The Runaways were an American all-female rock band that stormed onto the music scene in the mid-1970s with a hard-edged blend of punk and rock 'n' roll. Formed in 1975 by drummer Sandy West and guitarist Joan Jett, the band was soon completed by lead vocalist Cherie Currie, guitarist Lita Ford, and bassist Jackie Fox. They stood out in a male-dominated industry, not only for their gender but also for their raw, unapologetic music and rebellious image. Their eponymous debut album "The Runaways" (1976) introduced them to the public with tracks like 'Cherry Bomb,' which became anthemic for the band and emblematic of their fierce, youthful energy.

The band's momentum continued with successive albums such as "Queens of Noise" (1977) and "Waitin' For The Night" (1977), developing their sound with a mix of punk rock vigor and rock 'n' roll swagger. Their tour in Japan resulted in the explosive "Live in Japan" album (1977), capturing the frenetic energy of their performances and the fervor of their fanbase abroad. By 1978, internal tensions and the music industry's pressures began to take their toll, leading to the departure of key members and a shift in the band's dynamics. Their final studio album was 1978's "And Now... The Runaways." Despite a relatively short career, The Runaways left a lasting legacy, paving the way for future generations of female musicians. They are often cited as one of the most important all-female bands in rock history. The posthumous release "The Mercury Albums Anthology" (2010) offers a comprehensive look at their trailblazing tenure, ensuring their music continues to inspire and electrify new audiences.

Genres

Early Us Punk

Protopunk

Riot Grrrl

Related Artists

Pat Benatar

Blondie

Heart

The Bangles

The Go-Go's

Suzi Quatro

Lita Ford

Hole

L7

Fleetwood Mac

Guns N' Roses

The Donnas

Latest Release

The Runaways - The Mercury Albums Anthology

The Runaways

Album - 42 Tracks - Released January 1, 2010