Michael Steele (born Susan Nancy Thomas on June 2, 1955) is an American bassist, guitarist, songwriter, and singer. Steele began her professional career as Micki Steele in the teen-girl band The Runaways, among the first all-female rock groups. Steele’s stay in the Runaways was brief, leaving the band in late 1975, months before the recording of their first self-titled album. (More from Wikipedia)
Initially the Runaways was a power trio with the other member being bassist Micki Steele. Lead guitarist Lita Ford was added shortly afterward; she had auditioned to be the new bass guitarist. Cherie Currie was added as the lead vocalist. After Steele was fired, Peggy Foster took over on bass and was replaced after a month with Jackie Fox.
After making the EP, Annette Zilinskas joined the band Blood on the Saddle; she was replaced in the Bangles by Michael Steele, who had been the founding bass guitarist for the Runaways under the name Micki Steele.
(November 2013)
The bandmembers in the Runaways were all young girls when the band was formed – much as “runaways” are in real life – and several went on to successful musical careers, among them Joan Jett, Micki Steele (later in the Bangles), and heavy metal chanteuse Lita Ford.
Two of the bandmembers were also featured in major motion pictures; Cherie Currie appeared in the 1980 film Foxes and also (with Vicki Blue) in the 1984 cult classic This Is Spinal Tap.
(January 2015/1)
