Sandy West Tribute - 1959-2006

Sandy West had a lasting impact on more than one generation of fans. Young girls today still cite her as a musical influence. She rocked hard, she didn't care, and she could throw down with any man in any situation.

From the moment The Runaways roared out of California with their debut album in 1976, Sandy West was on a roll. The band continues to have an enormous cult following, and they were one of the very first all-girl rock bands to make an impression. After the band broke up, Sandy continued to play and adjust, and kept inspiring new musicians.

There was a lot about Sandy to love. Like any human, she had faults, but she was also a sister, friend, inspiration and teacher.

On December 9th, 2006, fans absolutely packed The Knitting Factory in Hollywood to pay tribute to Sandy West. I remember walking into the lobby to see people begging to get in after the room was full. No more could be squeezed in. Sandy deserved that.

A host of bands came out to show their support, including Cherie Currie, The Sandy West Band, The Bangles, The Donnas, White Flag, Vinnie and Carmine Appice, Rhino Bucket, Prescott Niles, Michael Des Barres, Ian Mithcell, Katt Lowe, DH Peligro, The Binges and more. (See the flier above for the full list)

Cherie Currie, Keith Roth and Mickey Kravitz hosted the show and the bands tore the house down. The fans in attendance definitely got their money's worth, and Sandy got a send-off she deserved.

These were sent in to us immediately after Sandy's death and posted in remembrance.

I was totally bummed to hear about Sandy West passing away. SHE WAS THE GREATEST FEMALE DRUMMER EVER! Goddamn Sandy...you just ROCKED! - Ray

My dear Sandy~ Where do I start? Our lives have intermingled for years! My first memory was maybe when I was about 3, so you would have been 4. You & your sisters were playing Hands Down at our kitchen table. I was SO frozen shy I wouldn't come out of my bedroom! My second memory was spending all of my first grade year at your house. We were inseparable! How did we jump from the point of me not coming out of my room, to being best friends? You must have had a flair even when you were little to make someone feel comfortable! I'll never forget the endless hours of being in the garage with you playing the drums! Your dreams were huge even then at 7 years old! And then the endless hours of tormenting Lori, your older sister, while she had to babysit us! It's the little things I remember, like Lori making us fried egg sandwiches. Or getting in trouble from your mom for crossing the street without permission. I mention these things because I ALWAYS wished I had been born into your family :) It was just the little things of growing up with you that year. I can still see us laying in bed giggling with our eyes closed, running our fingers up either's arms trying to guess when we reached the elbow. Or taking baths together & pretending that we were shaving our legs with the soap dish. I wonder what you would have remembered now that it is 40 years later. And I will never get the chance to ask! We moved away a couple of years later. My only contact was the Christmas newsletters. I always always waited for them so that I would know what you & your family were up to. I think the next time I saw you was when I was 13 or 14. Which would make you 14 or 15. You asked what music was popular back in Oklahoma where we lived. I was SO square I couldn't answer you. We still had SO much fun going to go play pool with your sisters & smoking a cigarette :) So that had to be the year you started the Runaways! No surprise! The next time I saw you was when I moved back to California when I was 21, you 22. I called your mom to find out where you were. I went to visit you while you were bartending & you introduced me to my first Kami Kaze & invited me to spend the weekend with you & your friends that Labor Day weekend. You guys were jamming, It was just an incredible amount of fun so I moved to the area. We never hung out much after that, but every single time we would run into each other it was like no time had passed. I would keep up with what was happening in your life thru talking to your mom. I remember taking a friend to go see The Sandy West Band perform. It was great! I realize as I reflect, you were my only friend from childhood. We moved way too much. I will be forever grateful for the connection that we ALWAYS felt when we would see each other. Our lives went separate ways, but the connection was unsurpassed! Thank You! I will never ever forget you or the SPECIAL bond that we will ALWAYS share! See you in the sky :) And the stars :) - Cyndee

Like so many, I was devastated to hear of Sandy West's passing. I got to know Sandy a bit back in the 80s when her band used to rehearse at my studio. I remember Sandy always used to drop by my office to say hello. She was usually pleasant and upbeat. Later, when her band played at Fender's Ballroom in Long Beach, California, she invited me out to the show. She and her band played a tight set. Afterwards, I told her how much I liked the show, and she was floored by my remarks. Unfortunately, the band splintered soon after that, and I lost contact with Sandy for several years. The last time I saw her was at the Buena Park Record Show. She was in her element, signing Runaways records and meeting with fans. She seemed genuinely happy and I was glad she was doing well. RIP Sandy. - Shawn

We will miss Sandy here in germany but she will be alway in our minds. Rock on in heaven. - Uwe

I was 12 when I first heard the Runaways; unfortunately they'd been broken up for three or four years. But as music took a dive in the 1980s (excluding the music of Joan Jett), when one-hit wonders could push a button and get backing drums, the Runaways were a breath of fresh air. They were real, they were honest, and I wanted to be like them. They kept me sane throughout my angry junior high and high school years -- I even tried getting my class to pick "Waitin' for the Night" for our prom theme, but it was overruled by some cheesy pop tune. My mom was a DJ at the local station and every shift she'd play a Runaways song for me. My best friend and I took up guitar and had high hopes of forming a band called "Queens of Noise," but who could find a drummer comparable to Sandy West? Sandy was not an incredible "female" drummer -- she was an incredible drummer, period. I was fortunate to see her perform and meet her a couple of years ago, and man, she absolutely g lowed on that stage -- you knew it was where she belonged. She was also incredibly friendly and humble, and when a part of our conversation prompted her to sing a couple lines from "School Days," I was too ... star-struck, maybe...to join her. Thank you, Sandy, for your influence on so many people. I will always be a fan. - Paula

I`m saddened by the loss of Sandy. She was such an inspiration to me. I will never forget the stuff animal I gave her the night before they left for Japan. She was so nervous. I must have been 10 or 11. She was so sweet. All of her family take care and remember she was loved by many and will not be forgotten. Love you Sandy. John

When it is a junior high school student, my having met The Runaways.I love The Runaways from in those days to now very much.I came to perform the band recently.The tune that challenges first is "Cherry Bomb". It performs in next month's live,to Sandy with love. - Sakura

Sandy, To one of the best, and most dedicated musicians ever. With Love,Joe AKA Faster

Just like to say,discovered Runaways in 1980,and realised how totally amazing the gorgeous Sandy west was on the drums.To me she could of gave even the late cozy powell or keith moon a run for their money and that is the best compliment i think i can give her, being has i never had the fortune to see her play live. RAY,I.O.W,ENGLAND.

I can't say that there's been a season since the first album was released that I haven't listened to The Runaways at least once, and Sandy West had a lot to do with that. Just six months ago a friend was talking about drummers, and I played "California" and "Take It Or Leave It" for him to show him what a real rock drummer sounds like. Sandy's perfect combination of chops, talent, and beautiful personality made her a perfect role model not just for girls or even musicians, but for anyone who ever wanted to go for their dreams. It's strange to shed a tear or two for someone you've never met, and I haven't done it since John Lennon died. But I did it when I heard of Sandy's passing. Her fans will miss her; her place in history is set in stone; her legacy is forever. -Stephen

I first heard The Runaways when I was 10 years old, the year was 1977. I grew up with you Sandy. I would crank up "Queens of Noise" just to hear your powerful drums. I feel like I have lost a childhood friend. You will be missed. Always..........-Don

Long time Runaways fan sending best wishes to family and friends of Sandy in a celebration of her life! -Clayton

I have only just found out about the sad death of Sandy West in October. I am shocked and deeply saddened. As a teenager myself in the 1970s The Runaways were a breath of fresh air and their music exciting and new - and it still sounds that way 30 years on. Although I never saw The Runaways live (they only came to my home town once and I was forced to miss that visit with an alternative commitment) I have always felt very close to the band and regard myself as a true fan. I will always remember Sandy as the best female drummer bar none, and her going will leave a huge gap in my heart as well as the world of rock music. Rest in peace, Sandy, and thanks for everything. -Peter

well R.I.P Sandy. When i started my musical carrer over 30 years ago The Runaways was one of the first bands to anspire me, and as a drummer Sandy was a greate inspiration. I´m so sad that she is gone...god bless! - Mats from sweden

God Bless Sandy! She is deeply missed,and what a inspiration she has given to female musicians all over the world! We love you! - Tony, Hendersonville, TN.

I grew up listening to the Runaways and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts. Last month I saw Joan Jett and the Blackhearts play at the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, WA and was deeply saddened by the news of Sandy passing. I was truly touched that Joan Jett was that strong and dedicated to be there performing instead of at Sandy's funeral. I was very moved. My thought is what a better dedication to Sandy than to scream out the song 'cherry bomb.' Finally I want to say thanks to the Runaways for a filling my life with great music. -Kaili

I met sandy in 2004 and had the chance to play on stage with her in 2005 she is the most energenic drummer i have encountered in my life i met her in a very critical time in my life i can say she saved my life at the time. Sandy i LUFF YOUR LIFE. I miss you soooo much you can't emagine you are my favorite rock & roll ass hole you are the best,and i know you know have the best seat in the house. -Patti

I remember seeing The Runaways for the first time in a magazine called Rock Scene in '76. I was curious about an a girl teenage rock band( considering I was 11 tears old w/ raging hormones) I immediately fell in love with Cherie Currie. I went out and bought the first album and heard Cherry Bomb and was immediately hooked! Sandy West hit those drums hard and she could really play and kick ass. Too bad she never saw her wish to reunite the original band one more time. It would've been awesome! We miss ya Sandy. RIP -Willie

Wow, I read these tributes and almost cried. Rob, I swear you were writing from my own life. I picked up my first Runaways album in high school (Queens of Noise) and was "hooked". I fell in love with Sandy's combination of power and innocence. And Katt, I was touched by your profound friendship with Sandy. Thank you for sharing with me how wonderful and spirited Sandy truly was. Sandy's legacy will remain with many people for a very long time..... -David

I'm 46 years old. I always loved the Runaways and Sandy. They weren't just a great "girl band"...they were a great band period. Rest In Peace Sandy...you'll never be forgotten! -Roger

In my youth, I thought Sandy West was the perfect rock drummer. Also, I claim to be the first person to buy The Runaways in Atlanta, right out of the box the day it arrived to the one store who had it. They were a secret favorite band for me for years as I played, and still do, in hardcore speed - thrash metal bands. So I grew up and realized my guilty pleasure was one of the best rock bands in music history. And Sandy West really was the perfect rock drummer. I will never forget that or her...-Tommy

number 1#eternal dieheart true decades eternal rock n roll runaways dieheart fan for life and the after life for eternity i will love them until the end of time! - Brandon

Sandy is one of my biggest heroes, I always wanted to meet her, she seemed so cool but i hope she can rest in peace I love you sandy!!!! God Bless Runaways Fans!! -Savannah

I have been a fan of The Runaways since the first album. Being the same age as the band members, but with no musical talent, I lived through them avidly following every story I could find in the magazines. When Live In Japan came out I was pleased to see Sandy get her spot light. I was devasted to hear about her illness and death. I've since watched Edgeplay several times and can now only hope that the remaining members can put aside whatever feelings they have for each other and pay their respects to Sandy at the memorial celebration. - Cheryl

The Runaways have always been my favorite, I am truly heartbroken about Sandy's passing, May she Rest in Peace, thanks for the music and the memories Sandy, you will always be remembered!!! - Scott

Like the rest of the Runaways, Sandy was an underrated performer and a true pioneer. The music she made will keep her alive forever. I was watching "Inside the Actor's Studio" while they were interviewing Gene Wilder. His least favorite word was, "Cancer." Couldn't agree more... - Lee

I was seven years old in 1977. My folks worked on Saturdays, and they would drop me off at my cousin's house. Tina, my cousin, was 18 at the time, played a gibson guitar, and listened to rock and roll. She plopped me down on the floor, put the album jacket to "Queens of Noise" in my lap, and put on the record.

I was hooked. At seven years old.

I specifically remember pointing to the girl on the far right of the cover, hanging back off the pole, and said "i like THAT one!!!"

This went on, Saturday after Saturday, I'd listen in Tina's room to the first two albums, comb through CREEM and Circus magazines (not the mention the Crawdaddy issue I wanted her to give to me so badly) and dream about what the band must be like. My cousin and I would trade off opinions about songs, albums, members. We'd list our favorites in order, they'd always change, but for me as a kid, Sandy West was always number one.

Then "Waitin' for the Night" came out, and I'd stare at the cover for hours, wondering what happened to Jackie and Cherie, studying the "new girl" with the little star tattoo on her wrist, and loving that record so much.

From that year, 1977 to now, I've never lost momentum in my fierce love and passion for The Runaways. They were always my special secret, my special friends. Anyone close to me always knew of my obsession with them, and to this day I'll bump into an old friend, and they'll say something like "do you still love The Runaways"?

With all of that said, I still cannot get over the loss of whom I felt was a dear friend, even though I'd never gotten to meet her. My original inspiration, and one I'd always rooted for and dreamed along with over almost 30 years. It is my hope that she is at blissful peace, an even bigger part of all of our spirits. May she rest in peace.

Jett Ford

I met Sandy in 1989 or so while she was living in Glendora Ca. In 2002 I was fortunate enough to re-connect with her and was even considered to play in her band as the drummer while she was fronting the band. We attended a couple of NAMM shows together and what I will remember most is Sandy's passion for her craft and her love to perform and truly entertain her legions of fans. She made me feel I was the best drummer in the world with her compliments always telling me how good I played. When the thunder comes from now on, you can believe it is Sandy along with Bonham & Moon soloing over one another. I can't wait till the thunder comes......I love ya girl...RoyBoy

She was glitter she was glitzy up there on the stage,
She had the kind of presence that made me fixate,
With a half cocked smile she seemed kind of shy,
She held her sticks up and clicked them 1-2-3-4,
Then thunder poured out of this goddess' soul,
Arms and legs were moving in rhythmus syncopation,
I fell in love!

I love you Sandy West, and I have adored you since you were presented to us with The Runaways. My heart is filled with sadness with your loss. Most of all my heart feels for those who have had the pleasure of standing by you as family and friends yet having to say goodbye to you at such a young age. I/We love you...beautiful Califorina girl...truly you will be missed. May the great spirit be with you. - Ron

I give my condolences to the family and friends of Sandy...May God cherish his new Angel..we will miss her ..... thank you Sandy for the memories... - Stan

You will always be the best female drummer and will be sadly missed,saw you when you toured England and boy did you have a lot of energy.You can now form your own band and boy what a band that will be. Rest in Peace. - Stephen

I photographed The Runaways when they played in San Francisco in December 1978. Sandy and I flashed on each other and I wandered if she was an old playmate from my tween years? I had my own photo studio at the time and I specialized in entertainers and musicians. When I saw them I was rocketed back into my music creativity. I had previously written an award winning song (received in the San Francisco BAM Awards), 'Wild Dykes On Bikes'. The Runaways helped to build up my self esteem as a WOMAN ROCKER in a world where most women play it soft! Let the music play and the light shine! - Sun Bell ~ 'bell the cat' ~

sandy was a great musician i will always rememeber her having the chance to share the stage with her is something i will never forget. - Jewels

miss your smile, sandy. xo Dusty

Sandy pure and simple ROCKED. If it's possible to love someone you've never met, then I can honestly say I loved Sandy West. And if all the photographs I've seen captured even half as much of the truth of Sandy's spark, her life-force, her warm smile and gorgeous blue eyes, then she must have been a a truly amazing person to be in the same room with. My thoughts go out to all those who knew and loved Sandy, and for those of us who didn't have the gift of knowing her personally but loved her just the same. She was a power-house drummer, a rebel well ahead of her time and she made history. I'll miss you, Sandy. Along with millions of others. Rest in peace. - Dee

The first 4 bars of Cherry Bomb were the sound and force that began the latter half of the '70's. I can't tell you how many mornings that song started my day as I drove out US99 to trade school. Sandy motivated many people to get up and get moving in life. She helped encapsulate the transition street rock took..and forever changed our culture. - Philip

Sandy is a true hero of mine. she inspired me that i can be a girl and still rock harder than any guy. I am still a teenager and Sandy will always be a true rock n roll goddess to me forever. I LOVE YOU SANDY - Becky

Such a sad and big loss. I enjoyed the girls music much in the 1970's. My thoughts are with her friends and family at this time. - Rowan

Sandy we always love you god bless Sandy. - Andre

What can i say? The Runaways remains to this day one of my favorite bands of all time and you one of the best drummers to walk the earth in my eyes. I am so saddened by your passing. I truly just never thought of a world without you in it. I guess you seemed immortal to me. If there is something after this i hope to meet you there. You will be in my heart forever and i plan on attending the Celebration of your life in December. We Will Miss You Sandy and We Love You Forever and Always.

Shades of gray dont fade away
Theyre waitin for the night
Goin out is what were about
Were waitin for the night
Friends and foes movin fast and movin slow
Were waitin for the night
Hangin around so astounded
Waitin for the night
Waitin for the night
Waitin for the night
Days are taken
Waitin for the night
At the hall havin a ball
Waitin for the night
Dont care, dont care at all
Cause weve seen, weve seen it all
Waitin for the night
Waitin for the night
Waitin for the night
Days are taken
Waitin for the night
- Stillbirth

I am sorry Sandy is gone. The Runaways were way ahead of their time, and Sandy was a kickass drumstress. I always thought they would get back together, make a ton of money, and happy endings for all concerned, but it was not to be. May the Gods of Rock and Roll welcome Sandy into their collective bussoms (sp?) and the next time it rains, and we hear a little thunder, mayhaps we wont be afraid, because it is merely our good friend Sandy, kickin up a storm, in the great bye and bye! - Chuck

I have quite honestly been devastated since Sandy passed away. I did not know Sandy personally, however; she has been in my life for 25 years. It is amazing the loss you can feel even though you never knew someone. When someone's music and magic touches your life for so many years, the loss you feel is incredible.

I was 13 years old when I bought my first Runaways album, Queens of Noise. I was a Joan Jett fan first and needed see what her first band was all about. I fell in love with the music from the first note of Queens of Noise to the last note of Johnny Guitar. I wore out the vinyl quickly. I followed up by buying everything Runaways I could find. Sandy was my favorite Runaway. She played the drums with passion, had a great smile, and was just plain cool!

I listened to the Runaways all of the time and have always been a huge fan. I followed the careers of all of the girls and remember being very disappointed by the lack of music coming from Sandy. I had no idea what she was up to. Every time I went into the record store, I always went over to the W bin, hoping to see the new album by Sandy West, and always walked away disappointed.

Fast-forward to 1999 and I finally become a part of the computer world and the Internet. I immediately search for Runaways websites and any information about them. There's talk of a Runaways reunion, a movie is in the making, there are multiple fan sites and I finally can see what is happening in Sandy's life. I was very sorry to hear that she had some difficult times. The Beat is Back signed by Sandy was in my CD collection as soon as I saw it on her merchandise page. I was excited to see her do some interviews and talk about recording again. The Internet connected me with some really great people who shared my love for The Runaways. I knew I wasn't the only one out there who still loved this great band. When the CDs were released, even though I had import copies of most of them, I purchased them all again. Having Waiting for The Night on CD was a major event for me!

I remember the day I found out the news about Sandy?s cancer. I thought-she has to beat this. It just didn?t seem fair that things were looking up for Sandy career wise and this had to happen to her. I was not aware how bad it was. I guess in the back of my mind I knew, but didn?t want to admit it.

I know this tribute is just a typical fan story. I really wish I had the chance to personally know Sandy West. Even though I never had that chance, she has touched my life with her music and I will never forget her. I will continue to listen to The Runaways and will share her music with everyone I know. My children already listen to the Runaways and one day, my grandchildren will as well. Sandy left a legacy and has many dedicated fans. We will make sure she is not forgotten. - Rob

I will always remember the rock and the ispiration Sandy West shared with her drums and charisma :) I will alwasy love the Runaways..they will forever be one of a kind. - Tab

I've had all THE RUNAWAYS records for years (first on vinyl, and later on CD). There was always something about Sandy West's smile and her eyes ... warmth, kindness, and a sense that if you knew her she'd be a great friend in need, indeed. Sandy's gone, but never to be forgotten. From a fan, thanks for 30 years of great music and memories. - Brian L.

I have been so blessed to have known Sandy and call her my friend. May this give you a glimpse as to who she was to me...

Sandy West! We always liked to call each other by our full name. Our connection started with a handshake 24 years ago...backstage at a Joan Jett & The Blackhearts concert....at the Palace, in Los Angeles, CA. I was 14. Back then I was very shy and just stood back and watched everyone interact with each other. I was in awe that I was actually back there in the first place. I saw Sandy up the stairs talking with some friends...just watching how happy she was. One of her friends pointed out I was watching her...so Sandy came walking down the stairs...with her big blue eyes...shook my hand and said, "HI...I'm Sandy West!!" I said.... "I know"...I am sure I was mesmerized! She was so nice, so cute and so Kool!. I was really impressed with her handshake...it was the most powerful handshake I have ever felt, still to this day. So strong...so confident. She forever changed my handshake.

Through the next 14 years we would have brief encounters from time to time at Joan concerts...her own gigs, etc. But it was 10 years ago...that Sandy changed my life forever. I ran into her at a bar...and she was so excited to see me and gave me a huge hug...I was sure she had mistaken me for someone else. She jumped back...pointed at me and said, "You're on my TV! "....then I got it...and said, "You're on my TV too!" We had a mutual friend (Vann) who recorded both of our shows (weeks apart) at the Coconut Teaszer in Hollywood, CA. When we received our tapes back, we had each others shows as well. Vikki Blue had one too...and told Sandy to watch mine and she did. That night was Magical...one of my Heroes loved my music and wanted me to play in her band!?! WOW! She believed in me. Within a week she had introduced me to one of my best friends...Cherie Currie and a family of amazing friends from all walks of life. She brought a lot of people together...I am so thankful Sandy came into my life. We played gigs...we recorded songs...we even would sit around the campfire in Pam's backyard...in the middle of West Hollywood and play songs...we had a lot of good times.....and yes, I know how lucky I am!

I've always said if I was kidnapped and taken to another country....Sandy would come looking for me...sling me over her shoulder and bring me home. She would always say...Damn Right! We knew Cherie would be next to her with a chainsaw!

Sandy was a very loyal, crazy, funny, protective, beautiful, deep, the peace keeper, huge hearted friend. She was an amazing musician (drums, guitar, bass) singer and songwriter. What a Woman! She still loved listening to The Runaways...and playing to them. She did a wicked kool version of "You Drive Me Wild "while singing and playing guitar...not to mention all the other songs. I am a huge fan of her original material as well...and I always felt she was writing hit songs.

Sometimes you wouldn't hear from Sandy for awhile...but you always knew she was there...and that the bond could never be broken. The day Cherie told me Sandy was sick...was a very sad day. But she didn't do it alone...she had a lot of family and friends surrounding her with Love. She was deeply touched by the letters her fans sent and truly felt the Love. It really meant a lot to her. It helped her believe she did make a difference in this world. Know...that she did fight the fight!

One day, while I was sitting in the hospice at her bedside.... holding her hand...I remembered...we started with a handshake... only this time... mine was stronger.

I Love You Sandy West... I will see you on the Othersyde...

- Katt Lowe

From a distance
I first saw you
Looking like an angel
The sun shining down
Kissing your golden hair

From a distance
I would gaze at you
Watch your lips
As they curved in a dazzling smile
Capturing my heart

From a distance
I listened to you
As you showed your talent
Time and time again
Effortlessly

From a distance
I could watch you swim
Run, play
Always laughing and
Having the time of your life

Now you are the one
At a distance
And you can watch me
As I pray for you
And miss you.

I will see you again beautiful Sandy!

- Michaela (happycass)

Sandy West made me want to play drums. In my first band, a really cute guitar player auditioned. I not only played with him, I married him. Without Sandy I may not have ever met him or had the life I've had since. To me, there was no one better. - Carolyn

I couldn't believe it when I read the news, The Runaways got me through junior high. - Pete T.

I've been playing The Runaways all day long. The drumbeats were what got me hooked back in the day and I still love them and Sandy. Always will. - Jason

I saw Sandy play in The Sandy West Band. I was real down and it showed. About halfway through I noticed her looking at me and she gave me a big smile, and kept looking at me for most of the song until I finally smiled. Maybe she was looking at someone behind me but when I smiled she kind of nodded and then looked at other places. She made my whole night and week. - Mariella

I was the only person in high school that admitted to loving The Runaways. But after I made a Runaways shirt with my name on it on the front and theirs on the back, a bunch of people came out and I made a lot of friends after that. - Grace

This news put a lot in perspective for me. There's a lot of trivial stuff and it doesn't matter when something like this happens. I hope Sandy is smiling down and I hope her family and friends can be inspired by her life like I was. - Paulo

It's so sad to hear that Sandy West died she was such an amazing drummer and singer she will truly be missed for Sandy I love you and hope you are in a better place and out of pain. - Jacob

I've lived my life with Sandy as a prominent and colorful thread in my mind's tapestry. Having been moved by her energy at a very young age, she anchored my definition of beauty. Seeing her smile, as she was the last to leave the stage, tossing a drum stick into the grappling crowd, was one of the few times in my life that I've caught a glimpse of pure joy. She was an exhibit of perfection. I always have and always will measure myself and others against this perfect image of love. Now that she permeates all living things, I will struggle forever to remember that she's closer to me than ever before. - Jon

The news of Sandy's death was picked up by media outlets all over the world. Here are links to some of the more individual pieces, as well as a partial listing of the places that ran the story.

Sandy's Rocket City Records Page

The Guardian newspaper in the UK ran a beautiful half page obituary with a large picture of Sandy. We don't have permission to post the pdf but you can visit the online version or order the October 25, 2006 print issue here. Thanks to Gordie for this information.

The Independent, also in the UK, ran about a 1/4 page story with picture. The online edition is here. Thanks to Gordie for this.

Blabbermouth
USAToday
Minneapolis/St. Paul City Pages
Aversion.com
Uncut.co.uk
San Fransisco Chronicle
Miami Herald
MSNBC
Macleans.ca Culture
6abc.com
New York Times
Rocka Rolla Music Rocka Rolla The Stranger, Seattle's Only Newspaper

Thanks to board members Wasted and Jett Ford for the above.

Thanks to Gordie for the following links:
Ian Mitchell's Blog on Sandy
Blog by Rebel Savant

Q4Music
MusicBender
Filter
Green Arrow Radio
davidjett.blogspot.com
NME
nerek-g livejournal
dphoto.us forum
powerpop.blogspot.com
thequeendom.blogspot.com
mrbeernhockey.blogspot.com
punkmusic.about.com
rock50.blogspot.com
Gone but not Forgotten
drusilla-black livejournal
cahlsjukejoint.blogspot.com
revolution-21.blogspot.com
iowahawk.typepad.com
oldcountrycorner.blogspot.com

Google's news search will bring up over 25 pages worth of articles, but here's a list of some of the outlets that ran part or all of Sandy's story:

LA Weekly, CA
Jordan Falls News, Iowa
Brocktown News, USA
The Benton Crier, Iowa
Olberlin, KS - Oct 31, 2006
Sky Valley Journal, USA
The Kindred Times, Utah
Ely Times, USA
Jackson News-Tribune, WY
Cinematical, CA
The Brunei Times, Brunei Darussalam
The Australian, Australia
Montreal Gazette (subscription), Canada
Undercover Music News, Australia
Curlio.com
ABC Online, Australia
Reuters
Guelph Mercury, Canada
Digital Spy, UK
Sioux City Journal, IA
ChronicleHerald.ca, Canada
Cleveland Plain Dealer, OH
Indianapolis Star, United States
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I wrote this for the Sandy West Tribute page in 2007. I'm putting it here by request, since I no longer work on TheRunaways.com.

My father once told me that after I turned eighteen, time would start to fly. Ten years later I certainly believe him. I've had a lot of reminders of that lately, with one particularly memorable one from a few days ago.

Taped to the side of my work computer are several pictures that make my work life a little less stale. There's a picture of my mother with her furry four legged "grandchild" Roxy, and a black and white photo of Sandy West in mid beat.

I looked at it the other day and realized suddenly that it had been a year since Sandy passed away.

A lot has happened in that year but it still seems like it's only been four or five months. It was definitely one of those strange ones, the worst year of my life but with a few of the best moments. Back then it was surreal, like a million things were happening at once. From the moment I posted the update on therunways.com there was a practical whirlwind of things to do, from getting ready for Danna's visit on her way to California, my mother's return from Mayo, putting together Sandy's tribute site, deaths in the family, the memorial, work...

A year later it was pretty obvious that I didn't bother to really deal with it the first time around. So when the realization hit me, I sort of sat there staring at my computer screen, shifting through all the things that had gone down in the last 12 months. And then I went home and did the one thing I could do that would put it all back in perspective. I beat the ever loving hell out of my drums.

Cherry Bomb!

For a lot of people, Sandy will always be best known for her time in The Runaways, but that is not at all a bad thing. The Runaways helped to pave the way for every girl-powered rock band that came after them. They took the hits and made the music that would serve as a history lesson for thousands of female (and male) rockers to come. They helped people understand their own lives, they charged their way into the soundtrack of more than one generation and they continue, almost 30 years after their final show, to inspire teenagers to pick up an instrument and run with it.

As the webmaster for therunaways.com, I hear from these people all the time. I've gotten emails from kids as young as eight, all the way up to Bob, the man who still rocks out to The Runaways at 68 years old.

That is the legacy of the band Sandy loved. They made history when they started, they inspired countless musicians along the way and their following is as strong now as it has ever been. In December, 2006, Vicki Peterson of The Bangles said that Sandy made all of the female rockers that came after The Runaways work even harder and she was right. That band has an undeniable place in the history of rock music and Sandy's power, talent and passion will live on for as long as there are music players on this planet.

It's been one year. Cry a little if you must, but before the day is out pick up your guitar, your drumsticks or just push play on your cd player and remember Sandy at her very best. She deserves that, and she deserves her place in a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. There is just no justice in the music world until that happens.

We love you, Sandy.

Thanks for visiting the Sandy West Tribute. Pop in a Runaways cd, and slam your hands on anything you can afford to break.

Return to The Runaways: Pioneers for the Ladies of Rock and Roll