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YouTubeThe Runaways' Cherie Currie: From Teen Rock Queen to Chainsaw Artist
When you think of the wild, rebellious spirit of ’70s rock, Cherie Currie and The Runaways jump straight to mind. Blonde, bold, and barely out of her teens, Currie fronted one of the most groundbreaking all-girl rock bands in history. With her raspy vocals, corset-and-chains stage outfits, and that unforgettable shout of “Hello world, I’m your wild girl!” in the band’s anthem “Cherry Bomb”, she quickly became a symbol of teenage rebellion. But Cherie Currie’s story didn’t start or end with The Runaways—it’s a rollercoaster ride through music, movies and even chainsaw carving.
Growing Up California Dreamin’
Cherie Currie was born in Encino, California. She was a true Valley girl, growing up in the San Fernando Valley with her twin sister Marie and the rest of the Currie clan. Like many teenagers in the early ‘70s, Cherie fell hard for David Bowie. His glam-rock style, theatrical performances, and fearless individuality shaped her taste in music and gave her the confidence to stand out. By the time she was 15, Cherie already had a dream of performing, even if she couldn’t yet imagine the chaos and fame that lay ahead.
Enter The Runaways
The story really kicks off in ’75, when producer Kim Fowley and a young Joan Jett were putting together an all-girl rock band. Their idea was simple but revolutionary: why not create a female version of the gritty, guitar-driven bands that dominated the male-dominated rock scene? Enter Cherie Currie. She auditioned with a Bowie song but was asked to sing something more aggressive. With Joan Jett and Sandy West helping her, the group came up with “Cherry Bomb” on the spot—a song that would become her signature.
Cutting Through The Rock World Like A Knife
Currie joined Jett, Lita Ford (lead guitar), Sandy West (drums), and Jackie Fox (bass), and together they became The Runaways. Their sound was raw, loud, and unapologetically rebellious. With Currie’s sultry yet powerful voice at the front, The Runaways cut through the rock world like a knife.
Life on the Road and the Rise of “Cherry Bomb”
As The Runaways’ lead singer, Cherie quickly became the band’s focal point. Dressed in her trademark corsets and platform boots, she brought both danger and glamour to the stage. The single, “Cherry Bomb”, captured everything they represented—youth, rebellion, and pure rock ’n’ roll energy.
On The Road As A Teenager
Touring with The Runaways was no small feat. They hit the U.S., Europe, and especially Japan, where they were treated like megastars. Fans mobbed them everywhere, and Cherie, still only a teenager, found herself navigating a world of fame, pressure, and the not-so-pretty side of the music industry.
Conflict Behind The Scenes
Behind the scenes, things weren’t always as glamorous as they looked. Conflicts with management, exploitation, substance abuse, and clashing personalities all contributed to tension. In ’77, after just two years with the band, Cherie left The Runaways. This marked the beginning of the end for the group, but it also opened the door for her own solo journey.
After the Runaways, Cherie released an album which showcased her powerhouse voice outside the band’s hard-rock framework. Then she teamed up with her twin sister Marie Currie. Neither project really hit it big.
The Lure of Acting
Cherie also found a new calling in acting. She starred opposite Jodie Foster in the cult classic film Foxes. She also appeared in other films, including Parasite and Twilight Zone: The Movie, while picking up guest spots on TV shows.
Reinvention: From Memoirs to Chainsaws
Like many former rock stars, Cherie life was a rollercoaster. She battled personal demona and in the 2000s reinvented herself – as a chainsaw artist. Her story gained fresh attention in 2010 when The Runaways movie hit theatres, The film reignited interest in the band and introduced a new generation to Cherie’s teenage rock ’n’ roll legend. That same year, she released her brutally honest memoir, Neon Angel: A Memoir of a Runaway.
Latest Solo Album - Blvds of Splendor
She also returned to music and in 2019, dropped her latest solo album Blvds of Splendor. Today, Cherie Currie is celebrated as a survivor and trailblazer. She kicked open doors for female musicians at a time when women in rock were written off as novelties. From fronting one of the most iconic girl bands of all time, to acting, to writing, to carving art with a chainsaw, Currie has lived about five different lives—and she’s still not done.
