The Runaways And The Song Sandy West Said She’D Drum To In The Afterlife

April 3, 2025

The air was thick with nostalgia as Joan Jett sat on the porch of her home overlooking the ocean, the sun dipping low in the horizon, casting a golden glow. The waves crashed rhythmically against the rocks, echoing the beats that once thumped in the hearts of The Runaways, the all-girl rock band that burst onto the scene in the mid-1970s. As she strummed her guitar softly, she couldn’t help but think about Sandy West, the fierce drummer who had not only been her bandmate but also her dearest friend. Sandy had always said that she would drum to “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin in the afterlife, and Joan knew that, wherever Sandy was, she was likely keeping that promise.

The Runaways had been a force of nature, breaking boundaries in an industry dominated by men. They were young—barely teenagers—when they achieved fame, yet they faced countless challenges, from harsh critics to the struggles of growing up in the spotlight. But through it all, the passion for music burned brightly within them. Each concert was a chance to share their dreams and their defiance, with Sandy’s powerful drumming holding the band together. Joan remembered the fire in Sandy’s eyes as they performed, a fire that could light up even the darkest corners of their journey.

Tragically, Sandy’s life was cut short in 1994 due to cancer, and it felt like the world had dimmed a little. Joan could still hear the echo of Sandy’s drums in her mind and heart, resonating with the belief that music had the power to heal and inspire. After Sandy’s passing, Joan continued to honor their legacy, infusing her music with the raw energy and emotion that defined The Runaways. In interviews, she often spoke of Sandy, recounting how her friendship had shaped not just her music, but her very soul. It was a reminder that even in the face of loss, art could be a vessel for love and remembrance.

On that porch, as the last rays of sunlight faded away, Joan thought about the impact of their music. She envisioned young girls and boys picking up guitars and drums, feeling powerful and invincible, just as they once had. The Runaways paved the way for countless future artists, and as the years went by, their influence continued to ripple through generations. It was a testament to how one band, with a strong female presence, could inspire not only others but also encourage change in a male-dominated industry.

With a sudden rush of emotion, Joan decided to play a song dedicated to Sandy. The notes floated into the evening air, intertwining with the sound of the ocean, creating a melody full of love, loss, and the enduring spirit of rock and roll. In that moment, she felt Sandy by her side, drumming along to the beat of the music, reminding her that the rhythm of life continues, even when the ones we love are gone. Joan smiled, knowing that the legacy of The Runaways would never fade as long as there were hearts ready to listen and dreams waiting to be realized. Each performance became a tribute, a celebration of the friendship, resilience, and passion that defined them, proving that true artists never really leave us; they live on in the music they create.