The Runaways

Thirty five years ago, rock impresario Kim Fowley introduced rhythm guitarist Joan Jett to drummer Sandy West. The two young women hit it off and formed the Runaways. Arguably the most influential all-girl band of the twentieth century, the Runaways paved the way for the Go-Go’s, L7, the Donnas and the nineties Riot Grrrl movement.

Here’s Joan Jett — just nineteen years old — in a panel interview on “Tomorrow With Tom Snyder” that also includes Paul Weller of the Jam, rock critic Robert Hilburn, concert promoter Bill Graham, and Fowley.

Today, Kristen Stewart and Stella Maeve portray Jett and West in “The Runaways,” a new feature film biopic based in part on the memoir by lead vocalist Cherie Currie, “Neon Angel.”

For comparison’s sake… and, let’s face it, for the sake of rockin’ out a little… here’s the Runaways performing “Cherry Bomb” on Japanese television in 1977, courtesy of Cherie Currie’s YouTube channel:

So, music lovers… what did the Runaways mean to you? Did you see them in concert? Did they inspire you to form you own band? Tell us about your Runaways memories in the comments!