Sandy West, drummer for seminal '70s all-female punk outfit The Runaways, has lost her battle with lung cancer. She was 47.
A spokesman said that she died in a hospice in San Dimas, California last Saturday. She was diagnosed with lung cancer about a year ago.West founded The Runaways with guitarist Joan Jett in 1975. The band would go on to deliver such hits as Cherry Bomb and Born To Be Bad, in addition to launching the solo careers of Jett and Lita Ford.
Jett said in a statement, "We shared the dream of girls playing rock and roll. Sandy was an exuberant and powerful drummer," adding, "I am overcome from the loss of my friend. I always told her we changed the world."
Lead singer Cherie Curry said, "It will never be the same for me again to step up on stage because Sandy West was the best and I will miss her forever."
Sandy West is survived by her mother, stepfather and six sisters.
