The Runaways formed in L.A. in 1975 as teenagers and released four now-legendary albums before fizzling in '79. Managed by storied producer/songwriter Kim Fowley, they saw little mainstream success, but their mix of tough guitars, punchy rhythms, and shout-out choruses on albums like Queens of Noise made them a fave among punk rockers and astute hard rock fans, and they slowly became one of the most enduringly influential groups of the era. Guitarists Joan Jett and Lita Ford went on to successful solo careers.