opinion on The Runaways
March 7th, 2011 at 12:41 pm
OMFG I’ve forgotten that The Runaways existed once upon a time. So overwhelmed by the memories. Thank you glamrock.com
April 1st, 2011 at 10:08 pm
I remember doing a paper run to save enough money to buy my first guitar and it’s all because of The Runaways. Thank you for guiding me to my calling
April 9th, 2011 at 12:57 pm
have thier first album,havent listened for years but after reading this think Ill pull it out and give a listen.Always loved the The Runaways!
April 17th, 2011 at 2:13 am
The Runaways played Vancouver in May of 1988. I remember. It was on my birthday and what a unforgetable concert….
April 23rd, 2011 at 12:32 am
Fuck The Runaways. Didn’t like them then, don’t like them now
May 1st, 2011 at 11:48 am
AWESOME band?one of the BEST EVER!!!!!
May 8th, 2011 at 9:27 am
Saw The Runaways in early 90s really rocked!
May 15th, 2011 at 3:14 am
I saw them live when I was like 5 years old? I barely remember, but I know it was awesome!