Sandy West, drummer for the influential 70s band The Runaways, has died after a long battle with lung cancer. She left an indelible mark on rock music as a founding member of The Runaways, which featured fellow rockers Joan Jett, Lita Ford and Cherie Currie, and as a leading inspiration for a number of notable musicians, both male and female. Many young musicians can trace their inspiration directly to the first time they heard “Cherry Bomb.” She will be remembered by more than one generation of fans as a strong part of their musical landscape. But Sandy’s impact was felt far outside of the music industry as a loyal friend, loving confidante and strong defender of those she loved most. Her strength as a player, passion as a person, and dedication as a friend will be remembered always by friends, fans and fellow musicians alike.
3 thoughts on “Sandy West R.I.P.”
Last night at her show in Minneapolis, Joan Jett paused after the first song of the set, said a few words about Sandy and dedicated the show to her.
The world feels a little different these days, R.I.P. SANDY u r missed.