Back in the day I carried around two Canon AE 1 film cameras. You had to back then. If you wanted to sell photos to the Japanese and European magazines, you needed color. If it was for the Creem Magazine in the USA or the British weekly music papers, you would shoot black and white. It was extra work and more expense, but great fun. This b.w photo is of The Runaways taken at the Beverly Hills park in 1978. That is bass player Vicki Blue on the left. Look how amazing Joan looks, of course!
Speaking on Sandy West, that is Sandy second from the right in this photo I took at the Beverly Hills park in 1978. Left to right is Lita, Joan, Sandy and Vicki Blue. By now Cherie had left the band and like poof, the magic was gone!
It used to be so easy to do a photo session in Beverly Hills. Back in the day when I took this photo of The Runaways in 1977, I would just pile the girls in my car and head for the Beverly Hills park directly across the street from The Beverly Hills Hotel. No one cared or bothered you. Today it is all different, if someone from the park or a local cop sees you taking what may be perceived as a profession photo shoot, they will be on to you in a second for a permit. What does that mean? It means MONEY to the city of Beverly Hills!! They do not care about the arts, your craft or pop culture only MONEY!
On that note please enjoy this beautiful photo of Lita, Joan, Sandy and Vicki Blue taken at The Beverly Hills Park at north west corner of N. Cresent Drive and Sunset Blvd. There is a plaque standing there today at the exact location which I took the photo surrounded by dozens of Japanese tourists. You can’t miss it!
The reincarnation of The Runaways around 1978. Cherie was out and Joan was on lead vocals. That is Laurie McCallister on the left on bass. This photo was taken during the preconcert sound check at The Roxy.
You can eat this one up! Sandy West almost looks as cool as Joan Jett in this photo. Is that possible?
