The Runaways And The Time Their Luggage Got Lost—But They Played In Stage Clothes Anyway

April 2, 2025

It was a chilly evening in December 1975 when The Runaways arrived at a dimly lit airport, their excitement palpable as they prepared for a performance in front of thousands. They were a young rock band, made up of fierce girls who dreamed of making it big in a world that often overlooked female musicians. As they stepped off the plane, the cold air hit them, but nothing could chill their spirits. They had been working tirelessly to promote their new album, and this show was a huge opportunity. But as they gathered their things, panic set in—they discovered that their luggage had gone missing.

Their hearts raced as they rushed to the baggage claim, hoping to find their stage clothes among the sea of bags. Each member had packed their favorite outfits, pieces that reflected their unique styles and the energy they brought to the stage. Joan Jett’s leather jacket, Lita Ford’s glittery jumpsuit, and the vibrant dresses of Cherie Currie were not just clothing; they were symbols of their identity and dedication. The girls exchanged worried glances, knowing their performance was less than two hours away and there was no sign of their bags.

With time running out, they faced a tough decision. Pulling together their ingenuity and spirit, Joan stepped up and declared, “Why don’t we just play in what we have?” As the rest of the band looked down at their travel clothes—jeans and T-shirts—they hesitated for just a moment, but the spark in Joan’s eyes was infectious. They had come too far to let something as trivial as clothing derail them. They had a show to perform, and above all, they were there to rock.

When they stepped onto the stage that night, the energy was electric. The crowd erupted in cheers, oblivious to the fact that the girls were not dressed in their usual glitzy attire. The Runaways poured their heart into every note, their passion for music overshadowing their wardrobe misfortune. They played their hits relentlessly, and the audience sang along, feeling the raw energy radiate from the stage. The girls were united in their love for rock and roll, and that common bond made them shine even brighter than any sequined outfit ever could.

After the performance, they received thunderous applause and shouts for an encore, leaving them exhilarated. The experience turned into an unexpected reminder of their resilience; they learned that it didn’t matter what they wore, but rather who they were and how fiercely they could perform. Their luggage eventually arrived, but it was the memory of that night—the night they rocked the stage in everyday clothes—that stayed with them forever. They had faced adversity head-on and emerged even stronger.

The Runaways continued to rise through the music scene, inspiring countless young women to follow their passions. They became icons, not just for their sound but for their spirit. That night taught them an invaluable lesson: sometimes, when the world throws challenges their way, you must adapt, embrace the moment, and play with all your heart. It’s a story they still share today, a testament to their unwavering dedication to music and a reminder that true artistry shines through, no matter the circumstances.