Kim Fowley, the legendary manager and music producer behind The Runaways, has died, aged 75, after a battle with bladder cancer. Fowley rose to fame by recruiting The Runaways in 1975 and producing their 1976 debut album, and co-writing their biggest hit “Cherry Bomb”. He gained his first US number one in 1960 with “Alley Pop”, a song he recorded with Gary S Paxton as ‘Hollywood Argyles’. In 1962, he also make the UK number one as the writer of B Bumble and the Stingers‘ “Nut Rocker”. He famously brought John Lennon to the Toronto Rock And Roll Revival in 1969, telling the audience to hold up their matches and lighters as Lennon came on stage – now a popular audience tradition.
Fowley has worked with several big names including Gene Vincent, KISS, Alice Cooper, Leon Russell and Jonathon Richman and the Modern Lovers. Charismatic and eccentric, he will be missed by many. He has been described by grieving friends such as Joan Jett and Stevie Van Zandt as “irreplaceable” and “a good friend who taught me a lot“. Cherie Currie has also spoken out about her loss by saying “you were instrumental in so many getting started in this crazy world off music. You are a genius. You will be loved. You will be so missed“.
#Peace.Love.KimFowley
