The Runaways: Naughty Nymphets Leave Lisa Cold

The Runaways made their New York debut at CBGB. Was that the first sign that the “scene” there was finished? Other signs were that prior to the appearance of the all-girl Hollywood rock ‘n’ roll band. Television and the Talking Heads co-starred in what might have been their last CBGB co-billing, (for Television has just signed a substantial recording contract with Elektra/Asylum, and both bands are getting too big not to headline alone), to say nothing of the implications of a band traveling three thousand miles to play the place. Too “hip.”

For days. Runaways talk ran amok. Richard Robinson thought the idea of such a group was sexist, and said he wouldn’t go to see them. “You’re making a statement? You’re taking a stand?” Steve Paul asked him. Much fun was made of the writer who had expressed interest in interviewing the band before he had removed the shrink wrap from the record.