The Runaways And The City Where No One Showed Up—Until Halfway Through Their Set

April 3, 2025

The night was supposed to be electric, filled with the pounding beat of drums and the roaring cheer of a crowd. The Runaways, a groundbreaking all-girl rock band from Los Angeles, had arrived in a small city in the Midwest, eager to perform a gig that would showcase their talent to new fans. Joan Jett, Lita Ford, Cherie Currie, and the rest of the band were excited, ready to unleash their music upon the crowd. However, as they set up their equipment, a deep sense of disappointment washed over them. The venue was nearly empty. Only a handful of people sat in the dimly lit room, shifting restlessly in their seats, clearly unsure of what to expect.

At first, Joan felt like her heart had dropped into her stomach. The girls had traveled so far and worked so hard to make a name for themselves in a tough industry. They had experienced their share of highs and lows, but standing in front of an empty room felt like a blow they couldn’t ignore. The joy of performing was dimmed by quiet embarrassment. As they began to play their first song, Cherie’s voice rang out clear and strong, but it felt strange singing to a sparse crowd. Would anyone even care about them? Would this gig be just another failure in an industry that was often unforgiving?

As they continued their set, something miraculous happened. The few people in the audience began to nod their heads and clap along. The energy in the room shifted. One by one, people started to trickle in, drawn in by the magnetic sound that filled the venue. By the time they reached the third song, the room was buzzing with excitement as more and more fans arrived, enchanted by the music that spoke of freedom, rebellion, and the struggles of youth. Each member of The Runaways poured their heart and soul into every note, and soon it felt like the stage was alive with passion and resilience.

Joan looked out into the crowd and saw smiles and dancing, a stark contrast to the emptiness they had faced at the start. She felt a swell of pride and determination. This was why they performed—to connect with people, to share their stories and experiences through music. The atmosphere transformed; the band fed off the energy, and the audience embraced the spirit of the night. The Runaways played as if their lives depended on it, and in that moment, they were not just a band; they were a movement, a celebration of girl power that echoed through the hearts of their listeners.

When the final chords rang out and the last song faded, the once-empty room erupted into applause. People were cheering and chanting their names, and the girls felt a rush of joy that made all the hardships worth it. They had turned an initially crushing experience into a triumphant night. Their music had reached people, even when it seemed no one was listening. The gig in that small city became a defining moment for The Runaways, reminding them of their purpose and the impact they could have.

That night didn’t just boost their confidence; it served as a powerful lesson that resilience and passion can light the way, even in the darkest moments. It marked the beginning of their ascent in the music world, and they carried that experience with them, knowing that even when things looked bleak, they could turn it all around with their music and determination. The Runaways had learned that every show mattered, and sometimes, the biggest crowds are born out of the smallest beginnings.