Lita Ford | #015 The Kenny Aronoff Sessions

This week, Kenny engages in a captivating conversation with rock icon Lita Ford, delving into themes of authenticity, determination, and the challenges faced by a trailblazer in the male-dominated rock scene. Known for her extraordinary guitar prowess and commanding vocals, Lita opens up about her remarkable journey from lead guitarist of The Runaways to long standing solo success. Throughout the episode, Kenny and Lita explore diverse topics, including the trials of an all-girl rock band, the influence of legendary guitarists like Ritchie Blackmore and Jimi Hendrix, and the enduring impact of Black Sabbath's riffs on Lita's musical evolution.

This engaging dialogue unveils Lita's profound insights and reflections on her journey through the world of rock and roll. From her audacious entry into the music industry as a teenage guitarist to her collaborations with iconic figures like Ozzy and Lemmy, Lita's story is a testament to passion, resilience, and unwavering determination. Together, she and Kenny also delve into the essence of tight-knit touring teams, the significance of parental support, and the art of creating unforgettable guitar solos. Tune in today, and immerse yourself in the world of rock and roll history as these two legendary rockers explore the indomitable spirit that drives a true superstar, celebrating the power of unity authenticity in the unwavering pursuit of musical excellence.

Episode Highlights:

• Lita Ford on touring
• Her parents and their support for her career
• The Black Sabbath concert where Lita Ford decided, “This is what I want to do.”
• Making ‘each note count’
• Lita and Kenny’s experiences with audiences spitting and throwing objects
• Their experiences with band teamwork
• Lita’s experience with The Runaways
• Her early inspirations and mentors
• Lita and Kenny’s love of Jimi Hendrix
• Their experiences of competing with other musicians
• Working with George Tutko
• The Runaway’s “Born to Be Bad”
• Lita’s experience with groupies
• Her solo career
• Co-writing “Close My Eyes Forever” with Ozzy Osbourne
• Close calls when touring by plane
• Lita on taking time off to raise her children
• Her clothing designs
• Lita’s new album

Quotes:

“It was how they were making the people feel in the audience. And that was what I wanted to do. I wanted to make people feel like this.”

"Music is my number one, and it has kept me alive for all these years."

"If you can sit at home and play a Black Sabbath riff when you were 13 years old, that was it!"

"You can't win a war if you can't get your team together."

"As time went on, I started being on stage with these guys and in studios with these guys and jamming backstage with these guys, and I'm thinking, 'I can't let them scare me just because they're a guy.'"

"I just wanted to be a good mom to them."

"This record is real. And it's almost like I had to live it before I could write it. And it took a long time. It wasn't something that was written on a weekend."

"Life is hard. Life is full of ups and downs. So, thank you. Now we’ve just got to get it out for everyone to hear."

Links:

Kenny Aronoff

Lita Ford