Creative Inspiration: Cherrie Currie

Because we value creativity above everything else, we’ve decided to start documenting what it is that inspires the artists that we respect, and we hope their answers inspire us in return.

In the mid-’70s, The Runaways were the baddest band on the planet. In amongst the cock rock maestros and spit-flecked punks, these five teenage girls from California embarked on one of the most unlikely rides the decade, enjoying four blistering years on the road before drugs and rivalry finished them off.

Kristen Stewart (Joan Jett) & Dakota Fanning (Cherie Currie) in The Runaways

At the heart of The Runaways was one of rock’s most intriguing relationships, between guitarist Joan Jett and lead singer Cherrie Currie – the virginal temptress of glam rock, surfer chick turned cherrybomb whose tight corsets and thigh high boots were a statement of intent for an entire generation of young women.

Currie’s well documented problems with drug abuse eventually led to the band’s demise. While Joan Jett forged a successful career with a new band, Currie got out of music to piece her life back together. Today she is an author, illustrator, chainsaw artist and mother. Her 1998 book Neon Angel served as inspiration for Floria Sigismondi’s upcoming film biopic, The Runaways, released in cinemas on September 10.

The Runaways

TCOLondon: Who or what inspires you creatively?

Cherrie Currie: David Bowie always was my inspiration and my hero. And I have to say, back then… I really don’t follow anybody now to be honest with you – I’m the mother of a 19-year-old musician and artist – but back then it was David Bowie and Suzi Quatro. And I’ve always been a big admirer of Joan – that Joan stuck with this and she truly is the embodiment of rock ‘n’ roll, so I’ve always admired Joan. And I admire, like, Melissa Etheridge and those people who get out there and wear their heart on their sleeve because it’s a hard thing to do and people who don’t have the guts to do it will always judge it. Just like people would like to see me sorry, or not be proud of what I did. But you know what, if I hadn’t done what I did, a lot of women wouldn’t be able to do what they’re doing today. So the people that judge are the ones that don’t have the guts. I respect anyone who has guts. Anyone.