posted 11/28/06

Sandy West Memorial Tribute Concert
Saturday, December 9th, 2006
at the Knitting Factory in Hollywood
Showtime - 7:00 pm SHARP!

NOTE: We expect this show to sell out, so it's a very good idea to purchase your tickets in advance online at KnittingFactory.com. See you there!

Special Thanks to Chris Orloff and the extraordinary California Pizza Kitchen for sponsoring this event!

10/25/06
Please click HERE for a special message.

10/21/06
We are extremely saddened to have to report that Sandy passed away this evening; her family members by her side. Throughout her painful battle with cancer, Sandy was warmed by the love and support of her fans. Please join us in the effort to keep her legacy alive.

The following are hi-rez photos for press use:

Sandy West 01	Sandy West 02	Sandy West 03
Sandy West 04	Sandy West 05	Sandy West 06 Same as 01, but high contrast
Runaways 01 Top Row from Left - Joan Jett, Jackie Fox, Lita Ford. Bottom from Left - Sandy West, Cherie Currie. Polygram Records promo shot circa 1976.	Runaways 02 From Left - Joan Jett, Sandy West, Cherie Currie, Vicki Blue, Lita Ford. Circa 1977, photo credit Barry Levine.	Runaways 03 From Left - Lita Ford, Joan Jett, Jackie Fox, Sandy West, Cherie Currie

PRESS RELEASE

10/21/06
Sandy West, drummer for the influential 70s band The Runaways, died today after a long battle with lung cancer.

She left an indelible mark on rock music as a founding member of The Runaways, which featured fellow rockers Joan Jett, Lita Ford and Cherie Currie, and as a leading inspiration for a number of notable musicians, both male and female. Many young musicians can trace their inspiration directly to the first time they heard "Cherry Bomb."

The Runaways toured the world several times, often headlining with opening acts like Tom Petty and Cheap Trick. Their discography includes over 60 albums, singles, bootlegs and compilations. Their music has been included in dozens of rock and punk collections, has appeared in several feature films including Dawn: Portrait of a Teenage Runaway and Detroit Rock City, and has been covered by numerous bands, from The Street Walkin' Cheetahs to Guns 'N' Roses. They were nominated for the Hollywood Rock Walk, and bootlegs of Runaways performances are still highly prized amongst rock and roll collectors around the world.

After the band broke up, Ms. West continued to perform as a drummer, guitarist and vocalist with The Sandy West Band. As a solo artist she recorded a highly collectible EP CD and numerous videos, and continued to enjoy the adoration of a dedicated cult following.

She will be remembered by more than one generation of fans as a strong part of their musical landscape, but her impact was felt far outside of the music industry as a loyal friend, loving confidante and strong defender of those she loved most. Her strength as a player, passion as a person, and dedication as a friend will be remembered always by friends, fans and fellow musicians alike.

Runaways vocalist and life-long friend, Cherie Currie had this to say, “Sandy West was by far, the greatest female drummer in the history of rock and roll. No one could compete or even come close to her, but the most important was her heart. Sandy West loved her fans, her friends and family almost to a fault. She would do absolutely anything for the people she loved. It will never be the same for me again to step on a stage, because Sandy West was the best and I will miss her forever.”

Commented Joan Jett: "I started THE RUNAWAYS with Sandy West. We shared the dream of girls playing rock and roll. Sandy was an exuberant and powerful drummer. So underrated, she was the caliber of John Bonham. I am overcome from the loss of my friend. I always told her we changed the world."

written by CHRISTY LINDSAY
www.TheRunaways.com

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Update from Mara 8/31:   I visited with Sandy the other day, and one of the things we talked about was how incredible all of you have been, sending her sweet letters, donations and gifts and stuff. More than anything, knowing that you guys are with her in spirit, directing your thoughts and prayers her way, feeds her soul and helps her fight. It makes her determined to get well.

Sandy dictated a thank you letter, that will be emailed to everyone who wrote to her or sent donations via the yahoo email address. Please understand that she is too weak to answer the hundreds of letters individually, but she truly treasures each one.

Sandy finished a round of radiation treatment a few weeks ago, and she's suffering the after effects - weakness and nausea. It's very hard for her to keep anything down at the moment, so she's drinking protein drinks rather than solid food. She mentioned that some friends have sent 'natural remedies' in the form of drinks, powders or pills. She wants everyone to know that she can't take them, and while appreciative of the thought and the effort, asks that no more is sent. She's on a strictly directed regimen of medication, the doctors need to keep tabs on everything she puts in her body.

The effects of the radiation wane over time and she will regain her strength. She's drowsy a lot right now, but retains her sense of humour and says she's discovered the joys of daytime television. She says, "I'm addicted to 'All My Children' now...who would've thought that, right?", and her favorite nighttime show is 'Grey's Anatomy'.

She says, "I'm not done fighting, I wanna do stuff again and get back on stage and play my drums."

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Update: 7/28: Sandy is thrilled by the kind letters of encouragement and support that she has received. She says they really do make her feel better and stronger, to know that she has friends out there and that she has touched so many of your lives. She reads every single one, and is collecting them into a book to read over and over again, so please keep them coming!

To those of you who have sent donations, your generosity is appreciated beyond words. We've been told that there was a medication that Sandy was doing without, due to its high cost and not being covered by her medical insurance. Your donations have made it possible for Sandy to get that medication for the next few months.

On behalf of Sandy West, thank you for your love, kindness, generosity and prayers.

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Posted July 17, 2006 : Hello Friends,

Many of you have written letters to Sandy West and have inquired why there is no new music or merchandise. It has come time for us to address this issue. It has been a very hard year for Sandy.

In August of last year, Sandy was diagnosed with lung cancer. She has battled bravely and endured an extensive course of chemotherapy which is still continuing. We did not release this information as Sandy wanted her illness to remain a private issue, and to reemerge with new projects, cancer free.

Earlier this week, Sandy received some news that has made her reevaluate the issue of privacy vs her need for your prayers and support.

In addition to the existing lung cancer, Sandy was diagnosed with a brain tumor. She is currently undergoing radiation therapy in addition to the chemotherapy. It is a very hard time for her, and while we remain optimistic and hopeful, we ask for your prayers and for you to please send out your positive and healing energy to Sandy.

We have set up a special e-mail for Get Well letters. Sandy won't be able to respond right away, but you can rest assured she will receive your letters. The greatest joy in Sandy's life is her fans. She considers all of you family and would sincerely benefit from your letters of encouragement.

We have set up a Paypal account for Sandy as well. Even though she has some medical insurance, her bills are piling up alarmingly, and any amount you'd like to donate, no matter how small, would be greatly appreciated.

Please email your Get Well wishes to: LettersForSandy@yahoo.com
You can help Sandy here: Paypal Donation For Sandy West

Click HERE to Purchase Autographed Sandy West photos and help with Sandy's medical expenses!

Media/professional inquiries should be directed to: TimesSquareProductions@yahoo.com

We will keep all of you informed via The Official Runaways website:
www.TheRunaways.Com