Trying to make it to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? Follow this advice from the glass-ceiling-shattering pioneer, who will be inducted April 18.
Don’t Chase Trends
“There should be more women in the Hall of Fame, and more women in rock. They’re out there, they just don’t get the notice the pop girls do. Go to any city and there’s an all-girl rock band — it’s just a matter of society wanting to hear that kind of music. But people’s tastes change, so you have to just do what you love and hope other people love it too.”
Have Thick Skin
“We couldn’t forget that we were girls — we had to defend it all the time. I could not get a record deal after The Runaways broke up. I gave all the labels four songs: ‘I Love Rock ‘N Roll,’ ‘Crimson and Clover,’ ‘Do You Wanna Touch Me’ and ‘Bad Reputation.’ All four of those songs became hits, and all of those labels sent us rejection letters.”
Take Pictures — They Last Longer
“If I could go back and give my 15-year-old self some advice, I’d say to document what you go through. The Runaways have few photos or video. I don’t think teenagers think that far ahead. I didn’t think about the future or ‘When will I retire?’ I still haven’t thought about that. Other people keep going, so obviously I can.”
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This story originally appeared in the April 11 issue of Billboard.