Valley Chics, 1977

Cherie Currie of The Runaways (right), with her twin sister Marie and Vicki Razorblade of Venus and the Razorblades photographed by Brad Elterman, who was in high school with Vicki, in 1977. Shot along the brick wall between Corbin Ave and Hamlin St. Reseda, California.

“I think of this photo in my dreams and it reminds me of my youth. We were all from the San Fernando Valley. Some of us escaped and others never left.” – Cherie Currie.

“My favorite photo of Cherie Currie. It was taken in 1977 out in the San Fernando Valley. I bought in twin sister Marie and the lovely Vicky Razorblade from Venus and the Razorblades. I can feel 1977 when I look at this photograph.” – Brad Elterman.

“I was hired by Nippon Phonogram Records in Japan to do this session of The Runaways lead singer Cherie Currie at her San Fernando Valley home. I had previously photographed her on stage, backstage, and hanging out. The Japanese wanted MORE PHOTOS! This time they wanted something more personal – her family life. Her identical twin sister Marie, pictured on the left, immediately caught my eye and I insisted on her joining the photo shoot. The stunning blonde in the center is a teenage Vickie Ronald who was in my class at Van Nuys High School. Later the legendary record producer Kim Fowley discovered Vicki and transformed her into “Vickie Razorblade” in a band called Venus and the Razorblades. Marie was also signed to a record label and like me, they all found a way to get out of the valley and to the other side of the hill.” – Brad Elterman

Brad Elterman is a professional photographer from Beverly Hills, California, who addressed the rock n’ roll lifestyle in Hollywood encompassing pop, punk and rock bands. He started his career at the age of 16 taking and selling a photo of Bob Dylan in concert in 1974. He went on to photograph numerous bands and artists of the 1970s, including the Faces with Rod Stewart, David Bowie, Robert Plant, Sex Pistols, the Runaways, Bebe Buell, Kiss, Queen, Blondie, the Ramones, Bay City Rollers, ABBA, Boney M, Kenny Rogers, The Who, Leif Garrett, Michael Jackson, among others. Some of the magazines, newspapers and other publications that he contributed to include Creem, Circus, Rolling Stone, People, Hit Parader, New York Post, National Enquirer, New Musical Express, and Melody Maker.