About This Footage
The Runaways' "Cherry Bomb" is a rare gem that has resurfaced on YouTube in 2018, and it's a must-watch for anyone fascinated by the early days of punk rock. This footage is significant not only because it's one of the few visual representations of the band's music but also because it captures the essence of their rebellious spirit.
In 1976, when "Cherry Bomb" was first released as a single, The Runaways were already making waves in the Los Angeles scene with their raw, unbridled energy. Formed just a year prior by guitarist Joan Jett and drummer Sandy West, the band was comprised of young women who refused to be bound by the conventions of 1970s rock music. With their bold style and irreverent attitude, they embodied the punk ethos that would soon sweep the globe.
The "Cherry Bomb" music video is a grainy, low-budget affair, shot in black and white with a frenetic pace that matches the song's manic energy. It features the band performing on stage, interspersed with snippets of them lounging around their LA pad, looking like they just stepped out of a rebellious teenager's daydream. The video is a time capsule of the late 1970s punk scene, capturing the DIY ethos and anti-establishment sentiment that defined the era.
What makes this clip rare or significant is its rarity as an official music video from the band. With only four studio albums to their name, The Runaways' output was relatively sparse compared to other rock bands of the time. Their live performances were often more memorable than their recorded work, and it's a testament to Joan Jett's enduring legacy that this footage has been preserved and made available for new generations to discover.
Watching "Cherry Bomb" today is like stepping into a time machine. The band's energy is infectious, and their music still holds up as a powerful statement of female empowerment in a male-dominated industry. The video also serves as a reminder of the band's influence on the punk movement, which would go on to inspire countless other female-fronted bands.
One of the most striking aspects of this footage is its raw, unpolished quality. Shot on a shoestring budget and with minimal production values, it's a testament to the band's DIY ethos and their willingness to challenge the status quo. The video's black-and-white aesthetic also adds to its gritty, punk-rock charm.
The Runaways' "Cherry Bomb" is more than just a nostalgic curiosity – it's a window into a pivotal moment in rock history. Watching this footage, you'll get a sense of the band's unbridled energy and their refusal to conform to industry expectations. You'll also see the seeds of punk rock being sown, and the ways in which The Runaways' music would go on to inspire future generations of female musicians.
The final shot of the video is of Joan Jett, her hair wild and untamed, screaming into the mic as the band launches into a frenzied solo. It's a moment that encapsulates the spirit of punk rock – raw, unbridled, and utterly unstoppable.
Curated from public records and music databases.
