The Runaways And The Late-Night Writing Session That Produced Cherry Bomb

April 2, 2025

In the dim glow of the rehearsal space, the air buzzed with excitement and creativity. It was a late night in the summer of 1976, and the members of The Runaways—five fierce girls with a burning passion for rock and roll—were gathered around a small table, surrounded by the clutter of their dreams. Joan Jett, Lita Ford, Cherie Currie, Sandy West, and Jackie Fox were not just a band; they were a revolution. Together, they were challenging the norms of a music industry that had rarely given young women the chance to shine. But that night, they were a group of friends, ready to pour their souls into something new.

As the clock ticked past midnight, Joan, with her trademark black hair and fierce spirit, struck a few power chords on her guitar, the sound echoing off the walls. The band had been searching for a song that was bold enough to make a statement, something that would define them. Cherie, sitting at the edge of the table, began to brainstorm lyrics, her voice soft but filled with conviction. Inspired by the exhilaration of youth and a touch of rebellion, she scribbled down lines that spoke about desire and freedom, capturing the heart of what it meant to be young and wild.

Suddenly, the room erupted with energy as Lita joined in, her electric guitar riffs adding a new layer to the melody that was beginning to take shape. The band members fed off each other’s energy, pushing and challenging one another. They laughed, debated, and sometimes even argued, but each moment was necessary to bring their collective vision to life. As the night wore on, the lyrics for “Cherry Bomb” blossomed into something powerful, almost like a call to arms for girls everywhere to embrace their individuality and strength.

Once the music was complete, they played it over and over, the ground shaking beneath them with the rhythm of their dreams. They knew they had created something special, something that could change their lives forever. “Cherry Bomb” wasn’t just a song; it was an anthem for a generation. It expressed their frustrations, their hopes, and the intoxicating feeling of being young and unstoppable. Each note they played seemed to echo their determination to break barriers and be heard in a male-dominated industry.

The success of “Cherry Bomb” propelled The Runaways into the spotlight, giving them a chance to tour the world and show everyone what they could do. With every performance, they inspired countless young girls to take up instruments, to write their own music, and to believe in themselves. The late-night writing session became a defining moment in their lives, a reminder that dreams can be born from passion and hard work. Even when faced with challenges, they learned to rely on each other, to push through doubts, and to keep chasing their dreams as a united force.

Reflecting on that night years later, each member of The Runaways realized something essential: their music was more than just entertainment; it was a statement of empowerment and resilience. They had discovered not only their sound but also their identity. The spark of creativity fueled by friendship and determination transformed into a lifelong passion that would influence music for generations. And it all began with a late-night session, where five girls dared to dream big and created an anthem that still resonates today.