The Runaways And The Night They Each Signed Their Guitars In Permanent Marker

April 2, 2025

It was a warm summer evening in Hollywood, the kind of night when the air was thick with excitement and possibility. The Runaways, a band of fierce young women who were breaking barriers in rock music, gathered in their modest rehearsal space, buzzing with energy from their recent success. They had just come off a whirlwind tour, and each member was filled with a sense of accomplishment—not only for the music they created but for the friendship and sisterhood they had forged along the way.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting warm hues across the room, Joan Jett, Lita Ford, Cherie Currie, Jackie Fox, and Sandy West decided to do something special. “Let’s sign our guitars,” Joan proposed, her voice filled with enthusiasm. The girls cheered in agreement, knowing that these instruments had been with them through countless performances and experiences. They were more than just guitars; they were symbols of their dreams and struggles, each scratch and dent telling a story.

Gathered around a makeshift table scattered with snacks and markers, they took turns picking up their guitars and writing their names in bold letters on the wood. “This is a promise to ourselves,” Cherie said, her eyes sparkling with a mixture of excitement and determination. “Every time we play, we’ll remember why we started.” The atmosphere crackled with a sense of purpose. Each stroke of the permanent marker was more than just ink; it was a vow to chase their dreams and never forget what it felt like to be young and free.

As they signed their instruments, they shared their hopes and fears, revealing how they sometimes worried if they’d be taken seriously in a male-dominated industry. Jackie admitted she often felt like an outsider, but Lita encouraged her, saying, “We’re making history, Jackie! We’re not just a band; we’re pioneers!” Their words wrapped around each other like an invisible thread, binding them closer together. They supported one another, knowing that their struggles were shared, and that their music was a powerful force against the challenges they faced.

When the night drew to a close, they looked at their guitars, each adorned with their unique signatures, and felt a surge of unity. That moment became a milestone in their journey, marking the night they not only claimed their space in rock music but also lifted each other up as artists and friends. Little did they know that years later, The Runaways would be remembered as trailblazers, inspiring countless young musicians around the world to pursue their passions and break free from societal constraints.

As each woman went on to build her career, the memory of that night stayed etched in their minds. Joan Jett became a rock icon, with her fierce spirit ringing out in every chord she struck. Cherie Currie ventured into acting and music, always recalling the strength she found in her bandmates. Each time they picked up their signed guitars, they were reminded of the resilience that had brought them together and the journey they had embarked on—a journey filled with laughter, tears, and an unwavering love for music. That night in Hollywood was just a chapter, but it was a powerful one, setting the stage for a legacy that would inspire generations to come.