February 19, 2011

#11. I was lucky to hear The Runaways right at the beginning, thanks to discovering Rodney on the Roq in 1976. No one else was playing what was eventually called "punk rock". Oddly enough, to some people The Runaways were punk rock. Well, they did have a punk attitude.
This isn't a vintage shirt. However, I did see them twice. Once in 1977 at the Santa Monica Civic, with Cheap Trick opening. The 2nd time was at the Civic, after Cherie left, and The Ramones played too. Original line-up! How lucky I was to have cool parents to take me to these shows.
My favorite Runaways story involves Lita Ford, who was my favorite Runaway. She was on Rodney and I called in and asked for her address and she actually gave it to me. I sent her a letter, and I think I even included my freshman school picture (GEEK). Come Christmas, I actually got a card from her. Still have it too.