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Runway Runaway: A Backstage Pass to Fashion, Romance and Rock 'n Roll
Rebellious, headstrong, independent - and on her own at age 15 - Lorelei dreamed of being a model, and made that happen through serendipity; a chance meeting with a '70s SoCal Rock Star opened the A-list Hollywood doors to a wondrous world, as well as a full-blown romance. Pounding the pavement in L.A. and New York taught her the hard knocks of being a working class model. Sheer will and determination jetted her off to Europe, where she became a top runway and magazine model, and where she met the doomed love of her life, fiancé Steve Clark of Def Leppard. With humor, pathos, and a world map of insight, Runway RunAway takes readers on a breathless journey around the globe with a backstage pass to high fashion, true romance, and Rock 'n Roll from some of the biggest names in the business. ****California residents**** Please add $1.40 Sales Tax per 8.25%, making the total price including CA Sales Tax= $18.35 per book. Thank you! Amazon's computer system is so archaic and their programmers so lousy that they cannot calculate Sales Tax into their CheckOut page.... unlike PayPal, eBay and virtually all other Merchant Service companies. Unbelievable, yet (sadly) true....
304 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
17 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
About the author
Lorelei Shellist
3 books2 followersLorelei, an international Couture model and actress has been featured in several theatrical releases and films, and is now releasing her debut book, an autobiography about her life as a teen runaway, top model, actress, and struggles with her fiance's addiction. Lorelei's career as a fashion model, spokeswoman and counselor enable her to pursue her passion to inspire young adults with her story of survival and success. Lorelei resides with her life partner and two dogs by the beach in California"
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 1, 2010
I wanted to give this book five stars, but I gave it four just because toward the end especially she got really heavy-handed with the emotion and pain. I mainly bought this book because I am a big Def Leppard fan, and it was recommended to me by other fans. They said it would be difficult to read about Steve Clark's final years, and it was. Even though I bought the book to read about her relationship with Steve, which covers the last 100 pages or so, I was captivated through the whole thing. What an amazing life she has led!
I do wonder about her claims that the band, except for Phil, did not do much to help Steve during the last few years of his life. I know the band has spoken highly of her, and she thanked all of them in her liner notes, so I guess there aren't any hard feelings. Maybe they have all healed. I know Phil and Rick went to at least one of her book signings, and in the "Behind the Music" rockumenary, Joe mentioned that Loreli tried to tell the band how bad Steve's drinking had become and how seriously ill he was, but they did not take her seriously at first. Knowing how much alcohol they have all consumed in their lives, it would make sense that it took them awhile to recognize and understand Steve's addictions. Rick continued to have problems with alcohol and drugs even after Steve's death.
This is a well-written, engaging book, and as a person with a family history of addiction and dependency, I empathize with Loreli's co-dependent nature. I have drawn strength from reading about her struggles and eventual recovery.
I do wonder about her claims that the band, except for Phil, did not do much to help Steve during the last few years of his life. I know the band has spoken highly of her, and she thanked all of them in her liner notes, so I guess there aren't any hard feelings. Maybe they have all healed. I know Phil and Rick went to at least one of her book signings, and in the "Behind the Music" rockumenary, Joe mentioned that Loreli tried to tell the band how bad Steve's drinking had become and how seriously ill he was, but they did not take her seriously at first. Knowing how much alcohol they have all consumed in their lives, it would make sense that it took them awhile to recognize and understand Steve's addictions. Rick continued to have problems with alcohol and drugs even after Steve's death.
This is a well-written, engaging book, and as a person with a family history of addiction and dependency, I empathize with Loreli's co-dependent nature. I have drawn strength from reading about her struggles and eventual recovery.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2016
I bought this book, as i think most people did, to read about steve clark. and it was a real insight. I've read a lot of def leppard fans complaining that lorelei wrote too much about him, sold out and "disrespected his privacy" etc etc. I am nothing but appreciative and thankful that lorelei wrote what she did about him. it was a real insight. yes I've read and watched practically everything there is to know about him but this was even more of an eye opener. she says things none of the band members have ever said and frankly it made me angry that his fellow band members seemed to just want to gloss over steve's death (and illness) and immediately move on. it made me so, so angry at the lack of official recognition for what steve really went through. thankyou for writing this, lorelei, from the bottom of my heart.
July 15, 2009
An incredible story about a young woman, her life, and those she loved. A must read for any avid Def Leppard fan as well as anyone who loves biographies. Lorelei opens up and is raw and honest about what happened throughout her life and those she shared it with. A gripping novel throughout, it's a wonderful story of life, love, loss, and how one deals with it all.
November 5, 2009
Brilliant book. Lorelei's story is fascinating and well written.
January 15, 2015
One of my favorites! I love it!!!
July 17, 2023
For years I’ve wondered why an official book has never been written about legendary former guitarist Steve Clark of Def Leppard. Then one day while reading about Clark on Wikipedia, I discovered the existence of this book by Lorelei Shellist, his ex-girlfriend and former fiance. I got the book right away and was hooked from page one.
Runway Runaway reminds me of the great book Fall to Pieces by Mary Forsberg Weiland, who, just like Shellist, was a model who married a rock star and wrote a book about her life revealing what led to that point. Forsberg married (and divorced) Scott Weiland of the Stone Temple Pilots. Both she and Shellist have lived the exciting and chaotic lives of international models and just happened to marry musicians whose music I really like.
Shellist is an outstanding writer who, in the wild hustle and bustle of her young life, managed to observe and record her surroundings in an astoundingly detailed way. Readers will see from this book that she kept journals, which she reveals entries of from time to time. But I imagine she also must have taken copious notes about her surroundings from decades earlier to capture the sense of scenery and vivid detail she conveys in Runway Runaway.
Shellist doesn’t hold back as she talks about her sordid early family life and her no-nonsense dream to one day become a well-known world-traveling model. She leads the book off, smartly, by sharing a visit she made to gloomy Sheffield, England, to see Steve Clark’s grave. This is touching and sad, and the author ends the section by revealing that, following the graveside moment, she went for a beer at a nearby pub, where a song by Don Henley was playing. In the next chapter, readers are immediately whisked away to another time and place in the hills of Southern California, where Shellist meets and begins a longtime relationship with Henley, at the tender age of fifteen.
For fans of Def Leppard, there will definitely be a sense of anticipation in reading Runway Runaway while waiting to discover Shellist’s first encounter in Paris with Steve Clark in early 1984 – and what happens afterward. Her time with Clark is both a romantic and brutal tale. Prior to that moment in ‘84, Shellist dishes about drugs and the many people in the modeling industry she came across, as well as the many celebrities she’s met. Female models in the early 1980s were often treated horribly, and I was shocked to learn that some were never heard of again after agreeing to certain deals.
As much dishing as Shellist does, including a great part about Daryl Hall in Japan, I wish she would have talked more about the guys in Def Leppard. It could be she held back on that front to respect what she and those guys went through with Steve Clark’s addictions. Fans hoping to get a rock ‘n’ roll tell-all on the Leps will have to wait another day, but Shellist definitely reveals some harrowing encounters she experienced with Clark. One of those experiences occurred right after the band played a show in Champaign, Illinois, a concert I was at in 1988.
Runway Runaway is not without its flaws. There are editing issues, and I think the editor of the book could have reigned Shellist in a bit. Nonetheless, I’m impressed by the author’s writing and observational skills and was disappointed to see she hasn’t released other books to this point.
This is not the definitive book about Steve Clark that his fans have been waiting for, but it’s a great start. I’d read it if you’re a big Def Leppard fan.
Runway Runaway reminds me of the great book Fall to Pieces by Mary Forsberg Weiland, who, just like Shellist, was a model who married a rock star and wrote a book about her life revealing what led to that point. Forsberg married (and divorced) Scott Weiland of the Stone Temple Pilots. Both she and Shellist have lived the exciting and chaotic lives of international models and just happened to marry musicians whose music I really like.
Shellist is an outstanding writer who, in the wild hustle and bustle of her young life, managed to observe and record her surroundings in an astoundingly detailed way. Readers will see from this book that she kept journals, which she reveals entries of from time to time. But I imagine she also must have taken copious notes about her surroundings from decades earlier to capture the sense of scenery and vivid detail she conveys in Runway Runaway.
Shellist doesn’t hold back as she talks about her sordid early family life and her no-nonsense dream to one day become a well-known world-traveling model. She leads the book off, smartly, by sharing a visit she made to gloomy Sheffield, England, to see Steve Clark’s grave. This is touching and sad, and the author ends the section by revealing that, following the graveside moment, she went for a beer at a nearby pub, where a song by Don Henley was playing. In the next chapter, readers are immediately whisked away to another time and place in the hills of Southern California, where Shellist meets and begins a longtime relationship with Henley, at the tender age of fifteen.
For fans of Def Leppard, there will definitely be a sense of anticipation in reading Runway Runaway while waiting to discover Shellist’s first encounter in Paris with Steve Clark in early 1984 – and what happens afterward. Her time with Clark is both a romantic and brutal tale. Prior to that moment in ‘84, Shellist dishes about drugs and the many people in the modeling industry she came across, as well as the many celebrities she’s met. Female models in the early 1980s were often treated horribly, and I was shocked to learn that some were never heard of again after agreeing to certain deals.
As much dishing as Shellist does, including a great part about Daryl Hall in Japan, I wish she would have talked more about the guys in Def Leppard. It could be she held back on that front to respect what she and those guys went through with Steve Clark’s addictions. Fans hoping to get a rock ‘n’ roll tell-all on the Leps will have to wait another day, but Shellist definitely reveals some harrowing encounters she experienced with Clark. One of those experiences occurred right after the band played a show in Champaign, Illinois, a concert I was at in 1988.
Runway Runaway is not without its flaws. There are editing issues, and I think the editor of the book could have reigned Shellist in a bit. Nonetheless, I’m impressed by the author’s writing and observational skills and was disappointed to see she hasn’t released other books to this point.
This is not the definitive book about Steve Clark that his fans have been waiting for, but it’s a great start. I’d read it if you’re a big Def Leppard fan.
February 18, 2025
I picked this book up since I was a fan of Def Leppard back in the day. However, that was really only the last third of the book. I went into this book blind, not knowing anything about the author. I enjoy the occasional autobiography. The author has lived an interesting life, for sure, and this book was an enjoyable read. I think the issue I have with this book is that most of the book just seems like she is bragging...about everything. Also, nothing is ever her fault, no responsibility taken and a lot of hypocrisy going on here. The author put herself above groupies, she was a "rock wife", not a groupie, although no vows were ever exchanged. I have read several books by admitted groupies and I ended up with the same feelings I had after I finished this book, just sadness for this kind of life. Just so much drugs and sleeping around with people who just seemed to be using her. She did really seem to take his alcoholism seriously at the very end of the book, but it really bothered me that after it was already established that Steve Clark was an alcoholic, she continued to drink and do drugs with him. All in all, I did enjoy the book, but I don't think I would have liked the person very much.
February 22, 2024
Yo entiendo que no todo mundo nacemos siendo escritores, ni creo que la vida de todos deba convertirse en un libro. Yo no soy escritora, ni pretendo serlo.
Le doy una estrella por tener la valentía de hablar tanto de sus luces como de sus sombras, pero que PÉSIMO trabajo hizo su editor.
Si había una historia qué contar aquí, me perdí entre brincos gramaticales y temporales (que al principio juré que eran para darle punch al hecho de vivir drogada) ya después me di cuenta que es porque su editor(a) dejó muuuucho que desear.
Me aburrí muchísimo.
Si aún así decides leerlo, busca la versión impresa, la versión en kindle contiene imágenes que no se alcanzan a apreciar y que solo sirven para spoilear el capítulo.
Le doy una estrella por tener la valentía de hablar tanto de sus luces como de sus sombras, pero que PÉSIMO trabajo hizo su editor.
Si había una historia qué contar aquí, me perdí entre brincos gramaticales y temporales (que al principio juré que eran para darle punch al hecho de vivir drogada) ya después me di cuenta que es porque su editor(a) dejó muuuucho que desear.
Me aburrí muchísimo.
Si aún así decides leerlo, busca la versión impresa, la versión en kindle contiene imágenes que no se alcanzan a apreciar y que solo sirven para spoilear el capítulo.
February 17, 2022
Confession time: I bought this book after seeing Rick Allen's IG remembrance of Steve Clark. I was stunned to learn it had been 30 years since his death. This book is an excellent biography of not just Lorelei's amazing life, but her life with Steve- the good, the bad and the ugly. Thanks to Lorelei for sharing hers and Steven's stories.
March 16, 2025
This is the whole story of a person who could only count on herself to make her dream come true. Strong will and learning by error is the only way to achieve and succeed in life ! Her story is something that a lot of people should read, understand and appreciate! Thank you for sharing your story !
March 24, 2019
I loved it.
It was eye opening into some of the lives of that lifestyle. I loved it. I didn't want to put it down.
It was eye opening into some of the lives of that lifestyle. I loved it. I didn't want to put it down.
November 26, 2016
This was an amazing read. I enjoyed everything she covered, from her childhood to her visit to Steve's grave. Lorelei gave me a look into the world of fashion (something I don't know much about) and a peek into the different cultures and countries on planet Earth. My heart went out to Lorelei and Steve as he battled alcoholism. I really enjoyed how she grew as a person through the book, and also took responsibility for her own mistakes in the relationship. But she sought help and took what was offered to her. Her own recovery was immense. Go, Lorelei. I'm more of a minimal DL fan, but I enjoy reading about WAGs (wives and girlfriends) and groupies and their experiences with the men who create music. I'd highly recommend her book. After reading this one, I sort of want to delve into Phil Collen's now.
October 10, 2013
If you grew up in the 80s, this is a trip down memory lane. Lorelei gives her take on growing up in Southern California and hanging with the rock stars of the early 80s. Name dropping is not enough. She's also a successful model that finds her self in an abusive relationship with a member of Def Leppard. I ended going back and watching videos just to remember some of the songs back then. It is interesting to see Lorelei Shellist perspective on her relationship with Steve Clark.
I enjoyed this read, and even if you didn't grow up in the 80s, it will give you an insight as if you had.
I enjoyed this read, and even if you didn't grow up in the 80s, it will give you an insight as if you had.
September 4, 2023
Rarely have I enjoyed an autobiography as much as I did this one. What a life Lorelei Shellist has led. I got this as an Audible listen, and honestly half of the entertainment was listening to her velvety, mesmerizing narration. From her beginnings growing up in California, breaking into modeling, dating rock stars such as Don Henley, to family drama and heartbreak, her years in Paris and overseas in Japan -- wow. What a tale. If you love rock 'n' roll history with a dash of fashion world gossip, check this out!
March 30, 2013
A great insight to the life of Lorelei Shellist and her chance meeting with Steve Clark of Def Leppard fame. I love the stories she shares about Def Leppard and Steve Clark. The funny ones and the more serious ones. Love this book.
January 20, 2025
A reread for me, but it had been 5+ years. Loved it again! Love the insight on Don and Steve as I love reading about the lives of all my favorite musicians but the writing telling of the rest of her life is interesting as well.
February 16, 2024
Very good read. It was interesting to read about the turmoil that Steve Clark of Def Leppard was living in, alcoholism is a terrible thing. Rest In Peace Steve we your fans will always love you.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews