I can't believe this. I am truly heartbroken. God does take the very best. I will be praying for everyone.
Truly sadden
Dawn
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I can't believe this. I am truly heartbroken. God does take the very best. I will be praying for everyone.
Truly sadden
Dawn
10/21/06
Sandy West, drummer for the influential 70s band The Runaways, died today 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."
The Runaways toured the world several times, often headlining with opening acts like Tom Petty and Cheap Trick. Their discography includes over 60 albums, singles, bootlegs and compilations. Their music has been included in dozens of rock and punk collections, has appeared in several feature films including ?Dawn: Portrait of a Teenage Runaway? and ?Detroit Rock City?, and has been covered by numerous bands, from The Street Walkin' Cheetahs to Guns 'N' Roses. They were nominated for the Hollywood Rock Walk, and bootlegs of Runaways performances are still highly prized amongst rock and roll collectors around the world.
After the band broke up, Ms. West continued to perform as a drummer, guitarist and vocalist with The Sandy West Band. As a solo artist she recorded a highly collectible EP CD and numerous videos, and continued to enjoy the adoration of a dedicated cult following.
She will be remembered by more than one generation of fans as a strong part of their musical landscape, but her 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.
Runaways vocalist and life-long friend, Cherie Currie had this to say, ?Sandy West was by far, the greatest female drummer in the history of rock and roll. No one could compete or even come close to her, but the most important was her heart. Sandy West loved her fans, her friends and family almost to a fault. She would do absolutely anything for the people she loved. It will never be the same for me again to step on a stage, because Sandy West was the best and I will miss her forever.?
written by CHRISTY LINDSAY
www.TheRunaways.com
You are at peace Sandy.
You will be missed but your music will always be
with us.
Thanks
Charlie
Gus I just read your post I am at work right now
it will be a tough day. This is so sad but,know
she fought hard. Sandy the lord will have a set
of drums for you, just waiting. Our family sends
its condolences and prayers for all her family
and friends to get through this very difficult
time. So sad......
God Bless Everyone Warren and Family
R.I.P. Sweet Sandy [img]graemlins/rose.gif[/img]
My deepest sympathy to Sandy's family, friends , fans and former bandmates
A special prayer to Cherie, Joan, Jackie and Lita may the beat of memories remain in their hearts
"if there's a rock and roll heaven , you know they got a **** of a band!"
[img]graemlins/cry.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/rose.gif[/img]
Heaven has a new Angel [img]graemlins/angel.gif[/img]
All our Love to the Sandy West Family and Friends. [img]graemlins/heart.gif[/img]
Gregg S. and Family [img]graemlins/rose.gif[/img]
I haven't been able to stop crying. Sandy, you were incredibly talented and beautiful. There'll never be another like you. I'll never stop loving you.
Hey folks,
I hate to have to tell you this but our beloved Sandy West passed away,
about 3 1/2 hours ago. I am heartbroken.
More information will be forthcoming but I wanted you all to know,
right away.
May God bless her beautiful soul.
Gus
<font color="#007FFF" size="1">[ October 22, 2006 12:46 AM: Message edited by: gus danger ]</font>
R.I.P Sandy WEST
You are and will always be loved.
I just received a voicemail from Tdgrrrl, that Joan told everyone at the show in Cleveland tonite.
R.I.P sweetheart [img]graemlins/rose.gif[/img]
NewYorkJettster~ [img]graemlins/kiss.gif[/img]
my heart just dropped into my feet. when i saw your post. i just had my puter freese on rog's site then find this coming back. wish we had known how bad she was. cant believe she is gone. if the runaways ever reunite, it will never be the same.what a loss and a tragedy!!we've been robbed!! one of my fav runaways. and now i'll never get to meet this great human being.i hope we can send flowers to this flower from our youths.God really does take the best. i thought we would be seeing her back on a bandstand again beating her way into our hearts. good bye sandy. you were loved more than you can ever imagine.
My heartfelt condolences to Sandy's family and friends.
This is just so sad. It's hard to believe it's true.
Thanks for posting the Christy Lindsay piece, Mara!
Rest in peace Dear Sandy!
Gus
It's so sad to hear of Sandy's passing. Just last night in the chat room, several of us wondered how she was doing and hoped that she was going to beat this. Then to find out today that it finally took her is heartbreaking. I know that everyone who's ever seen her playing, whether live or on a video was struck by the enthusiasm and love she put into performing. I'll remember her with the smile she had while pounding her drums. She had few peers, male or female and she will be missed.
[img]graemlins/rose.gif[/img]
I met Sandy a couple of years ago and thought her to be so sweet, engaging and caring [img]graemlins/heart.gif[/img]
A complete class act [img]graemlins/thumbs_up.gif[/img] !
My condolences to Cherie and Sandy's family [img]graemlins/rose.gif[/img]
"If there's a Rock-n-Roll Heaven then
I know they got a h e l l of a band"
[img]graemlins/broken_heart.gif[/img]
:brokenMy deepest sympathy to Sandy's family, friends & cherie's. Its a great loss for everyone.We will all love her & miss her.......Eric:
God i am so sad to hear about sandy.my thought's
and prayers go out to all of her family and
friend's and threw her music she'll live on
forever.
rip our beloved sandy
I feel just sick.
Wow.
I knew Sandy had taken ill but just didn't realize it was going to be so quick - I guess I am still in shock about it.
Sandy and the gals helped me through my teenage **** years and I will forever be greatful to Sandy for all that her music got me through.
When I'm standing by the stage tomorrow watching Joan play in Minneapolis I know that Sandy's spirit will be with me, rocking out.
All the girl wanted to do was rock.
And she did it well - the best female drummer in rock 'n roll.
She will never be forgotten.
It's the worst of circumstances but it's nice to see you KamakazeeLover.
Been a while...hope all is well.
Gus
Sandy was a dear and true friend, and will be missed more than words can say. I loved her for her talent, her free spirit, and her warmth. My thoughts are with her family and friends.
God bless you Sandy.
A friend of mine who used to work at Blackheart told me to prepare myself about a week ago. It's awful. I hope everyone takes a moment out of their day to remember one of the mose influential woman rockers of all time, whether she knew it or not. I love you Sandy.
I'm glad to see you got my voice mail NY. I have NO idea how Joan did her show Saturday night. I still have tears that don't seem to want to leave. We truly have lost a very special person. Joan dedicated Cherry Bomb and the entire show to Sandy. I had to leave after, without staying for Joan's signing, as I thought it was the respectful thing to do. I know Sandy is up there looking down, so Sandy, WE LOVE YOU.
Yes, thanks for calling and letting me know. I would have called back but, your number comes up private for some reason.
R.I.P Sandy [img]graemlins/kiss.gif[/img]
NewYorkJettster~
I am very sad to hear about Sandy West. I had been thinking about her the past few days and wondering how she was doing.
I am very glad I was able to see Sandy play now and then the past few years at different events, especially the "mini Runaway" reunion in Los Angeles.
I'm sure Sandy knew how much the fans loved her and cared about her.
Rock on in heaven Sandy.
Here earthly shell is gone but her soul shall live forever.
R.I.P. Sandy [img]graemlins/rose.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/rose.gif[/img]
My Thoughts & Prayers go out to her Family & Friends
I am sitting here in shock [img]graemlins/broken_heart.gif[/img] I only met Sandy once at the Mini-reunion at the Whiskey and she was so sweet, That night shall be with me forever.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10...ze/cap0015.bmp
Just wanted to pay my respects to Sandy West's friends and family. I loved the band from its early beginnings and feel so sad to hear of Sandy's death. She was an inspiration to all and i ill miss her. God bless.
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d2...mer/SANDY2.jpg
I knew it was going to hurt bad, but wow, this is a terrible pain.
To me, Sandy was love personified. She just had the personality that you wanted in a best friend.
I'm praying for Cherie as well Sandy's family.
Thank you Rog and Irish M i c k those are nice
pictures. It is still numbing what has
transpired in the last 72 hours. This board is
very inspirational and the people here let off
a good and trusting vibe. We send prayers to
Sandy's family as well as Cherie and hers.
And all the close friends and fans that are so
dear.
God Bless All Warren and Family [img]graemlins/rose.gif[/img]
Looking back at the memory of
The dance we shared beneath the stars above.
For a moment all the world was right
How could I have known that you'd ever say goodbye.
And now I'm glad I didn't know
The way it all would end the way it all would go.
Our lives are better left to chance I could have missed the pain,
But I would have missed the dance.
Sandy West Rest in Peace. You will always be loved and always be remembered. Nobody did it better!
Love, Lori
I was away for the weekend and signed on to see this sad and shocking news. Sandy will be missed. She was an inspiration to all of her fans. I am picturing her on the other side, behind her drums, smiling and rocking hard, free of pain and suffering.
My deepest sympathy to Sandy's family and friends.
It's a sad day for all of us who were her fans. I wish Sandy peace.
I've been crying all day because of this. I met Sandy @ Coconut Teaser when she played with Cherie and Jackie.
I think of ******** and her struggles.
I hope Sandy's family is conforted in the warmth of all our posts.
My prayers and thoughts go out to Sandy's family and friends. She was a truly inspirational person ~ I can't believe she is gone ~ but she will live on forever in everyone's hearts.
With much love, [img]graemlins/cat.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/moon.gif[/img]
I have lost two close relatives to cancer.
My heart goes out to everyone, especially Sandy's family. We must take comfort in knowing that she is no longer suffering and that she's up there with the best of them.
With much love, Patrick [img]graemlins/heart.gif[/img]
Sandy....our prayers and love go with you....
Cherie...on behalf of me and my family...please accept our condolences on the lost of a dear firend and bandmate....
Please if there is anything further me and the people here can do to help...let us know...
Jim K aka SR
<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I'd like to echo the above sentiments. The Runaways truly were a Worldwide band. An obit appaeared on the BBC site.Quote:
Originally posted by DWIG:
Just wanted to pay my respects to Sandy West's friends and family. I loved the band from its early beginnings and feel so sad to hear of Sandy's death. She was an inspiration to all and i ill miss her. God bless.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6079542.stm
God Rest Her Soul
Sandy West and her family and friend's are in my thought's and prayer's.
She was such a beautiful, amazingly talented woman! I've been a fan of the runaways forever!
GIRL POWER! STRONG WOMEN! With so much talent!
Sandy will forever be in my heart and the heart's of so many others.
A BEAUTIFUL, BRIGHT, SHINING STAR LIFE THAT WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!
I was in London yesterday, unaware of what had happened. I was in a store called Forbidden Planet and they were playing the Runaways' first album, which delighted me. Then I received a text message from a friend telling me the sad news. My condolences go out to all those who knew and cared for Sandy.
It's great to see so many Sandy fans expressing their love for her,
here and on The Runaways.com message board.
Don't miss Chrys Stylle's topic over there.
Check it out.
SANDY WEST
Our friend Wasted has provided many links and one of Sandy's family members (foreverinmyheart) has posted there too.
The outpouring of love for Sandy on all the boards is wonderful.
She was someone very special, without a doubt!
Gus
<font color="#007FFF" size="1">[ October 26, 2006 02:21 AM: Message edited by: gus danger ]</font>
I've printed out over 200 articles and mentions from the US, England, Germany, Ireland and Australia among others. That IS worldwide.
Anyway, I wanted to pop in and say that over the next week we'll be working on Sandy's tribute page at therunaways.com. If anyone has anything they want to donate to it (poems, thoughts, pictures you took, drawings, whatever) please let me know through TheRunaways.com Contact Page.
Thanks
Chrys
TheRunaways.com
hello
i thought you might like to see these three large obituaries that carried pieces on Sandy today in three UK newspapers:
this first one is from The Independent. the newspaper version has a 3x2 inch picture of Sandy alongside:
news.independent.co.uk/pe...927110.ece
next is from The Times:
www.timesonline.co.uk/art...19958.html
and lastly, from The Guardian newspaper. This is the most factually accurate and the actual newspaper version (not the following online version) features a huge b/w picture of Sandy behind her drumkit as well as a small coloured inset pic of Japanese issue of Runaways first album (the 'live' shot). this obituary took up almost a whole newspaper page:
arts.guardian.co.uk/news/...e_continue
thinking of Sandy and all her family and friends,
gordie..
sorry but i realise the newspaper links in my above post didn't all 'work' so i am reposting this information below.
this first article from today is from The Independent, London, England. the newspaper version has a 3x2 inch picture of Sandy alongside:
http://news.independent.co.uk/people...cle1927110.ece
next is from The Times, London:
www.timesonline.co.uk/art...19958.html
and lastly, from The Guardian newspaper, London. This is the most factually accurate and the actual newspaper version (not the following online version) features a huge b/w picture of Sandy behind her drumkit as well as a small coloured inset pic of Japanese issue of Runaways first album (the 'live' shot). this obituary took up almost a whole newspaper page:
http://arts.guardian.co.uk/news/obit...ticle_continue
G.