Cherie Currie

The electric rise of Cherie Currie in the mid-1970s was one that crackled with the unabashed energy emblematic of youth and rebellion. Born in Encino, California, on November 30, 1959, Currie's foray into the world of rock'n'roll commenced dramatically with her debut as the lead vocalist of the all-female rock band, The Runaways, a ground-breaking ensemble that carved its name into the hard surface of a male-dominated industry. Cherie Currie's discovery at the tender age of fifteen is a tale often recounted with near-mythological reverence. In 1975, she frequented the iconic Starwood Club in Los Angeles, clad in a blouse mimicking David Bowie, a figure whose eclectic and boundary-pushing performances infused her artistic vision. It was here that she caught the eye of music impresario Kim Fowley and Runaways founder, Joan Jett. With her striking presence and resonant voice, Currie was quickly enlisted to helm the group that would soon incite both adulation and controversy. The Runaways, composed of Joan Jett on rhythm guitar, Lita Ford on lead guitar, Jackie Fox on bass, Sandy West on drums, and Currie upfront, burst onto the scene with a confidence that belied their youth. At a time when rock music was often the purview of testosterone-fueled bands, The Runaways laid their claim with a self-titled debut album in 1976. Raw and potent, the album included tracks like "Cherry Bomb," an anthem fronted by Currie's syrupy yet steely vocals. The song quickly became emblematic of the band's fierce spirit and Currie’s commanding stage presence. The band snagged the attention of international audiences, particularly in Japan, where they were received with fervent enthusiasm. Their subsequent album, "Queens of Noise," released in 1977, solidified their status as pioneers, driving their narrative as teenage trailblazers into the global consciousness. Yet, amid the chaos and highlighted fame, the internal dynamics of The Runaways mirrored the tumult often seen behind the curtains of the music industry. Creative differences, coupled with the pressures of an unrelenting tour schedule, led to fractures within the band. In 1977, after a tumultuous recording session for their third album, "Waitin' for the Night," Currie decided to leave. Her departure marked the end of the original lineup's era but also ushered her into a new phase of her career. Branching out as a solo artist, Currie released her debut album, "Beauty's Only Skin Deep" in 1978, produced by industry heavyweight, Spector of Beach Boys fame. While the album explored different musical territories, shedding some of the raw edges The Runaways were known for, it provided Currie the avenue to craft her unique identity outside the group. In 1980, Currie's artistic journey took another turn as she teamed up with her twin sister, Marie Currie, for the album "Messin' with the Boys." The duo exuded a pop-infused sound that highlighted Currie's versatility and harmony with her sibling. Their single, "Since You Been Gone," became a testament to her ability to pivot musically while maintaining an authentic edge. Cherie Currie's journey wasn't confined to music alone. As the 1980s loomed on the horizon, she transitioned into acting, featuring in films such as "Foxes" alongside Jodie Foster. Her performances received critical acclaim and underscored her prowess as a storyteller, whether through song or onscreen narratives. Despite her ventures, the shadow of The Runaways loomed, often dragging behind it elements of the darker realities of fame, including struggles with substance abuse. In the late 1980s, Currie shifted gears, opting for sobriety and new challenges. She became a chainsaw artist, sculpting intricate wood artworks, a testament to her resilience and capacity for reinvention. Currie's influence lingered, and The Runaways' story found new life. In 2010, the film "The Runaways" was released, with Dakota Fanning portraying Currie. The film rekindled interest in her music and the legacy of the band's cultural impact. Through her memoir, "Neon Angel: A Memoir of a Runaway" published in 2010, Currie provided an unflinching look at her life's narrative, shedding light on the exploits and trials of a rock star’s life. A story told with candor and reflective of her evolution from teenage rocker to seasoned artist. Cherie Currie's tale is one of persistent reinvention, echoing the refrains of punk rock's rebellious spirit while traversing variegated paths of artistic expression. Her journey from the pulsating backbeats of The Runaways to self-discovery invariably positions her as an icon within rock history, a testament to the tenacity and undying allure of reinvention in the ever-changing landscape of cultural artistry.