Laurie McAllister (Born Laurie Hoyt)
June 26, 1957 – August 25, 2011
Laurie McAllistar was a bassist who is perhaps best remembered for being the last one to play in the influential all-girl rock band, the Runaways. Born and raised in Eugene, Oregon, McAllister landed in Hollywood where she played in such local punk outfits as the Rave Ons and Baby Roulette. In 1978, McAllister was asked to join the Runaways (replacing Vickie Blue), whose line-up at the time was Joan Jett, Cherie Curie, and Sandy West. She never had the chance to record with the group, but played several gigs before quitting several months later. The Runaways broke up shortly thereafter. McAllister went on to play in another Kim Fowley affiliated all-girl rock band, the Orchids, who released one album on MCA Records in 1980. After the Orchids broke up, McAllister moved to Amsterdam where she lived with Dutch musician and artist, Herman Brood. She became a veterinary technician and eventually settled back in her hometown of Eugene, Oregon. Laurie McAllister died from complications of asthma on August 25, 2011. She was 57.
Thanks to Bruce Kilgour at Slipped Disc Entertainment for the assist.