Legendary Rock Producer / Runaways Manager Kim Fowley Dies at 75
Sad news to report as acclaimed rock producer Kim Fowley has passed away at the age of 75. Fowley served a number of roles in the music industry, as a writer, producer and even a band manager. According to Billboard, Fowley passed after a long battle with bladder cancer.
The multi-hyphenate is probably best known for his time as the manager for the '70s girl group The Runaways, which introduced the world to Joan Jett and Lita Ford. It was a tumultuous time for Fowley, as the band eventually severed ties due to his unorthodox work methods.
But prior to that he was a songwriter and producer who worked with such acts as KISS, Alice Cooper, Paul Revere and the Raiders and Blue Cheer among others. Fowley earned writing credits on KISS' 'King of the Night Time World' and 'Do You Love Me?' off the 'Destroyer' album, as well as 'Escape' off of Alice Cooper's 'Welcome to My Nightmare' disc.
Though his time with The Runaways didn't end well, in recent years Runaways vocalist Cherie Currie was one of his biggest supporters. They mended fences in 2008 and were said to be working on a new album together. Fowley resided at Currie's residence last year when his health took a turn for the worse.
"I love Kim. I really do," said Currie to Billboard. "After everything I went through as a kid with him, I ended up becoming a mom and realized it was difficult for a man in his 30s to deal with five teenage girls. He's a friend I admire who needed help, and I could be there for him."
Our condolences to Fowley's family, friends and peers.