An Incredible Double Bill of Punk Rock
When this handbill came across my desk, I was amazed to find out the great Runaways toured with the legendary punk act, the Ramones, in 1978. The thing is, not every band gets thorough documentation like the Beatles or Led Zeppelin. And the scant information on the internet has proven this show in Nashville actually happened.
The Ramones were on tour to promote their fourth album, Road to Ruin. The Runaways were on the beginning of the end, having trimmed down to a four-piece following the departure of lead vocalist Cherie Currie. Now fronted by Joan Jett and far away from manager/producer Kim Fowley, the Runaways still had material to promote.
Consulting with Pete Howard on this, it’s not surprising there is scant information about this tour. Punk was seen by the mainstream as a crude and passing fad at the time. But for rock critics and fans, it was something that had staying power. If anyone was at this show or knows more about this, send me an e-mail at ericg@ha.com
Auction Preview: The Ramones, The Runaways 1978 Nashville, TN Concert Handbill
-Eric Grubbs
Cataloger