Lita Ford, the pioneering rock guitarist whose career spans nearly five decades, continues to captivate audiences with her iconic sound. When Ford emerged on the rock scene as a member of The Runaways in the 1970s, she said she was often defined by her gender in a predominantly male-dominated industry. “The ‘girl thing’ was a way for people to categorize you,” she said. “It made it politically okay for people to accept you. I just wanted to play guitar. I didn’t care if I was a girl or boy—it was irrelevant to me.” Ford described her relationship with the guitar as a “gift from God,” serving as her creative outlet in times of joy and frustration alike. “It was my go-to," she said. "Whenever I felt pissed off, sick, or just happy, I played guitar.” As much has changed in the music industry, Ford said the essence of rock and roll music hasn't. “The music is still the same," she noted. "Touring, technology—those things have changed. But the core of rock remains timeless.” Ford is aware of her impact on female musicians and fans, a role she didn’t initially anticipate. “It wasn’t something I planned, but it’s important now,” she said. “I just wanted to play guitar, and everything else followed.” British-born American musician Lita Ford, of the Runaways, plays guitar as she performs onstage at the Aragon Ballroom, Chicago, Illinois, January 20, 1978. (Photo by Paul Natkin/Getty Images) As for what lies ahead, Ford is already looking toward 2025. “It’s going to be a big year with lots of shows booked,” she revealed. “We’re going to rock it.” For her fans, Ford’s message is clear: “Come to the shows, appreciate the music, and have a great time. Take those memories with you.” Ford will be creating memories on Coast-to-Coast Countdown to 2025, an exclusive New Year’s Eve special that will transport over 50 million American homes through four time zones of midnight celebrations live from the iconic Treasure Island Hotel and Casino lagoon on the Las Vegas Strip. The Jacksons, Foreigner, Rick Springfield, Sheila E., Spin Doctors, Lisa Lisa, George Thorogood, Exposé, Deborah Cox, Morris Day, and Lee Rocker of the Stray Cats will join Lita Ford to rock you into 2025. Check your local listings for details on how to watch, or stream Coast-to-Coast Countdown to 2025 LIVE on this website and enjoy exclusive bonus content not seen anywhere else.