In Memoriam: Laurie McAllister
Laurie McAllister, who played bass in the final lineup of the iconic all-girl rock band the Runaways, has passed away at the age of 54.
McAllister joined the Runaways in November 1978, replacing Victory Blue and becoming the 6th bassist in the band’s four year history. On her Facebook page, she listed her time in the band as the “Best job ever.”
“She was a good person and a good bass player,” fellow Runaways alum Joan Jett stated. “It was a great experience being in a band with her, as she was the last Runaways bass player before her own band, The Orchids, formed. I was still in touch with her and saw her last year at a show. It was as if no time had passed. My heart goes out to her family and friends, and most of all, to Laurie. Rock on girl.”
McAllister also fronted the Orchids, another female rock group managed by Kim Fowley.
After retiring from music, McAllister spent time in Amsterdam before moving back to her hometown of Eugene, Oregon, where she was a veterinary technician.
Our condolences to the family and friends of Laurie McAllister.
In his time with No Treble, Kevin has met hundreds of amazing bassists and interviewed icons like Jack Casady, Victor Wooten, Les Claypool, Marcus Miller, and more. He's a gigging bassist performing jazz in Northern Virginia and bluegrass with The Plate Scrapers up and down the East Coast. Kevin appreciates all genres of music, from R&B to metal and everything in between. Connect with Kevin on Facebook and check his performance schedule on his website.
How did she die?
Hi Debi,
It’s not completely clear, but reports say it was asthma related.
-Kevin
:( Much Love and Blessings Laurie
I had the pleasure of knowing her. She was a great musician , and a great person. For sure the real thing.
RIP