Being a female in the music industry is not always easy. I know from personal experience. However, hearing insight and knowledge from one of the queens of rock ‘n’ roll, Lita Ford, is something I will forever cherish. I had the opportunity to chat with her about her book, her music, her career, and so much more. This is getting me even more excited for her show at Starland Ballroom on August 11 with WDHA. Check this out below. Lita, it was an honor!
Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us, this is so exciting. Where are you right now?
We arrived home in Los Angeles last night after a few kick-ass, American shows outside of Salt Lake City.
With the music industry being so different these days, I wanted to start off by complimenting you for remaining relevant or your entire career. What would you say is the secret to success in this business?
Rock ‘n’ roll is addicting! Once it’s in your blood, you are addicted.
Joining a rock band at 16 years old must be as scary as it is exciting. Would you say you learned about the dark sides of the industry from an early age?
You must have read my book, Living Like A Runaway. Haha!
What was the point in your career where you really thought, “Damn, I made it”?
I try not to have that kind of attitude. The ‘’stay hungry’’ attitude has much more longevity. But no, I never thought that really, because you always want to keep things moving forward. Whether it’s faster or slower, it never seems to die down.
I found it really hard to put down your memoir, Living Like A Runaway. I thoroughly cannot remember the last time I enjoyed reading that much. I think the best part of it was your take-absolutely-no-shit mentality on life right now. What must it take for someone, like myself, to get to that headspace?
Thank you! I am so glad you read and enjoyed it. That kind of mind space comes from determination and not taking no for an answer.
Being a woman who works in the industry, you’ve always been a mentor to me. Although many may say, “it’s a man’s world,” in which many ways, it is, you never used the line to stop you from being a badass female. So, thank you for that.
A King is only as wicked as his Queen and the Kingdom they create, which is their fans!
If you were to start your music career today, what would you do differently?
There are things that happen for unexplained reasons and I think that this is one of those things. It’s a gift from God that is pure and real. I wouldn’t do anything different. You can’t change what God dishes out, whether it’s good or bad.
Let’s talk about your upcoming show at Starland Ballroom in Sayreville on August 11. So many fans have been excited about this one for months. I feel as if this area loves you so deeply. Is the feeling mutual?
We are very honored and the feeling is definitely mutual. Starting with fond memories from The Runaways days, up until now. My band is just as amazing as musicians and we put on a powerful show.
Have you been switching up the set lists a lot at each show?
We switch them every night. I believe the people mold to the songs, not the set list molds to the people. You’ve got to give the fans what they demand, so the set list changes almost every night, which is fun for us too.
Having accomplished so much in your career, with so much more to look forward to, is there anything you have yet to accomplish musically that is on your priority list?
I want to write a second record with Gary Hoey. Living Like A Runaway did so well, I can’t wait for number two. Gary and I bond naturally through music, which makes the magic happen.
Tickets are on sale now for Lita Ford’s show at Starland Ballroom in Sayreville on August 11 via Starlandballroom.com.
