"RIP Runaway: Sandy West 1960 - 2006":http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:fm4zefykhgfo~T1

Posted over 5 years ago
Today Sandy West, drummer for the rock band the Runaways died today just weeks after the closing of NYC's CBGBs where she sat behind the drum kit with her all-female rock outfit, the Runaways which was also comprised of Cherrie Currie (vocals), Lita Ford (lead guitar), Jackie Fox/ Fuchs (bass) and Joan "Jett" Larkin (rhythm guitar) in 1976 while the group only produced one official "hit" per se which was the cut "Cherrybomb":http://www.thestore24.com/Music/Album.aspx?p_id=P+++++5321&a_id=R++++17065&search=the%20runaways&sec=album&prodid=CHYR237.2si=rhino ...The act, initially contrived as a girl-version-of-the-Ramones, imploded and fell apart after only two years on the road (click header for full bio) but it can be said without conjecture that if it weren't for the Runaway ladies' minor successes the industry might not have been as receptive later on, eventually welcoming acts like the Bangles (though Micki Steele, who Jackie Fuchs replaced early on went to form that group with Susanna Hoffs), the Go-Gos, L7, etc...they proved beyond a doubt that women can rock hard too...hell, Jett's still doing it...I thought I'd give West a little dap because...well just because, yo....

Comments (8)

  1. mullytron says Shit. RIP lady. Thanks for the beats, you rock.
    Permalink posted 10/24/2006
  2. lemontwist says That's very sad. :( RIP Sandy.
    Permalink posted 10/24/2006
  3. extraordinarypoems says So what happened to her? Sorry if I missed something.
    Permalink posted 10/24/2006
  4. CrashPryor says ExPoems: Here's an except from the LA Times: "Sandy West, 47; drummer for the influential all-female rock 'n' roll band the Runaways From the Associated Press October 24, 2006 Sandy West, whose ferocious drumming fueled the influential all-female '70s rock band the Runaways, has died. She was 47. West died Saturday night of lung cancer at a hospice in San Dimas, east of Los Angeles, her manager, Mara Fox, said. West's illness was diagnosed a year ago. ... "get the rest of the article here":http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/california/la-me-west24oct24,1,1444435.story?ctrack=1&cset=true
    Permalink posted 10/24/2006
  5. Sureshot says Sad loss indeed. I read that a film about The Runaways was in the works or maybe it's already released. No doubting the bands history would make an interesting film.
    Permalink posted 10/24/2006
  6. CrashPryor says ...as Jimi once sang: "Ain't No Tellin' "...sounds like something that'd be in development though...
    Permalink posted 10/24/2006
  7. Tony Scalzo says A highlight of my life was in 1989 when I got to play at a big drug rehab in OC with Sandy. It was Her on drums with a guy friend of her's on guitar and I got to play bass. We played a blues jam in E and ZZTOP's Tush! THAT was a huge deal for me as a musician and rock and roll fan! I would see her a few more times just around town. Believe it or not, Sandy and I shared a profession at the time; we were both delivering Auto parts in the HB, Costa Mesa area and I would see her on my rounds and we'd say hi and shit The Runaways would've been a different band without Sandy West. They were all tough girls but Sandy always seemed to be the friendliest. Way too fucking young.,, I am bummed
    Permalink posted 10/24/2006
  8. ROCKNROLLPIMP1 says those girls been rockin my ass since 76 a sad sad day much love to all her familia
    Permalink posted 10/26/2006

Comment on this Post

Login using email and password below.

Forgot Password?

OR login using Facebook Connect

Connect

Don't have an account?
Join MOG. It's Free!

© 2006-2012 Mog Inc. All Rights Reserved