Cherry Bomb

Zoo Freaks, get ready for some explosive trivia about "Cherry Bomb," the iconic track by The Runaways from their debut album, The Runaways. This punk-infused hard rock anthem, released in 1976, was written in a flash by rhythm guitarist Joan Jett and the band’s manager, Kim Fowley, specifically for lead singer Cherie Currie’s audition. According to the 2005 documentary Edgeplay: A Film About the Runaways, Currie had prepared a Suzi Quatro song, "Fever," but the band couldn’t play it. Jett and Fowley whipped up "Cherry Bomb" on the spot, with the title playfully riffing on Currie’s first name. The song’s raw energy and suggestive lyrics, depicting a rebellious underage girl, were designed to shock and grab attention, perfectly aligning with Fowley’s hype-driven vision for the all-female band.

Another juicy tidbit comes from Cherie Currie herself, who spoke about the song on "Rock Talk With Mitch Lafon" in 2019. She revealed that "Cherry Bomb" wouldn’t exist if she hadn’t chosen that Quatro track for her audition, highlighting the serendipity behind its creation. The song’s legacy is massive—it ranked 52nd on VH1’s 100 Greatest Hard Rock Songs and has popped up everywhere, from the 1976 TV movie Dawn: Portrait of a Teenage Runaway to the 2014 blockbuster Guardians of the Galaxy. Its cultural impact is so strong that Dakota Fanning and Kristen Stewart, portraying Currie and Jett, covered it for the 2010 biopic The Runaways. Fun fact: the movie’s poster featured a cherry with a lit, sparking stem, a nod to the song’s explosive vibe, as noted by Songfacts.

The Runaways formed in 1975 in Los Angeles, a groundbreaking all-female rock band that shook up the male-dominated scene. The band’s origin story starts with Joan Jett and drummer Sandy West, who connected through producer Kim Fowley’s vision of an all-girl group. Fowley, known for his colorful and controversial hustle, met lyricist Kari Krome at an Alice Cooper party and tasked her with finding female talent. Krome brought Jett into the fold, and West soon followed, as detailed in Wikipedia. After cycling through early members, the classic lineup solidified with Cherie Currie on vocals, Lita Ford on lead guitar, and Jackie Fox on bass. Despite their talent, the band faced challenges being taken seriously, partly due to Fowley’s provocative marketing, like dressing Currie in lingerie, as Jett later reflected in a Songfacts interview.

The Runaways’ raw sound and rebellious spirit made them punk rock pioneers, influencing bands like The Go-Go’s and L7. Though they never achieved major success in the U.S., they became sensations in Japan, where "Cherry Bomb" fueled a 1977 tour with sold-out shows, as noted in Wikipedia. The band recorded four studio albums before splitting in 1979 over musical differences—Jett pushed for punk-glam, while Ford and West leaned toward hard rock. Post-breakup, Jett soared with Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Ford carved out a solo career, and Currie explored chainsaw art, as shared on her official website.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, check out The Runaways’ official website for updates and history. Connect with fans on their Facebook page or follow Instagram for throwbacks and news. On X, you’ll find posts celebrating their legacy, like @PunkRockStory’s nod to the 48th anniversary of "Cherry Bomb" in 2024. Fans can also join the Runaways Fan Group on Facebook for discussions and rare photos. For more on Joan Jett, visit her website, Facebook, Instagram, or X. Cherie Currie’s website, Facebook, Instagram, and X offer glimpses into her music and chainsaw art. Fan sites like Rock Music Wiki are great for trivia and discographies.