Until recently, Cherie Currie of the Runaways, the L.A.-based proto-grrl punk group that crashed and burned in the late 70s, had no idea her band are heroes to generations of gay and lesbian teenagers.

She knows now. In fact, she'll be appearing next Friday at the El Mocambo's monthly queercore shindig, Vazaleen.

Cherie Currie

"It thrills me! I think it's awesome!" purrs the comely chanteuse. "It's a welcome, cool deal as far as I'm concerned."

Although the Runaways dissolved in a bitter flurry of lingerie and lawsuits more than 20 years ago, their reputation continues to grow.

"I always knew one day we'd be appreciated," reasons a surprisingly thoughtful Currie.

"We all worked so hard! We were pioneers blazing the trail, not just for women, but for rockers, too. We took a lot of ridicule at the time, so it's nice to actually be middle-aged and look back and say, 'Wow, we really did affect people's lives.'

"Sorry, former Runaways Joan Jett and Lita Ford will not be appearing alongside Currie. Instead, club promoter Will Munro has assembled a stellar lineup of local musicians, closet Currie fans all, to accompany the singer, including Greek Buck's Andrew Zealley and Don Pyle (currently featured on the Queer As Folk soundtrack) and ex-Fifth Columnist Beverley Breckinridge.

Currie signs records and copies of her autobiography, Neon Angel, at Rotate This on Friday afternoon, June 22, and spins discs at the Bovine Sex Club (542 Queen West) Saturday night, June 23. Currie's current take on her teenage career?

"It was the most fun I've ever had."

Other Articles: TEMPERMETTLE | QUEER AS FOLK | VAZALEEN
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