PART of the original motley crew of rock chicks, Cherie Currie is back with a new band for her first UK tour as a solo artist.

From teen hell raiser and lead vocalist of 1970s all-female rock band the Runaways with the likes of Joan Jett and Lita Ford, Cherie has without a doubt lived the ultimate rock and roll lifestyle.

But her time with the band was short lived and she left after just two and a half years and a well-documented drug problem, which featured in her autobiography Neon Angel, nearly destroyed her career and her life.

But after cleaning up her act, and working as a drug counsellor, more recently she has teamed up with Shameless bassist Alexx Michael for her first visit to the UK in 35 years, and will play the Railway Venue in Bromley Cross on November 10.

Cherie said: "The Runaways tour was a bit of a blur so I can't say if I played in Bolton or not but I am thrilled to be able to now.

"Alexx approached me with this idea and I'm so delighted that he came to the plate and made this happen. We have worked together on his projects and I have never met such a kind, unaffected music man. He took the rains and put together this great band and hooked us up with our agent Alex as well. Alexx is a powerhouse and I'm really looking forward to playing in Bolton."

Cherie was barely 16 when she hit the big time as the Runaways singer but quit just two and a half years later after releasing three albums with the band, including a self-titled debut, followed by Queens of Noise and Live in Japan.

Cherie went on to have success as a solo artist and worked with her twin sister Marie on songs such as Since You've Been Gone.

Speaking of how she has turned her life around, she said: "I'd have to write you a book! Life happened and now I'm a mother of a fine musician, Jake Hays, who produced my latest album Reverie. He also has an amazing record deal and is on the road as we speak with his band Maudlin Strangers. He's so talented."

Cherie believes that the music industry has changed for the worse for artists today.

She said: "I got into all the '70s icons but David Bowie, Suzi Quatro, Elton John and Alice Cooper are on the top of that list. It was a trail blazing time in music and the perfect time for a band like The Runaways.

"I do think that music right now is more of a 'cookie cutter' business though, which is a shame. So many talented people with something special will find it harder these days. If you're not an 'American Idol' type singer you have to work far harder in the USA. So many young people may abandon their dream and that bothers me."

When she is not singing and writing music, Cherie has a very different job.

She said: "I love art and getting out into the great outdoors. I am a chainsaw artist for a living and have always been drawn to the simpler way of life.

"For my woodcarving, I have lots if orders. A saddle back sea turtle, a giraffe, even a Big Foot! Also dogs, pets – just to name a few. It always keeps my guessing and I love giving a client something no one else could."

The Cherie Currie Band play at the Railway Venue on November 10 with Last Great Dreamers.