Girls Rock: Runaways Movie Set to Go

The late ’70s rocked.

Variety reports that River Road is financing a biopic of revolutionary 1970s rock band The Runaways. Music video director Flora Sigismondi is writing and directing. Band member Joan Jett is one of the producers.

Don’t know about The Runaways? If you have any interest in music or music history, you should. They were the first hard rock/punk with an all female lineup. At first seen by many as a novelty act–cute girls in sexy clothes playing at performing tough music–The Runaways were actually a group of serious musicians who rocked harder than many a male band. The Runaways lasted from about 1975-1979 , with a lineup that included Joan Jett (rhythm guitar and vocals), Lita Ford (lead guitar), Cherie Currie (lead vocals), Sandy West (drum) and a revolving cast of bassists that included Mickey Steele, Jackie Fox and Vicky Blue. After the band broke up, Joan Jett went on to a successful solo career with side band the Blackhearts; Mickey Steele joined hitmaking ’80s band the Bangles; and Lita Ford did some solo work. (thanks to my older sister and Wikipedia for the background info)

The film is casting and is aiming to go into production in the late fall.

Just for fun, in case you’re not familiar with their work, here are some videos of the Runaways performing: