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The Runaways

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Band Timeline

1975

Formation of The Runaways, a pioneering all-female rock band

In 1975, rock producer Kim Fowley envisioned an all-female rock band at a time when female rock musicians were rare. After scouting talents, he assembled The Runaways in Los Angeles in August with Joan Jett on guitar, Sandy West on drums, and Micki Steele on bass and vocals. The lineup quickly evolved with the addition of lead guitarist Lita Ford and lead vocalist Cherie Currie, establishing the band's foundational members. They signed to Kim Fowley Productions for management by September and performed their first live shows in late September. These formative months set the groundwork for the band's brief but impactful career.
1976

Debut album release and U.S. touring

The Runaways signed with Mercury Records in late 1975 and recorded their self-titled debut album in January 1976. Released in March, the album featured the hit song 'Cherry Bomb,' which became an anthem and helped establish them as a formidable all-girl rock act. The album gained moderate commercial success, especially overseas, selling around 70,000 units. Throughout 1976, they toured extensively in the U.S., opening for prominent acts like Cheap Trick, Van Halen, Talking Heads, and Tom Petty. Despite limited mainstream success in their home country, their energetic performances and rebellious style earned them a cult following and media attention, including a feature in People magazine.
1977

Release of 'Queens of Noise' and world touring

Following their debut, The Runaways released their second album 'Queens of Noise' in January 1977. After a brief managerial dispute with Kim Fowley, the band reconciled and recorded this album that showcased a harder rock sound and increased songwriting contributions from band members. The release helped them solidify their reputation with fans and critics, blending elements of emerging punk and hard rock. The band embarked on a world tour promoting 'Queens of Noise,' further increasing their international exposure, particularly in Japan where they became a sensation. This period marked the peak of their recording career, but internal tensions began to emerge.
1978

Lineup changes and continued international success

In 1978, The Runaways experienced significant lineup changes. Lead vocalist Cherie Currie left the band, prompting Joan Jett to take over lead vocals while continuing on guitar. This shift affected the group's dynamic but did not stop their momentum. The band released two albums this year: 'Live in Japan' capturing their energetic live performances, and 'Waiting for the Night,' which showed a more polished rock approach. These releases helped maintain their popularity abroad, especially in Asia and Europe. However, challenges with management and internal disagreements began to mount, straining the band's cohesion.
1979

Disbandment and lasting influence

By 1979, after a brief tour and several lineup changes, The Runaways officially disbanded. Although their active period was relatively short, their influence on rock music was significant. As one of the first all-female rock bands to gain international attention, they challenged gender norms within the music industry and inspired numerous female musicians who followed. Joan Jett went on to have a successful solo career, furthering the legacy of The Runaways' sound and spirit. The band's music, especially tracks like 'Cherry Bomb,' remain iconic symbols of rebellious youthful energy and female empowerment in rock.

Albums

the-runaways_1st_album
The Runaways
10 tracks
1976
the-runaways_2nd_album
Queens of Noise
10 tracks
1977
the-runaways_3rd_album
Waitin’ for the Night
10 tracks
1977
the-runaways_4th_album
And Now... The Runaways
9 tracks
1979
the-runaways_5th_album
Young and Fast
10 tracks
1985
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Joan Jett

N/A

Cherie Currie

N/A

Sandy West

N/A

Vicki Blue

N/A

Additional

Lita Ford

N/A

Jackie Fox

N/A

Bass guitar

Story of The Runaways

The Runaways, a groundbreaking all-female rock band, blazed a trail from 1975 to 1979. Born in the crucible of Los Angeles, they unleashed four studio albums and a fiery live record onto the world. Their iconic anthems, including "Cherry Bomb," "Hollywood," and "Queens of Noise," along with their blistering cover of the Velvet Undergrounds "Rock & Roll," resonated with a generation. While they didnt achieve massive US success, their electrifying performances, particularly "Cherry Bomb," ignited a sensation overseas, especially in Japan.

History:

Early Years: In early 1975, rock producer Kim Fowley conceived a radical idea: an all-female rock band. Guitarist Joan Jett recalls a landscape devoid of young women playing instruments. Fowley, encountering lyricist Kari Krome at an Alice Cooper party, hired her to scout talent. Krome discovered Jett, who impressed Fowley with a ukulele audition to a Sweet album, swiftly transitioning to guitar. In the Rainbow Bar & Grill parking lot, Fowley met Sandy West, who signed on as drummer. After Fowley had Jett and West rehearse at West`s Huntington Beach home, a phone audition with music journalist Ritchie Yorke secured their core. Further auditions, advertised through radio stations, landed them lead vocalist/bassist Micki Steele (later of The Bangles).

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