Lita Ford’s journey from being a member of the iconic all-girl rock band THE RUNAWAYS to becoming a solo artist is nothing short of a transformative tale of self-discovery and reinvention. But here’s where it gets controversial: was her departure from THE RUNAWAYS a necessary step toward finding her true identity, or did it leave behind unresolved tensions that still linger today? In a recent interview with Axe Lords, Lita candidly reflected on this pivotal moment in her career. She described her time with THE RUNAWAYS as a formative 'college experience' where she and her bandmates—Cherie Currie, Joan Jett, and others—were still figuring out who they were as artists and individuals. 'We were just finding ourselves,' she recalled, noting how each member looked up to different rock legends. Cherie channeled David Bowie, Joan emulated Suzi Quatro, and Lita herself drew inspiration from Ritchie Blackmore, despite their contrasting styles. Yet, when THE RUNAWAYS disbanded, Lita knew she couldn’t simply carry on as she had before. 'I really had to become a solo artist,' she emphasized, marking the beginning of her quest to define 'Lita Ford'—her sound, her style, and her identity. This led her to experiment with everything from her appearance to her choice of guitars, ultimately partnering with B.C. Rich, a decision that solidified her new direction. And this is the part most people miss: her reinvention wasn’t just about music; it was about carving out a space where she could authentically be herself.
Fast forward to the 2010 biopic about THE RUNAWAYS, and the controversy deepens. Starring Kristen Stewart as Joan Jett, Dakota Fanning as Cherie Currie, and Scout Taylor Compton as Lita, the film left Lita feeling disillusioned. She openly criticized its portrayal of Joan Jett, calling it inaccurate and overly glorified. 'I just didn’t agree with any of it,' she stated firmly. Yet, she had nothing but praise for Scout Taylor Compton, who reached out to her for guidance during filming. 'She did a fantastic job,' Lita acknowledged, though her overall opinion of the movie remains lukewarm at best. 'I glanced over it and thought, 'Okay, I’ve seen it. I’m done. I don’t ever wanna see it again,'' she admitted.
But here’s the thought-provoking question: Does the film’s focus on Joan Jett overshadow the contributions of other band members, or is it a fair representation of the band’s dynamics? Lita’s comments suggest a bias toward Joan’s narrative, but others might argue that Joan’s role as a driving force in the band justifies the spotlight.
Adding another layer to the drama is the ongoing speculation about a potential THE RUNAWAYS reunion. In 2018, Lita told the Daily Mail that such a reunion is unlikely, citing Joan Jett’s manager as a major obstacle. 'He’s very controlling and has a real problem with me,' Lita claimed, suggesting that the manager sees her as a threat. This rift has reportedly created tension between Lita and Joan, despite their sisterly bond. 'It’s ridiculous and uncalled for,' Lita lamented, highlighting the challenges of even discussing a reunion without the manager’s interference.
Former bandmate Cherie Currie echoed similar sentiments in a 2016 podcast, revealing that a reunion nearly happened decades ago but fell apart due to conflicts with the band’s management. Lita herself confirmed this in a 2015 interview, adding that the timing in the early 1990s would have been wrong, given the rise of grunge bands like NIRVANA.
So, here’s the final question for you: Is a THE RUNAWAYS reunion still possible, or are the personal and professional barriers too great to overcome? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—do you think the band’s legacy deserves a reunion, or should they remain a cherished memory of rock history?
