Complete List Of The Runaways Band Members

Feature Photo: David Johnson, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

As I’ve written on the site many times, I was 15 years old when I first saw the cover for the first Runaways album in Sam Goody’s in 1976. I bought the album just based on the cover. I was blown away by what I heard. Nobody in my high school at the time had ever even heard of The Runaways. They were a brand new band, and I was one of the first ones to discover them, at least in my high school. This complete list of The Runaways band members article presents the small group of musicians who were part of The Runaways. One of my favorite bands of all time.

Joan Jett

Photo: Aija Lehtonen / Shutterstock.com

We had to open this list up with Joan Jett. She was a founding member of the band and, of course, the most successful of The Runaways in their solo careers, with Lita Ford coming in second. As one of the founding members of The Runaways, Joan Jett served as the rhythm guitarist and shared lead vocals with Cherrie Currie. Jett joined the band at its inception in 1975 and remained until its disbandment in 1979. She contributed significantly to all of the band’s albums, including their self-titled debut “The Runaways” (1976), “Queens of Noise” (1977), “Waitin’ for the Night” (1977), and “And Now… The Runaways” (1978). Jett’s raw vocal style and guitar playing became defining elements of The Runaways’ sound. After the band split, Joan Jett went on to have an incredible rock and roll career. What’s even more cool is she is still rocking the house in 2024.

Micki Steele

Shane Greentree, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Micki Steele was one of the original members of The Runaways, joining the band in its early formation stages before their debut album was released. As the bass guitarist and vocalist, Steele’s contributions were part of the initial sound development of the band. Despite her early departure from The Runaways, before they achieved significant commercial success, Steele’s involvement laid the groundwork for what the band would become. After leaving The Runaways, Steele went on to achieve greater fame as a member of The Bangles, another all-female band that gained widespread popularity in the 1980s. With The Bangles, Steele contributed to hit songs and albums that became emblematic of the decade’s music scene. Her career post-Runaways highlights her continued impact and success in the music industry.

Cherie Currie

s_bukley / Shutterstock.com

Cherie Currie joined The Runaways as the lead vocalist in 1975, at the age of 15. Her powerful voice and charismatic stage presence quickly became central to the band’s image and sound. Currie was a member during the recording of “The Runaways” (1976) and “Queens of Noise” (1977), contributing significantly to the band’s early success. She left the band in 1977 to pursue a solo career and has since ventured into acting and art. Currie’s time with The Runaways remains a highlight of her career, and she continues to be recognized for her pioneering role in rock music.

Lita Ford

Feature Photo: David Johnson, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Lita Ford, the lead guitarist for The Runaways, joined the band in 1975 and stayed until its end in 1979. Ford’s guitar solos and heavy metal influences were instrumental in shaping the band’s sound. She played on all The Runaways’ albums, showcasing her skills as a killer guitarist. After the band disbanded, Ford embarked on a solo career, signing with Mercury Records in 1982. Her early solo efforts, including the albums “Out for Blood” and “Dancin’ on the Edge,” laid the groundwork for her eventual rise in the pop-metal scene. The release of “Lita” in 1988 under RCA Records, managed by Sharon Osbourne, catapulted Ford to new heights of commercial success. The album featured hit singles such as “Kiss Me Deadly” and the duet with Ozzy Osbourne, “Close My Eyes Forever,” which remains her most successful song.

Sandy West

Sandy West was the drummer for The Runaways from their formation in 1975 until they disbanded. As one of the founding members, West’s powerful drumming style was a key component of the band’s music. She played on all of the band’s albums, contributing to the energetic and aggressive sound that defined The Runaways. After the band broke up, West struggled to find the same level of success but continued to play music until her untimely death in 2006. West is remembered as a trailblazer for female musicians, especially drummers, in rock music.

Jackie Fox

Jackie Fox joined The Runaways in 1975 as the bass guitarist, replacing original bassist Micki Steele. Fox was with the band for their first two albums, “The Runaways” (1976) and “Queens of Noise” (1977), before leaving in 1977. Her bass playing contributed to the band’s rhythm section and overall sound during her tenure. After leaving The Runaways, Fox pursued education and a career in law, largely stepping away from the music industry. However, her contributions to The Runaways’ early work have been recognized as part of the band’s legacy in rock music.

Vicki Blue

Vicki Blue replaced Jackie Fox as the bassist for The Runaways in 1977. She played on the band’s fourth studio album, “And Now… The Runaways” (1978). Blue’s time with the band was marked by The Runaways’ declining commercial success and internal tensions. After the band’s breakup, Blue transitioned into a career in film and television, working as a director and producer. Her experience with The Runaways has been chronicled in various documentaries about the band’s history.

The Runaways’ contribution to rock music, particularly in paving the way for future generations of female musicians, remains their enduring legacy. Each member went on to pursue individual careers, but the band’s short-lived journey continues to inspire and influence the music industry.