The Runaways

The Runaways were an American all-female rock band who recorded and performed from 1975 to 1979. Formed in 1975 in Los Angeles, the band released four studio albums and one live album during its run. Among their best-known songs are "Cherry Bomb", "Hollywood", "Queens of Noise" and a cover version of the Velvet Underground's "Rock & Roll". Never a major success in the United States, the Runaways became a sensation overseas, especially in Japan, thanks to the single "Cherry Bomb". History Early years The Runaways were formed in August 1975. Rock Impesario Kim Fowley had an idea for assembling an all-female rock band in a time when, according to guitarist Joan Jett, "there were no young girls at all playing guitar or any sort of instruments." In early 1975, Fowley met lyricist Kari Krome at a party held for Alice Cooper, put her on salary, and had her begin looking for female performers. Krome met Joan Jett and brought her to Fowley. Jett successfully auditioned for Fowley by playing ukulele to a Sweet album, and picked up rhythm guitar as her instrument. Soon afterward, Fowley met Sandy West in the parking lot of the Rainbow Bar and Grill, who agreed to play drums. Fowley had Jett rehearse with West at the latter's home in Huntington Beach, and auditioned the pair on the telephone to music journalist Ritchie Yorke. He then turned to two radio stations to advertise for further auditions, which brought bassist Micki Steele (later of The Bangles) and guitarist Lita Ford to the group. Steele left due to creative differences, and was replaced by Jackie Fox, whom Fowley colleague Rodney Bingenheimer found at the parking lot of the West Hollywood nightclub the Starwood. Just before adding Fox, Fowley and Jett discovered Cherie Currie at the teen nightclub The Sugar Shack and brought her in as lead vocalist for the group. Fowley touted the new group The Runaways as "an all girl answer to Grand Funk," and the band signed to Kim Fowley Productions for management in September 1975.