52. The Runaways

An earlier entry discusses the importance of the Go-Go’s who were able to make history by being the first all female band who performed all their own instruments and wrote their own songs who went to number one. As important as that feat was, there have been many who have pointed to the Runaways as being the more important all female band.

Like the Go-Go’s; the Runaways were an all female band who played their own instruments. Where the Runaways differed was that they were all teenagers, were still learning to play their instruments and got together with the help of producer, Kim Fowley. The above led to side effects that were both positive and negative. On the plus side, the fact that the passionate teen girls were still cutting their teeth musically led to a raw sound that was perfect for the upcoming Punk movement that was set to explode. The negative was that the Runaways were perceived by some as a marketing gimmick and they struggled to be taken seriously. The Runaways were far from the most polished band, but the number of copycats proved to be numerous. With a feature film about them and with an induction granting both Joan Jett and Lita Ford entry into the Hall, their chances for induction is actually decent.

Should The Runaways be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put them in! - 88.2%

Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 7.1%

Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 1.7%

No opinion. - 0%

No way! - 2.9%

The Bullet Points

Previous Rank: 2011: #123
2012: #109
2013: #97
2014: #93
2015: #81
2016: #73
Eligible Since: Tuesday, 01 January 2002
Country of Origin: U.S.A. (Los Angeles, CA)
Why they will get in: Their profile is on the rise.
Why they won't get in: Their run did not display the best of their musicianship that they would feature individually in later efforts.
Nominated in: Never
Essential Albums: The Runaways (1976)
Queens of Noise (1977)
Our Five Favorite Songs as Chosen by Each Member of the NIHOF Committee: Cherry Bomb (From The Runaways, 1976)
Dead End Justice (From The Runaways, 1976)
Take it or Leave It (From Queens of Noise, 1977)
Hollywood (From Queens of Noise, 1977)
Johnny Guitar (From Queens of Noise, 1977)