The Runaways: A Story of Music, Abuse, and Triumph
Early Life and Career
As a teenager in the San Fernando Valley, Jackie Fuchs, later known as Fox, was a talented musician who played guitar, surfed, and excelled academically. She dreamed of graduating early and studying mathematics at U.C.L.A. However, her high school experience was unfulfilling, and she longed for a change.
The Runaways
One night, Fox was discovered by Rodney Bingenheimer, a prominent figure in the Los Angeles music scene, at the Starwood nightclub. He introduced her to Kim Fowley, a producer who was assembling an all-girl band. Fox was recruited into the group, which eventually included Joan Jett, Cherie Currie, Lita Ford, and Sandy West. Fowley handed Fox a bass guitar and a new last name, and the band was born.
The Dark Side of the Scene
The Runaways were subject to Fowley’s whims and were objectified by the larger music culture. In an infamous article in Crawdaddy magazine, the reporter fantasized about the girls while watching them perform. This objectification and exploitation took a toll on the band members, particularly Fox.
The Assault
In 1976, Fox was drugged with quaaludes after a show and was raped by Kim Fowley in front of a crowd backstage. Other members of the band watched as the assault occurred. Fox quit the band the following year.
Confronting the Past
It took decades for Fox to confront the abuse and speak publicly about her experience. In 2015, she shared her story with Jason Cherkis, an investigative reporter at HuffPost. Fox’s story was met with widespread support and outrage.
The Aftermath
After going public with her story, Fox faced a mix of emotions. She "woke up in a parallel universe" and struggled to come to terms with the trauma she had endured. However, she also felt a sense of purpose and a desire to help other women in the music industry. Fox has said that she is proud to be a part of the #MeToo movement.
A New Path
After quitting the Runaways, Fox pursued a career in management, hoping to advocate for artists behind the scenes. However, she still faced harassment and sexism in the industry. Fox eventually attended U.C.L.A., where she majored in linguistics and Italian, and then earned a J.D. from Harvard’s law school, where she was classmates with Barack Obama. She became an entertainment lawyer and eventually returned to music, negotiating song rights in films.
A New Chapter
In 2018, Fox appeared on "Jeopardy!" and won four times. It wasn’t until her third game that she revealed her connection to the Runaways. Fox said she didn’t want her past to define her and wanted to be recognized for her accomplishments beyond her time in the band.
Conclusion
Fox’s story is one of resilience, courage, and determination. Despite facing abuse, exploitation, and harassment, she has emerged as a strong and successful woman. Her story serves as a reminder of the importance of speaking out against abuse and supporting survivors.
FAQs
Q: What was the Runaways’ music style?
A: The Runaways were a rock band known for their energetic live performances and rebellious attitude.
Q: What was Kim Fowley’s role in the Runaways?
A: Kim Fowley was the producer and manager of the Runaways. He recruited the band members and played a significant role in shaping their music and image.
Q: How did Fox’s experience in the Runaways affect her?
A: Fox’s experience in the Runaways was marked by abuse, exploitation, and harassment. She struggled to come to terms with the trauma she endured and faced ongoing challenges in the music industry.
Q: What did Fox do after quitting the Runaways?
A: Fox attended U.C.L.A., earned a J.D. from Harvard’s law school, and became an entertainment lawyer. She eventually returned to music, negotiating song rights in films.
Q: Why did Fox keep her experience in the Runaways a secret for so long?
A: Fox kept her experience in the Runaways a secret for decades due to shame, guilt, and fear of being judged or ostracized. She only began to speak publicly about her experience in 2015.
