Lita Ford was one of the original
members of the Kim Fowley-conceived Runaways, first joining the band at
age 15. In 1980 a disagreement within the ranks over musical direction led
to the Runaways' break-up, leaving Ford to explore a solo career on the US
glam metal circuit (initially subsidized by her day job as a beautician).
Her debut album was recorded for Mercury Records with the assistance of
Neil Merryweather on bass, though it was Ford's guitar playing that took
centre stage. Dancin' On The Edge made a minor impact on the US album
charts, reaching number 66, although it was a less slick collection. Almost
four years later in 1988 came Lita. Housed on RCA Records (a third album for
MCA, The Bride Wore Black, had been abandoned), it reached the Top 30 and
spawned the US number 12 hit, "Kiss Me Deadly" (April 1988), plus a Top 10
hit with a duet with Ozzy Osbourne, "Close My Eyes Forever' (March 1989).
She later married W.A.S.P. guitarist Chris Holmes, although the marriage did
not last. Stiletto continued to display Ford's commitment to the formula
rock format prevalent At the time. |
