50 years ago today, The Runaways released their groundbreaking self-titled debut album, introducing the world to a band that would help redefine what rock and roll could look and sound like. Featuring future icons Cherie Currie, Joan Jett, and Lita Ford, the group went on to release four studio albums and a live record during their influential run.
The Runaways’ catalog produced enduring classics including “Cherry Bomb,” “Hollywood,” “Queens of Noise,” and a fiery cover of The Velvet Underground’s “Rock & Roll.” While they were frequently labeled an “all-female band” throughout their career, that distinction often overshadowed the fact that they simply rocked as hard as their peers. Five decades later, their music and impact remain undeniable.
Watch The Runaways tear through “Cherry Bomb” live in 1977.