Kiss Me Deadly

"Kiss Me Deadly," the 1988 hit from Lita Ford's album Lita, is a glam metal anthem that Zoo Freaks are sure to crank up at THE ZOO. Written by Mick Smiley, the song wasn’t an instant favorite for Ford. In a 2013 Songfacts interview, she admitted the band hesitated since it wasn’t her composition, but after speeding it up and raising the key, it became a high-energy banger that hit #12 on the Billboard Hot 100. Ford embraced it, noting, “A good song is a good song,” even if royalties went to Smiley. The track’s rebellious vibe, with its opening line about a wild party gone wrong, perfectly matched her "Metal Goddess" persona.

The song’s iconic status grew over time, landing on The New York Times’ list of "15 Essential Hair-Metal Videos" for its fiery music video featuring Ford rocking out amid surreal scenes like dancing on water. Its legacy got a boost in 2019 when it blasted through the Captain Marvel soundtrack, sparking renewed love from fans. Ford shared a heartwarming moment that same year, inviting 12-year-old Helena Harris onstage at a California gig to duet "Kiss Me Deadly," a moment captured in fan videos shared on YouTube. On X, fans like @mitchlafon in 2023 declared it a timeless track, praising Ford’s ability to “kiss us deadly” any time.

Ford co-wrote another Lita track, “Can’t Catch Me,” with Motörhead’s Lemmy, who infused it with his raw energy. In a Metal Edge interview, she recalled Lemmy’s lyrics like “Don’t try to put the strong arm on me,” reflecting her fight against being pigeonholed as just a sex symbol. Lemmy saw her as a true musician, a sentiment that fueled their collaboration. The Lita album, managed by Sharon Osbourne, went platinum, cementing Ford’s place in rock history alongside hits like her Ozzy Osbourne duet, “Close My Eyes Forever.”

Lita Ford, born Carmelita Rossana Ford on September 19, 1958, in London, England, kicked off her musical journey early. Of Italian-British descent, she moved to Long Beach, California, as a child. Inspired by Ritchie Blackmore of Deep Purple, she picked up the guitar at 11, her mezzo-soprano voice and shredding skills shaping her future. At 16, she joined The Runaways, the pioneering all-female rock band, as lead guitarist. Formed in 1975 by Kim Fowley, the band, including Joan Jett, made waves with their 1976 debut album, though they disbanded in 1979.

Post-Runaways, Ford launched her solo career with Mercury Records, releasing Out for Blood in 1983, which flopped commercially. Undeterred, she honed her vocals and stage presence, with 1984’s Dancin’ on the Edge earning moderate success. Her big break came after signing with RCA Records and teaming with Sharon Osbourne. The 1988 Lita album blended pop-metal polish with her gritty guitar work, propelling her to stardom. Despite later albums like Stiletto (1990) and a recording hiatus in the ‘90s to raise her sons, Ford returned with Living Like a Runaway in 2012, proving her enduring grit.

Zoo Freaks can connect with Ford on her official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X, where she shares tour updates and new music teases. Fans also gather on sites like Lita Ford Fan Club and the Lita Ford Fanatics Facebook group, swapping stories and rare photos. Whether spinning “Kiss Me Deadly” or diving into her Runaways roots, the Zoo Crew can keep the metal spirit alive with Ford’s legacy.