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Category: Movies, TV, Celebrities
The Runaways (Neon Angels) is based on lead-singer Cherie Currie's book
'Neon Angel' - a reflection of her experiences as a rock star, but also
delivering a strong anti-drug warning to teens and others. David
Bowie's "Space Oddity" serves as a metaphor for the narrative-- a slow
countdown, a surreal but spectacular rise to fame, then alienation and
burnout - a long long way from home.The movie chronicles THE
RUNAWAYS from 1975 - 1977; formed by teenage girls living near
Hollywood, CA., and heavily manipulated by their manager Kim Fowley as
'jailbait rock' (all the girls were 16 or younger when the band
recorded their first album). The band ultimately succeeds on their own
merits as musicians, becoming the first all-girl rock-band to ever
break into the world of arena-filling hard rock acts.
The movie
focuses on the band's formation, and their meteoric rise to fame. Their
first single, 'Cherry Bomb', gets some attention in the United States,
where THE RUNAWAYS' U.S. tour hits major venues (Cobo Hall) and sleazy
rock-clubs, often pairing them up with The Ramones, Cheap Trick and
other popular mid-1970's rock acts. But 'Cherry Bomb' and several other
songs from their first 2 albums became huge hits in Japan -- and their
arrival for a set of shows there in 1977 is like Beatle-Mania. The band
is overwhelmed by the Japanese response. Almost prophetic, THE
RUNAWAYS' last big hit song in Japan was 'Neon Angels On The Road To
Ruin'.
Cherie is initially thrilled to be in the band, and lives
the rock star life. She pushes the edge -- and their records sell well,
generating lots of media controversy and hype. But during the tour of
Japan, her personal life disnintegrates, and she burns out --
ultimately leaving The Runaways when they return to the U.S. Jackie Fox
(bass) is depressed, feels isolated in Japan and quits too -- she is
consoled by her friend, guitarist Randy Rhoads. Joan Jett has decided
that rock & roll is her life, and that The Runaways is her
'family'; she is upset by Cherie's decision to leave, but knows that
decision is best -- for Cherie. However, the band's future is dubious,
at best. Lita Ford (guitar) and Sandy West (drums) still think the band
can make it big, so they persevere with Joan.cast :
8:37 AM
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