The Runaways And The Record Cover Photo Shoot That Ended In A Screaming Match

April 3, 2025

The sun shone bright over Los Angeles, casting a radiant glow on the vintage cars rolling down Sunset Boulevard. Inside a small studio, excitement filled the air as The Runaways prepared for their record cover photo shoot. This all-girl rock band was starting to gain popularity in the 1970s, and everyone believed they were on the brink of something big. Cherie Currie, the band’s lead singer, was buzzing with energy, her golden hair bouncing as she scurried around, trying on different outfits. The girls were a tight-knit family, but on this particular day, tensions began to rise.

As the photographer set up his gear, the band members—Joan Jett, Lita Ford, Sandy West, and Jackie Fox—began to bicker about how they wanted to present themselves. Joan wanted a tough and rebellious look, while Cherie aimed for a glamorous style that would showcase her star power. “We need to look like rock stars, not like a rebellious schoolgirl band!” Joan argued, her voice firm but her passion evident. Cherie shot back, “I want to show that we can be both—fierce and fabulous!” What started as an artistic debate quickly turned into shouting, as emotions flared and the pressure of their rising fame settled heavily on their shoulders.

The photographer, sensing the growing conflict, tried to step in, but his efforts only fanned the flames. Lita, usually the peacemaker, found herself caught between her friends, her frustration boiling over. “Can’t we just agree that we all want the same thing?” she pleaded, but the atmosphere was thick with pride and ambition. Suddenly, the room filled with the sound of raised voices—each girl sharing her own vision, but failing to listen to each other. Cherie’s face burned with anger and hurt; they were supposed to be a team, but right then it felt like they were anything but that.

As the screaming match escalated, something shifted. Cherie took a deep breath, refusing to let the moment break her spirit. “Look, we all love this band and what we’re doing,” she said finally, her voice steady. The other girls fell silent, the intensity of their emotions slowly fading into an understanding that they all shared the same passion for their music. Cherie continued, “Maybe we can combine our ideas. Let’s show the world that we can be fierce and fabulous together!” Inspired by her words, the band members slowly nodded, realizing they each brought something valuable to the table.

The rest of the photo shoot unfolded like magic. In the end, they struck poses that blended Cherie’s glamour with Joan’s edge seamlessly. The resulting album cover was stunning, capturing the essence of their unity while showcasing each member’s unique style. When the album released, it resonated with fans everywhere, and The Runaways solidified their place in rock history. The fighting that day became a stepping stone; it taught them the importance of communication, compromise, and teamwork.

Looking back, Cherie often reflected on that chaotic shoot. It reminded her that even in the heat of passion, resilience and understanding could lead to something beautiful. The Runaways would go on to inspire countless young musicians. Cherie learned that the path to success isn’t always smooth, but with determination and a little patience, they could navigate through any storm together. And as their music echoed through the years, it was clear: they were more than just a band; they were a beacon of strength, empowerment, and unity in a male-dominated world.