As a teenager in the late 1970′s, Lita Ford was a founding member and lead guitarist of the pioneering all-female rock group, The Runaways. In the 80s Lita began the solo career, released four albums as well as a duet with metal master Ozzy Osbourne.
Catch the queen of metal, Lita Ford, in Australia this May playing two very special shows: May 23rd @ Prince Bandroom, Melbourne & May 25th @ Factory Theatre, Sydney.
We wanted to find out what Lita likes to eat on tour, where her favourite venue is and what the most outrageous food she’s asked for on a rider.
What were your food influences when you were growing up and what kind of food did you eat at home or with your family?
I am not American, so we did NOT grow up on burgers n fries, although I love um, my Mother was a full blooded Roman and my Father a British gentleman, I grew up on pasta’s, steaks, and Shepard’s Pie. Always with dessert ice creams or chocolates.
I DO have a sweet tooth!
What dish or cuisine do you most like to eat on tour and why?
I don’t eat too much on tour, I try to stay hydrated with LOTS of water or Gatorade, but when I do sit down and chow, it’s usually on a day off . Then I try to stick to something that’s kind to my digestive track.
Food can slow you down, give you bad breath , and some times makes you go to the bathroom too much. I like sushi or sashimi…. Or if a great steak house comes along, I’m there, BUT on a day off, with a Crème Brulee’ and a good cup of coffee.
What is your ideal cooking playlist?
Smooth Grooves would be it for me. They are easier, and quicker to make and eat and digest. You can put just about anything in a blender.
What type of food do you make sure to avoid before a gig or going on stage?
Anything that makes me thirsty . Garlic, salt or anything fried.
What’s the most outrageous food you’ve ever asked for on a rider?
Doggie treats……Pupperoni’s!!! A couple of promoters got our rider’s wrong and actually , they put pepperoni sticks in our dressing rooms. Our guitar tech , Dugie, thought our Pupperoni’s were for people at one show. ‘’because they were not in a bag’’. He said, Lita, are these for people? As he took a bite of the pepperoni stick…..After a couple of months, it got kinda confusing.
What has been your biggest cooking disaster to date?
Ah. Hmmmm, Probably the great big juicy steak I came home with the other night. I didn’t have a pan to cook it in because I just moved to a new location. The steak went into a the fridge and never came out…I think it’s still in there.
When you tour overseas, what food from home do you miss the most?
I don’t really miss food, unless there is no where to get GOOD cooked food. I don’t travel with a cook. So, some times you find your self in a wacky part of the country where there is not too much of anything.
Where is your favourite music venue to eat at and why?
I like The Hard Rock Café’s. They have good food and are all over the World. But, I also like to try the country or state’s specialties, like they say, (WHEN IN ROME, DO LIKE THE ROMANS)
If you could invent a candy bar what would it be?
White chocolate and Caramel. No nut’s! Or Milk Chocolate!
What is your signature dish?
Lasagne! My Mother being a Roman, taught me how to cook, I would take a lasagne with me to the recording studio for the guys.
Or, just a big bowl of pasta sauce. It really is THE BEST ever!
