Did ya hear about Sandy West?
lisamtheufo
Staff and agencies
31 October, 2006
Mon Oct 23, 9:07 PM ET
SAN DIMAS, Calif. - Sandy West, whose ferocious drumming fueled the
influential all-female
70s rock band the Runaways, which she co-founded with Joan Jett, has
died of lung cancer. She was 47.
West was only 16 when she started the Runaways in 1975 with Jett, a
singer and guitarist.
"We shared the dream of girls playing rock and roll. Sandy was an
exuberant and powerful drummer," Jett said in a statement. "I am
overcome from the loss of my friend. I always told her we changed the
world."
After West's grandfather bought her a drum kit, she channeled her
athleticism into music.
The Runaways headlined shows with such performers as Cheap Trick and
Tom Petty as opening acts.
"Sandy West loved her fans, her friends and family almost to a fault,"
Currie said in a statement. "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."
West is survived by her mother, Jeri Williams, stepfather Dick
Williams, and six sisters.
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