Summary
"Neon Angel" is the gripping memoir of Cherie Currie, the lead singer of the iconic all-female rock band, The Runaways. Currie's story begins in the tumultuous atmosphere of 1970s Southern California, where a young Cherie navigates a dysfunctional home life and seeks escape through music. Lured by the promise of fame and rebellion, she joins forces with Kim Fowley and Joan Jett, catapulting herself into the heart of the burgeoning glam rock scene.
The memoir chronicles the band's meteoric rise to fame, fueled by their hit song "Cherry Bomb" and their rebellious image. Currie details the exhilarating highs of performing on stage, the intensity of touring, and the intoxicating allure of drugs and alcohol. However, beneath the glittering surface lies a darker reality of exploitation, manipulation, and internal conflict. Currie exposes the manipulative tactics of Kim Fowley, the band's manager, who exerts control over the girls through verbal abuse, financial mismanagement, and sexual exploitation.
As the Runaways' star ascends, Currie grapples with the pressures of fame, the rivalries within the band, and her own personal demons. She succumbs to the temptations of drugs and alcohol, spiraling into addiction as a means of coping with the emotional and physical toll of her lifestyle. The memoir unflinchingly portrays Currie's descent into dependency, her struggles with self-doubt and body image, and her desperate search for love and acceptance.
The book details a harrowing account of sexual assault and the long road to recovery, her complex relationships with her family, particularly her twin sister Marie, and her journey toward sobriety and self-discovery. After leaving the Runaways, Currie embarks on a tumultuous solo career, faces personal tragedies, and battles addiction. Eventually finding redemption through motherhood, art, and helping others overcome their own struggles with addiction.
"Neon Angel" is a raw and honest portrayal of a young woman's journey through the highs and lows of rock and roll fame, the darkness of addiction, and the ultimate triumph of the human spirit. It is a testament to Cherie Currie's resilience, her courage to confront her demons, and her unwavering determination to reclaim her life and find her own voice.