Lita is very Sweet and talendted. I've met her twice, she happened to have a guitar event when I was on vacation in California. Two days later, my wife and I were in Los Angeles. We went into a coffee shop to buy a coffee to go. The place was almost empty but at one of the tables was Lita, alone. I went there, said hi and asked if I could get an autograph. She asked where I was from, probably because of my accent , I'm from Sweden. She asked me to sit down, I said I had been to the event and thought it was good, got an autograph then too and she said she recognized me. Maybe she just wanted to be nice, but she was really super friendly and asked if it was my wife who was at the counter buying coffee (my wife had no idea who Lita Ford is) She asked her to come over and shook hands with her too. We talked for a few minutes then we left her alone. She wished us a nice holiday. A very sweet and down to earth lady...
Lita is one of the kindest most honest woman that has ever been in the rock industry. I was luck enough to meet her this last year at the hotel before a concert and she was simply amazing. Couldn't have been nicer. Glad to see her standing on her own to feet and to hell with those that try to put or hold her down.
I saw her randomly in Panama City Beach Florida. But I was too much of a chickenshit to say anything. I know celebrities get bothered alot but it was super random to me , I heard later she lived around there somewhere.
When I read the comments after watching the video, I was astounded by the shallow soulless statements and was deeply disappointed. Here is a woman bearing her soul about some serious issues, and so many of you yahoo's are harping on her tattoos, or have this "she was so much hotter in the 80's" mentality. She is a human being who just so happens to be an artist, but her humanity shone through here. I have been a fan of Lita Ford for a long time, and will continue to be a fan, but as a human, I applaud her rediscovery of herself and the courage to escape an abusive relationship. Thanks for such a candid view.
Knowing how old she is, and a little of what she's been through, I think she looks AMAZING. I always wished I could look like her, as a kid on up. I can only dream of looking as beautiful, and "healthy" as she looks now.
Would you like to hear about my ex and what a monster she was? Or you couldn't give a fuck because I'm a guy? Lita is a big girl and made her own choices.
Seeing Lita here so honest and vulnerable and just down to earth makes me love her even more. Doesn’t hurt that she’s still so beautiful. Her unbelievably open and honest answers were way too much for this young man to handle in an interview.
@@ontherunjg I saw no woman "having a mental breakdown" here. But what I do see here in the comments are some incel men, who like hating on all women just because of a bad experience they had, and now they won't get over it, and like to trash talk all women. Lame. I studied astrology well. Lita is a virgo and her husband a scorpio. Everything lita described about her husband is typical male scorpio traits. Controlling, Stalkerish and manipulative. Those are typical Scorpio male traits. Watch videos of what a Virgo Female is like. They are one of the best (if not THE BEST) out of all women for a good honest/loyal/nice/faithful girlfriend/wife. So I totally believe Lita. And not the sh*tty dude. Shania Twain and her husband Mutt Lang was also a Virgo Female & Scoroio Male couple. And look what he did. He left her for her best friend.
I saw her open for Ratt in 1985 at a small half empty venue and she still rocked out. Lita comes across as a very cool, and an intelligent well spoken person! I am a clinical therapist as well as a musician. She was asked to tell her story and she did. With all that she has been through (especially in her marriage) she seems very healthy, good for her! The people with the negative comments need to get a life. What ever happened to "if you can't say something nice about a person don't say anything at all."
Props to Lita!! She is an incredible guitar player and ground breaker for women everywhere. She is still so beautiful and true to herself, even after everything she's been though. She's an inspiration!!
I had no idea she was so wonderful. She wised up and realized she had one sane move. Leave, all she knew, to be alone and start again. . .She has the joy in her eyes of being true to her self. Priceless. Lita has power beyond fear and ego. She's a brave soul. You go woman. The world needs the lessons you paid for.
Wow, Lita Ford always struck me as a totally in control, strong ass woman. I remember being maybe 14, and having her as the only woman on my walls of metal posters. She kicked so much butt, looked so good and seemed like she could OWN any dude in the room. To think that she was in this situation where this man exercised so much damn control over her.....I'm pretty floored. Good for her for taking control of her life and getting out of that situation. Keep kicking ass, Lita!
There are 3 sides to every story. Don't be so quick to believe her 'every word'. I am sure Jim's side of the story would be much different. She's got a victim mentality.
Karina Per most women want a man to take control... until he turns into a complete small penis loser. Then he becomes an azzhole...😞. Only when you get tired of him is he an asshole.
I've always admired Lita Ford for years. I've been a fan of hers since I saw her music videos back in the 1980's. I never knew during her fame back then that she was enduring so much torment. People need to understand that these celebrities (past and present) are at their most admirable... when they expose that in the end, they're human like you and I. Seeing her bare her scars like this over her abusive marriage was painful, yes. However, it also shows that she's human... like you and I and everyone else on this planet. I just wish I could give her a hug and a kiss and tell her, "Thank you for everything. If you ever need a shoulder to cry on, I'm here." (Probably sounds cringey, but whatever.) I can only hope that Lita Ford can fully recover from the mental scars she has bore for so many years.
They were ground breakers. As a young girl listening to the Runaway's, their music made our generation feel powerful and strong. It was a completely new sound for us.
I don't think the interviewer had any idea what he was in for. This is Lita pouring her heart out about some serious issues. I'm really glad she got away from her control freak ex-husband. Seen this happen to many great women, such a shame. Really hope she re-claims her own identity. Stay strong Lita!
I agree with everything except I think the interviewer knew exactly where it was going. After having watched quite a few of these - Graham is a very skilled interviewer - deceptively so. He really asks good questions and coaxes detailed responses. And good for Lita for airing it out. It's hard to have those conversations out loud. I really hope she gets that Grammy some day.
@@CanItAlready depends on whose side of the story you listen to. Jim Gillete and their two sons paint a WILDLY different picture. she's bipolar and event the social worker was ready to take her kids away from her. I'm not trying to even side with Jim here. There are two sides of the story with each one painting the other as a demon, and while I would normally tend to believe her (seen too many abusive husbands), we have a ton of testimony from not only Jim, but their two children AND The intervention of a social worker... sadly we'll probably never know the truth
wormraper The only claims that she's bipolar seem to come from Jim. One of her son's claims a court appointed shrink told him his mother was mentally ill, but considering he was a child when all this was happening, his understanding and recollection are not necessarily reliable. Jim has refused to tell his side of the story even at his sons' urging. Is it so far-fetched that a man who was controlling every aspect of his wife's life and career--according her-- also controlled his sons the same way?
Lita.. you can do a damn sight better than your ex, not only are you one of the legendary rock goddesses of the 80's, but your also a very honest lady with your conversations, I salute that totally.. I love your music and I hope you keep going forever.. \m/
If she doesn't talk about her experience other people might suffer the same trouble. It's like her moral duty to warn the young'uns like a beloved grammer at the campfire.
Damn, this is the deepest discussion on Wikipedia yet, And I don’t think anyone will surpass it. Lita is bearing her soul here, and I totally respect her and admire her for doing it. I remember the show on VH1 “Where Are They Now” and she was living on a Caribbean island, and out of music. I thought it was very odd. Now I know why, and what happened.
Lita, you are such an incredible talent, as well as an inspiration. And I hate so much that you had to endure such hardship from a smothering husband. I too have had to endure opression from my significant other. And it's both life-draining and miserable. So kudos to you, for your ability to both fight and produce incredible music, despite the empediments. You are a true hero. And my respect for you is soul-deep.
Lita Ford is such an amazing and beautiful woman. I had no idea she was put through so much bullshit by her ex husband. Good for her for standing up to him and saying enough. I think this became a way better interview by her transparency and showing she is vulnerable and human like everyone else. We all make mistakes and we are all human. It's how we get up and recover from our failures is what makes each one of us great.
I met Lita and Jim back in 2009 at an autograph show - it was VERY CLEAR who was in charge and it wasn't Lita. My drummer roadied for Lita a while back and all the crew was telling him she was a "kept woman" who couldn't take a piss without his permission. He eventually turned her own kids against her. Both her boys were "mini-me's" of Jim with mohawks and clothing. I felt bad for her - she was so appreciative of my wife and mine love of her music and career. She kept hugging us.
I met Lita and Jim back in 1995 after a hurricane almost destroyed their home in Florida, all of the contractors were in stands and scared to even say hi to her....he would come and ask if she had come and said anything to us, was just a bunch of BS. Jim has a big problem trusting his wife. It did not stop me from chatting with her. She is a remarkable woman.
As much as I love Lita and her music, let's be real here. This is America, we have plenty of options and help for spousal abuse/control victims. All she had to do was pick up the phone. Women love bad boys, that's why they go for tattooed ex convicts. It's exciting for them. Don't feel sorry for her, she chose him and stayed with him. And she is responsible for allowing those young boys to be exposed to the abuser. Shit mom. Selfish woman. She's no pushover or wilted little flower.
sparkymgtow Um no not really. You are painting her with a VERY broad brush. She literally stayed for her kids. She wanted out of the marriage about a year in, but she was pregnant and felt her obligation that the kids have both a mother and father was more important. Sure, there was some enabling on her part, but one has to understand that he was not controlling 24/7. They also lived most of their marriage on a boat in the Bahamas, far from just being able to "walk away". So in a sense she was trapped in her marriage; torn between leaving a control freak and raising her children. When Jim sensed she was looking for a way out, he started turning her boys against her. When he found out she had been talking to people about leaving the marriage, he flew them all to the Bahamas and took everyone's passports, It took some careful arrangements with the US Embassy to get her back the US. Some women DO find themselves stuck in a marriage with little or no way out because of finances or children etc. To paint Lita as asking for it because she stayed, is just ridiculous.
Good to see that she’s still rockin’. Lita Ford is one of the absolute queens of rock n roll. She definitely deserves a place at the top. I remember her mom had a little advice column in RIP magazine called “Ask Mama Ford”, I believe. Kinda like a “Dear Abby” for the heavy metal kids. I wonder if she (Lita) is gonna be touring LA any time…
@Melissa King unfortunately young men just don't know how to comfort someone when the subject is very deep. This interview was tough to watch because I have a mother that lived a similar situation, with a controlling asshole. I just wanted to hug Lita.
I am so very proud of you, Lita. You stood up for yourself and got out of your marriage when you thought it was time to go. CONGRATULATIONS and I can't wait to hear your music. Rock On Woman.
what Lita is describing is life with a typical narcissist. A narcissist will do all they can to control you. When they realize that they no longer have control over you, they will then do all they can to control how others see you. This is why he turned her kids against her.
I actually like the old Nitro albums and Jim Gillette's "Vocal Power" video, but strangely, I found this bizarre MMA forum like 15 years back where Gillette posted on regularly (pretty much confirmed it was him) and he seemed like a real prick. I didn't get the best vibe from stuff I've read/seen of him post 80's Nitro. I buy Lita's story completely. That Wicked Wonderland album was a disaster too, it was like 15 years too late when it came out (industrial nu metal) and the Gillette interviews gave me the heebee jeebees too.
She’s so down to earth and relatable. She’s just like many other women who have married insecure men and ended up in controlling relationships, thank God for her she survived it. I have a friend who is going through the same alienation with her kids because of her Ex, it’s heartbreaking. She is such a badass musician I can’t wait to hear more from her 🤘🏽💛
Hahahahahaha I honestly don't care if you think that Lita Ford isn't badass. I do. It's kind of funny how you assume that because you just state that she isn't, that somehow you'll completely change my viewpoint on her. Like "Oh... she isn't?? Oh well I'll just have to change my perspective on what's cool and what's not... please train me!!" Like I said before, get the fuck out of here. Hahahaha.
Much respect to you Lita. I first listened to your music in the 80's. Thanks for being open and cuttingly honest. I can relate exactly to some of your relationship experiences. Living with a control-freak/bully was a nightmare. Whew. And moving right along...
This woman's been through hell! Poor lady was badly emotionally abused but I'm very glad that she got away from that loser! She deserves so much more and better!
"What do you wanna do with your life?" is not in We're not gonna take it -video of Twisted Sister. It is in Twisted Sister's I wanna rock -video... The teacher asks a guy that question and he answers "I wanna Rock!"
God... I just wanna give her a hug or trash some guitars and a hotel with her The band I'm in opened for her a few times before I joined and all stories they had say despite being rock n roll's 80's diva she is one of the least diva-y and all out coolest people they have played it
Lita Ford is an icon, no doubt. My highest respect for her as growing up teenager of the 80's and guitar shredder in the 90's. That time is gone forever.
Lita, I enjoyed speaking with you back then years ago in Perdido Key. I know you went through some hard times. Good to know that you remained strong for yourself and your kids. You haven't changed and are as beautiful as always.
And the correct answer to,"What do you want to do with your life? I wanna rock! Even though it was the we're not gonna take it video. I can't believe I missed Lita. Thanks Graham.
I met Lita and Jim back in 2009 when they were touring with Queensryche. I was oblivious to their marriage and the situation at the time, but I did notice their two boys looked like Jim. I just thought it was the family Lita was comfortable with. I never realized the turmoil happening for her. Lita was such a sweet lady, and I really wish things had been different for her. She deserves to be happy. :)
Wow these were hard questions. I've been reading Lita's book an she just kicks ass. All of the Runaways did. I feel really sorry for her about what her jackass of an ex did to her kids. I met her at a rock merchandise fest and got some things signed along with a picture. She was so nice and people were yelling out "I love you Lita!" Ha ha.
I'd like to say I saw Lita live in 1988 ... but the truth was I was passed out down the back of the RDS Dublin after drinking 3 cans of Ritz, but managed to wake up for Bon Jovi/
I just read an article from Jim's point of view. Apparently, he got sole custody of the children (which is next to impossible in America unless the mom is a lunatic). There was a call to the sheriff's office where she said he hit her but the kids said that crazy, that she constantly abused them and him and when the cops made him leave, the kids were crying because they told the cops that they were afraid she would kill them. That is why there are always two sides of every story.
I lived through it. I have never spoken publicly about it even after being offered money. Everything she says in this interview is true. I was in the band during that time period and left for the same reason Lita left. I love Lita and her music. She is so sweet and loving and truly loves her children. I know I traveled with her and the family and she was a wonderful mother. Lita is great!
Tom Cavanagh you could be right, I don't know the situation, only from what the court docs say. Yes, I know there is a type of abuse that makes the abused side with the abuser, as she said here. At the same time, having your children say that about you and be convincing enough for a court to award the father sole custody is rare in itself too. That is what courts are for I guess.
Lita was absolutely cool as shit when I met her in 2011. Got to hang backstage for quite a while....She was the real deal and one of my very favorite artists I have ever hung out with. Had a blast!
Lita Ford is a beautiful, talented lady. I've been a huge fan since the 1980's. As a guitar player, a singer, a writer, a performer; I find Lita at the top of the game. She never disappoints and always puts 110% into her work. Love you always, Lita!!
@@daveg4236 Indeed they do. They were living proof that throwing together top-notch musicians doesn't automatically result in quality songs being written.
Her story hits home for me. My parents divorced in 2008 and before my mom couldn't do much of anything. We couldn't go out and do things and all he seemed to care about was money.
