Interview: The Runaways Rocker Lita Ford on ‘Living Like a Runaway’

CHICAGO – Prior to embarking on her highly successful solo career and becoming the queen of 1980s metal, Lita Ford was the lead guitarist of the aggressive, female rock band The Runaways in the 1970s. From playing heavy riffs on “Cherry Bomb” to a duet with the infamous Ozzy Osbourne on the song “Close My Eyes Forever,” Ford has seen and done it all in her 40 years in rock and roll.

She took a break from her current book tour for “Living Like a Runaway” to answer a few questions from HollywoodChicago.com’s Jeff Doles.

Lita Ford
Image credit: Dustin Jack for Lita Ford

HollywoodChicago.com: In your captivating new memoir “Living Like a Runaway,” you are very introspective and show a willingness to discuss your incredible career and how you have evolved as an artist. Additionally, you discuss some of the ups and downs of your professional and personal life. Did you have a hard time putting your thoughts and feelings on paper or did it come naturally?

Lita Ford: Yes, it was difficult. There were times I had to reminisce that were painful, but still had to go there in the book. Then I would take breaks and go do something that made me feel better (like shopping, ha). I had funny memories, too, but the music was more important to me than anything else. I wanted to point out the trials, tribulations and the hurdles I had to jump through (especially as a woman). Musically, we’ve evolved through many milestones since those days.

HollywoodChicago.com: You are a rock and roll survivor and success story. Can you tell our audience one time you almost gave up and what helped you pulled through and keep rocking?

Lita Ford: I was never ready to give up, but I did get words of confidence to move forward from a few musicians that had climbed up the totem pole of rock. They were encouraging words that struck a nerve with me and made me stronger.

HollywoodChicago.com: How are the book signings going? Do you have any interesting fan encounters or unusual photo/signature requests that you can share?

Lita Ford: The signings are going really well. We recently finished our last one in Denver. I met a lot of amazing people whose lives were changed (for the better) by the power of music. Music gave them strength to get out of abusive relationships or to just pick up a musical instrument and learn to play. I have very heartwarming fans.

HollywoodChicago.com: Could you talk about a couple of your favorite past musical partnerships and who you would still like to work with in the future?

Lita Ford: I would like to work with a great producer who I haven’t met yet. I’m not sure who he is, but I’m looking for someone to take me to the next level. I don’t really have any “must work withs,” but I would never refuse if a celebrity or fellow musician came along who is willing to write or sing or play on a Lita song.

Lita Ford’s new memoir “Living Like a Runaway”.
Image credit: Lita Ford

HollywoodChicago.com: Please tell our readers about the incredible performers featured on your new album “Time Capsule”.

Lita Ford: The new album is a powerhouse of musicians from the 1980s. Still going strong today, we have Robin Zander, Rick Neilson, Gene Simmons, Bruce Kulick, Dave Navarro, Billy Sheehan, Jeff Scott Soto and many more! Chris Holmes is in the introduction yelling for the keys to his Ford truck. The album is called Lita Ford’s “Time Capsule” because it literally is a time capsule of musicians and songs we had sitting on a shelf for decades. It’s a little piece of rock and roll history.

HollywoodChicago.com: Will you be coming to Chicago for the upcoming tour?

Lita Ford: We have dates that are added all the time, so keep an eye on LitaFordOnline.com [19] for tour dates.

HollywoodChicago.com: Thank you very much for your time.

Interview by: Jeff Doles, 238 Studios
Published and edited by: Adam Fendelman
Images courtesy of (used with permission): Lita Ford