The Runaways And The Letter Lita Ford Wrote To Her Younger Self Years Later

April 2, 2025

Lita Ford stood alone in her quiet home, the walls adorned with posters and memorabilia from her wild days with The Runaways. As a teenager, she had been a trailblazer in a male-dominated rock world, igniting passion and rebellion through her electrifying guitar riffs. But despite the fame and accolades that came with being part of one of the first all-girl rock bands, there were moments of doubt and heartache. Sitting at her desk, she opened an old notebook, the pages yellowed with time. Today, she would write a letter to her younger self, hoping to share lessons learned and encouragement gleaned from years of experience.

“Dear Little Lita,” the letter began, her pen gliding across the paper with the same intensity she once used to strum her guitar. “I know you feel out of place sometimes, like no one understands the fire burning inside you. It’s not easy being a girl in rock and roll, with people telling you that you should be sweeter or more demure. But remember, your passion is your strength. Embrace it! The world is waiting for your unique sound. Don’t let anyone dim your light.” As she wrote, Lita could picture her younger self—wide-eyed and filled with dreams of stardom, fighting against a tide of skepticism.

Thinking back to 1975, Lita recalled the excitement of joining The Runaways, a band that would soon revolutionize rock music for girls everywhere. They toured across America, playing to eager fans and making waves with hits like “Cherry Bomb.” There were exhilarating nights filled with loud music, bright lights, and the thrill of performing. But there were also challenges, like the pressure of the industry and the strain of growing up in the public eye. “Despite the noise around you, trust your instincts,” she continued in her letter. “Every challenge will only make you stronger. Keep pushing through the tough times; they’ll shape you into the artist you’re meant to be.”

Lita couldn’t help but smile as she remembered the friendships formed during those years—they were like sisters. They shared dreams, fears, and the complexities of being young women in a tumultuous world. Yet, the time would come when the band would part ways, each member embarking on a journey of self-discovery. “You will face disappointment, but don’t let it break you,” her pen flowed. “Each experience, even the painful ones, will lead you to where you need to be. You have the power to create, to inspire, and to reinvent yourself. Remember that!”

As she signed her name at the bottom, Lita felt a rush of gratitude for the path she had walked. The years of hard work and resilience had paid off. After The Runaways, she forged a successful solo career, releasing iconic songs and inspiring countless young musicians, proving that rock wasn’t just for boys. “Believe in yourself always,” she concluded with a final flourish. “You were born to rock, and the world needs your music. So keep chasing your dreams, no matter how far away they seem.”

Closing the notebook, Lita felt a renewed sense of purpose. Writing that letter wasn’t just a message to her younger self; it was also a reminder of the strength she carried within. She’d faced adversities head-on and emerged, not just as a rock star but as a symbol of perseverance and passion. Lita Ford had learned that music wasn’t just about fame—it was about the journey, the friendships, and the indomitable spirit that defines a true artist. With a heart full of fire, she turned her gaze towards the future, ready to inspire the next generation of rockers to follow their dreams, just as she had.