We would like to give a loving thanks to JAKE HAYS (Cherie's son) for creating this site. He has put many hours and love into this. What an awesome job! We love you Jake!!! XO from your 'Aunts', Joan Jett, Lita Ford, Jackie Fox, our dear Sandy West and your mom, Cherie Currie, aka "The Runaways"!
'Cherry Bomb' Live in Japan 1977
'Wild Thing' Live in Japan 1977
'California Paradise' Live in Japan 1977
'Secrets' Live in Japan 1977
There are 477 different Runaways biographies, and 98% of them are either completely false or racked with "facts" that make the members scratch their heads even today. The truth is, a number of perfectly fated moments put Sandy West, Joan Jett, and Kari Krome together with Kim Fowley. The girls wanted to form an all girl rock band, and Fowley was looking for something new that happened to include rocking teenage girls. The meeting of the four began the wild journey of The Runaways.
With Kari as a songwriter, Joan Jett and Sandy West, with Michael Steele, started playing as a three-piece band in 1975. They recorded some demos that would later be released as "Born To Be Bad." The search for a second guitarist began and Lita Ford, who originally tried out on bass, answered the call. She was hired, quit, and came back, all in a span of less than a week. Michael Steele either left the band or was fired (depending on who you ask), and in that time, the girls and Fowley set out to find a lead singer and bass player. Michael would later resurface in The Bangles.
Kim and Joan ran into Cherie Currie and twin sister Marie at an underage disco called The Sugar Shack. Marie was approached first but she gave a definitive no, but Cherie was more than happy to audition. Bringing her in wasn't a difficult decision.
At the same time, Kim called a local bassist by the name of Peggy Foster (who had been playing in bands like Sasparilla and Champion until then) and she became the original bassist of the five piece lineup. Peggy didn't stay long though and after rehearsing and playing some shows she left before the recording of the first album. Jackie Fox, who had auditioned earlier on guitar, was then hired on bass and the original five-piece recording lineup was in place.
In early '76, the girls were signed to Mercury Records and released their self titled debut, getting pinned with the nickname "Jailbait Rockers." They toured the world, building a loyal fan base, and released "Queens of Noise," followed by "Live In Japan." Jackie Fox left the band after that tour and was replaced by Vicki Blue. Soon after, Cherie also left the band to pursue acting and a solo career. Joan took over on lead vocals and the band continued.
"Waiting For The Night" was the next Runaways album to see release, and it failed to chart. Fowley abruptly left and the band brought in new management. In September of 1978, the album "And Now...The Runaways" was released, after the departure of Vicki Blue. Laurie McAllister was brought in on bass and appears in the "Mama Weer All Crazy Now" and "Saturday Night Special" videos, but didn't have time to record with the band before the final breakup in early 1979.
Over two decades after The Runaways' demise however, the band remains more than a short mark in the history books of rock and roll. Bands ranging from Hole to Bikini Kill and dozens more list The Runaways as major influences, and they continue to have a loyal base of rabid fans.
~ Written by Mara Fox
Hey your songs arent workin.. I wanted to put one on my profile :/
Though, The Runaways are FREAKIN awesome!! :] wish I was born during the time The Runaways were big.. I hate todays music.. Love classic rock though! oh mah gah, "Dead End Justice" is my favorite. Makes me use my imagination haha :] Its also funny to hear Joan's voice as a kid! I am excited for the movie to come out! Though, Im dissapointed the fact that people are talking more about the 'cast' than the actual meaning.. the bio OF the runaways.. its bullshit. all in all, Love this band for sure!! -Lynette
what are you doing thurs july 9th If your 21 you and your friends should come check out EdstanleY they have a show at the Blue Cafe in Huntington Beach Ca They're a 3 piece band Scott Gripe does guitar/vocals Justin Brescia is on drums and Dave Reese is on bass you would love the show it will be a blast , If you choose to come, email me your guestlist @ jvarnado@tmo.blackberry.n et so i can put you and your friends on the list, hope to hear from you
The address is 17208 Pacific Coast Hwy Huntington Beach, California 92649
THEY GO ON AT 10PM !!! SHOULD ARRIVE AT 9PM please mention EdstanleY at the door myspace.com/edstanleypromo
Check out our photoshoot video youtube.com/edstanleypromo
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many thanks for the add. the opportunity to see the Runaways never materialized but the memory lives on in everything they recorded and the countless bands they influenced. some things in life are just meant to be, if only for a brief moment...
My family moved to CA in the late 70's. My father was in the San Jose Symphony & was throwing a musicians party @ our house. I was being a "rebel" & was playing the Runaways LOUD, think I was going to make some classical musicians mad. After awhile a knock came on my door & here is this pretty lady who introduces herself as "Ellen." She asks me if I like the Runaways and listen to them all the time. Of course, I said YES! She then tells me that Sandy West is her sister! What a cool meeting & talk we had because of that! I got to see them a couple of times thanks to Ellen! Just my own personal Runaways story. Hope you enjoy!
Hi from Junkyard Dogz, we have uploaded a rough demo so you can see what we are all about. The drums are programmed as we are still searching for a UK, Midlandz based drummer. We are also now on facebook, so please come along and join up. The Dogz x
