I ran into my friend and IMT Des Moines Marathon director Chris Burch Friday evening. I was at our CITYVIEW Wine and Whiskey Walk at West Glen. He was, in his words, “geeking out” with a video game at The Operating Room arcade while waiting for his daughter to finish practice at School of Rock. When he told me this, I commented how much I truly enjoyed seeing the School of Rock performers on stage at Green Days in Johnston this past summer. Chris told me that his daughter performed then as well. I put two and two together and asked him if she was the one who sang “Cherry Bomb.” He nodded in affirmation.
At this point I felt a little creepy telling a father than I vividly recall seeing his teenage daughter sing a song several months ago. As a father of three daughters, I get it. But I was so impressed with her rendition of this song by The Runaways from the 1980s that it stuck in my mind.
Truth be told, I had not heard the song prior to watching Chris’ daughter sing it. But she and her band members made this song rock, so I did what most any red-blooded American would do today: I looked it up on YouTube. Be prepared. The Runaways “Cherry Bomb” live video from Japan in 1977 is much more risqué than what the School of Rock performs. Even so, both are incredibly entertaining.
“Cherry Bomb” was the debut single by the Runaways from their self-titled debut album in 1976. It was ranked 52nd on VH1's 100 Greatest Hard Rock Songs. I realize that you may not know much about The Runaways, but many of you reading this likely have heard music in the 1980s by Joan Jett or Lita Ford. Throw in lead singer Cherie Currie, Sandy West and Jackie Fox, and you have the all-female band that influenced so many, including many of the young performers at School of Rock.
So what is School of Rock, you ask? Well, it is basically some really good music lessons — including singing, piano, bass guitar, drums, and keys — taught by local practicing musicians. Students can perform live shows and develop their skills in a learning environment with a diverse set of styles, including country, pop and rock. They practice at 7450 Bridgewood Blvd., Suite 200, in West Des Moines. Check out their website at or give them a call at 515-999-7625 for more information. Or, when you know they are playing, be sure to check them out and support their efforts.
Hello, Dad. Hello, Mom. Ch ch ch ch ch ch… cherry bomb!
Have a terrific Tuesday, and thanks for reading.
Shane Goodman
President and Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305 | 
