Sandy West 1959-2006

A little while back I did a post on Runaways' drummer Sandy West, and her battle with cancer. I just received an email that West lost her battle with cancer and passed away on Saturday.

West, along with Joan Jett, founded the Runaways when she was just 16. At that young age, these ladies did much to redefine the roles of women and rock, paving the way for the Riot Grrrl movement and women in rock. At a very young age, they were pioneers without even realizing it.

From the Runaways Web site:

Sandy West, drummer for the influential 70s band The Runaways, has died 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." She will be remembered by more than one generation of fans as a strong part of their musical landscape. But Sandy's 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.

Stay tuned to the Runaways site for an upcoming tribute to Sandy West.

Photo courtesy of TheRunaways.com. Used with permission.