Iconic guitarist of THE RUNAWAYS and shred queen LITA FORD was awarded by Guitar Player Magazine the Certified Legend Award as the first female shredder on March 26th at the Rock Against MS Benefit concert. Guitar Player Editor in Chief Michael Molenda and staff recognized Lita Ford as a ground breaking inspiration for girls AND boys who want to express themselves through guitar.

“It has been many hurdles I've had to jump over in a 40 year span to get this award'' explains Lita Ford. “Breaking ground as the first woman of rock, I waited a life time for this recognition - Thank You Guitar Player and Mike Molenda.”

This award was Inspired by Chet Atkins’ phrase “Certified Guitar Player”—and typically bestowed at NAMM during Muriel Anderson’s All-Star Guitar Night—this award debuted in 2003 with Les Paul as the first recipient. Since then, GP has honored Duane Eddy, Nokie Edwards, Dick Dale, Larry Carlton, Tommy Emmanuel, Mike Stern, Lee Ritenour, Robben Ford, Joe Perry, and others. Now Lita Ford is a name added to the big league of legends.

Fan-filmed video from the night is available below:

The 2nd Annual Rock Against MS concert on March 26th at the Whisky A Go-Go was sold-out again, raising over $17k. This marks another amazing All-Star concert bringing awareness to the public as well as raising funds to finish the newly formed non-profit, Rock Against MS Foundation that will help Multiple Sclerosis sufferers and their families with assistance now.

“The build-up of the foundation to fully function is coming together well, as the paperwork takes time for approvals,” explains Nancy B. Sayle, Founder and PPMS sufferer. “It has some way to go still, as we are at the start of the journey. The resources are slim for us MSer’s and I want to help people cheat it. MS people need to feel as normal as possible, while getting help and comfort both emotionally and monetarily for daily care, holistic healing and in times of emergency needs.”

In its finishing stages, the Rock Against MS Foundation will provide services from a three (3) grant resource system, which will provide daily care, quality of life needs and emergency funding, while assisting people with multiple sclerosis (MS) to live independent and full lives. Additionally, a brick and mortar facility we will call The Rock House is in the planning stages, and will provide free of charge, multiple programs and opportunities designed to heal the mind, body and spirit of all those whose lives have been affected by MS.

For more information about the above go to LitaFordonline.com and RockAgainstMSFoundation.