The Runaways were formed by guitarist Joan Jett and drummer Sandy West after both had given their contact information to producer Kim Fowley. After jamming at West's house, the pair called Fowley to find more members and singer Cherie Currie, bassist Jackie Fox, and guitarist Lita Ford joined the band soon after.
In 1977, The Runaways arrived in Japan for a massive tour. At the time, the band was the fourth-most-popular act in the country, only behind KISS, Led Zeppelin, and ABBA. During the tour, The Runaways played sold-out shows, hosted their own TV special, did numerous TV performances, and recorded a live album called Live in Japan that eventually went gold. Singer/guitarist Joan Jett described the experience as being "like Beatlemania."
The story may have been exaggerated for effect, but according to various reports, The Runaways were kicked out of Disneyland during a photo shoot in 1977. Witnesses claim they saw band members engaging in and threatening them with homosexual acts. Others say the band members were flashing middle fingers and displaying rude and inappropriate behavior.
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