The Runaways And The One Last Look At The Stage That Started It All

April 3, 2025

The night was electric, buzzing with anticipation and the faint scent of sweat and spilled soda. Joan Jett stood in the dim light backstage, her heart pounding in sync with the deep, muffled bass coming from the stage. A moment before, she and her bandmates—Cherie Currie, Lita Ford, Sandy West, and Jackie Fox—had shared a laugh, their voices mingling with excitement and nerves. This was their last show as The Runaways, a band that had conquered stages from Los Angeles to Tokyo, and a bittersweet knot formed in Joan’s stomach. She couldn’t help but reflect on how much they had grown, not just as musicians, but as friends.

As Joan looked out at the crowd, she spotted hundreds of eager faces, each one lit up with the promise of rock ‘n’ roll magic. The Runaways were known for their hard-hitting songs that spoke to young girls everywhere: “Cherry Bomb,” an anthem of rebellion, and “Queens of Noise,” a battle cry for strength. These were more than just songs; they were lifelines for those who felt misunderstood. Joan’s fingers brushed against her guitar, the familiar smoothness grounding her. The music had given them all a voice, a chance to break free from the norms of a world that often didn’t understand girls who wanted to rock.

There was something almost surreal about those last moments. Joan stepped onto the stage, the bright spotlight hitting her like a tidal wave of warmth. She took a deep breath, trying to soak in the atmosphere—a mixture of hope, nostalgia, and a hint of sadness. This was the place where they had poured their hearts and souls, where chords and lyrics had transformed into an undeniable force. As the first notes rang out, the energy shifted. The audience erupted, singing along, their voices weaving seamlessly with the music. It felt magical, like their bond with the crowd transcended the stage itself.

But as every song played, Joan felt the reality creep in. This was it; this was their last performance together. The band had faced challenges that tested their friendship—differences in dreams, the pressure of fame, and the harsh realities of the music industry. But as they stood together, rocking out and laughing amidst the chaos, Joan felt a surge of gratitude. They had fought through the tears and triumphs, and now they were leaving behind a legacy that would inspire countless others. The Runaways had shown the world that girls could rock just as hard as any boy band ever could.

As the final song drew to a close, Joan let the music wash over her like a warm embrace. With the last chord ringing out, she turned and took one final look at the stage—the stage that had witnessed their struggles and victories. The memories flooded back: the late-night practice sessions, the wild tours, and the laughter that echoed in their cramped, shared hotel rooms. She allowed herself a moment to soak it all in, knowing that while the band might be ending, their impact would live on. They had opened doors for female musicians everywhere, proving that passion could shatter barriers.

When the last note faded into silence, the applause was thunderous. Tears streamed down Joan’s face, a mixture of joy and sorrow. In that moment, she knew that even though The Runaways were parting ways, she would carry the spirit of their music with her forever. It was only the beginning of a new chapter. Joan had found her purpose, and as she stepped off the stage, she felt an unwavering determination to keep playing, to keep inspiring, and to show the world the power of resilience through music.