a memory from Scotland

**raintown boy** · July 14th, 2005, 08:43 PM

Hi! I thought I’d put a memory of the Runaways on your message board; I hope it’s of interest to some of you.

I was privileged to see the Runaways live in 1976 - not only that, I met them the following day and as a result still have a great memory all these years later.

I come from a city called Glasgow in the west of Scotland. It sits in a valley over which clouds like to hover, chucking rain down at the inhabitants. It’s a different world from the west coast of America. Once, in September ‘76, five girls from that different world performed live at the Glasgow Apollo on the first date of their European tour.

I’d been just too young to catch Bowie as Ziggy Stardust or Alice Cooper’s Killer tour. Punk was emerging in London, but was still to make it’s way up to Scotland. Apart from a few bands who’d emerged from pubs playing a fast version of the Blues (e.g. Dr Feelgood, Eddie & the Hot Rods) most of the bands I saw live were leftover lentil stew from the hippy era. I can’t even begin to describe what it was like seeing the Runaways blasting out a sound and style that seemed to have been tailor made just for me. Of course, there was the Apollo audience who were going nuts, each one of them feeling just as I did. We Glaswegians might live in a cold and damp atmosphere, but we make up for that with the warmth of the reception we give to those we like. I think the Runaways were a bit taken aback, though pleased by the reception they got. Maybe it got a bit overenthusiastic. Whatever it’s not a show the audience will ever forget.

Next day a couple of friends and myself went around to the hotel the band were staying in and were told that they would be leaving soon and we could meet them. Unfortunately my friends had to get back to work so I was left on my own. Sandy was the first to emerge. I remember her as being incredibly friendly, smiling and chatting. When her car left she waved out of the back window with a huge grin on her face. She seemed like someone who was enjoying life. Joan appeared next. I was surprised by how shy she seemed, particularly after the gutsy performance she had given the night before. But again, she was friendly. Jackie came out of the hotel, climbed into a car and rolled the window down so that I could talk and get an autograph. We talked for a bit about the show the night before, me having to speak slowly as she had a bit of trouble with my accent. I can almost replay in slow motion in my mind Cherie’s arrival. To me she seemed like an almost ethereal creature, straight out of the world that Ziggy Stardust inhabited. I’d never known anyone to have hair that blonde. Her eyes were made up dark that day - as she opened the car door to climb in beside Jackie she looked at me and smiled; those eyes seemed to burn into me, telling me of a world beyond that of a post-industrial, soot covered, damp city. She was sixteen years old, the same age as I was then.

Anyway, the three of us talked for a couple of minutes, me saying the usual stuff about how much I enjoyed the concert, then the driver got in the front and it was time for them to go. I didn’t get to meet Lita as her car left while I was talking to Cherie and Jackie, but I still felt that I had experienced something special during the previous twenty four hours.

A few years ago a British rock magazine called Mojo did a lengthy article on the Runaways. It had a photo of the band on their European tour and really brought the memories back for me. Then, earlier this year, ‘The Mayor of Sunset Strip’ was finally released in cinemas in this country. I knew of Rodney Bingenheimer but didn’t really know much about him, except that he ran an English disco. I think it’s a fantastic documentary and it was amazing seeing Joan and Cherie again. I learned about the Vicki Blue's Runaways documentary ******** and managed to get myself a copy - it’s not available in the UK, nor is ‘Neon Angel’ - and felt a mixture of shock and exhilaration as I watched it. The concert I’d seen and my meeting the Runaways was to me all about being young and passionate and loving life - I had no idea all the other, nastier stuff was going on. It hasn’t in any way spoiled the memory for me, just added new dimensions - which is what happens as time passes, I suppose. We just have to accept that.

So what becomes of a 45 year old Scottish guy who was a huge Runaways fan back in the 70s? Well, I’m still fit and healthy, and am especially pleased to announce that I still have a full head of hair. I work in the education side of the Arts, encouraging people to be creative and enjoy the creativity of others; I write short stories, some of which have even been published. I’ve managed to get writing credits on a few BBC comedy sketch shows (though not particularly great ones, I’m afraid to say). I’m in a loving relationship, which is nice. I think I can say that even though my life has been tinged with sadness - I seem to be at that age when loss becomes a fact of life - I think I’m as happy as anyone can reasonably expect to be. I wish the same happiness for all of you. Most of all, I think I’ve retained that passion for life that made me such a fan of the Runaways way back then, and to this day still.

All my love,

Paul from Raintown

SCHEMESofNEON · July 15th, 2005, 12:41 AM

Great story...
thanks for taking us all down "Runaway" lane [img]biggrin.gif[/img]
I've never had the chance to meet any of the girls , but your story was an in sight of an era gone bye back in the days

so tell me What exactlly do you scottsman wear under those kilts? [img]wink.gif[/img]

**gus danger** · July 15th, 2005, 04:21 AM

Schemey Lynn!!! LOL~ [img]redface.gif[/img]

Welcome raintown boy! Talk about a FANtastic story! Yours IS one, 4 sure!
Thanks for sharing!

[img]graemlins/thumbs_up.gif[/img] [img]biggrin.gif[/img]
Gus

**Mannequin** · July 15th, 2005, 06:03 PM

Very nice...

Thanks for sharing. Welcome to the board. Enjoy.

Mannequin [img]smile.gif[/img]

**RockinSheri** · July 15th, 2005, 07:04 PM

Wow, raintown boy, what a GREAT story, and experience!

I am sure that the girls put some much needed SUNSHINE in to your life! I agree with you about Cherie, you can almost see, and definitely feel this golden aura she exudes. I also agree with how shy Joan seems after kicking butt on stage! It is a very nice combination tho!

Hang on to those wonderful memories!
Sheri

**CHERIECURRIE** · July 18th, 2005, 09:29 PM

Well, hi Paul,
I must say that I was touched by your letter and your magical way with words. No doubt you're a writer and a great one at that.. you're a very kind and good man. That is easy for anyone to see.
Thank you so much for sharing that moment of your life here... It makes me want to do it all over again but this time get to know YOU better..
Kisses,
Cherie