The Runaways And The Club Owner Who Banned Them For “Too Much Volume”

April 3, 2025

It was a cold November evening in 1976 when The Runaways—a band of teenage girls who had become the voices of a generation—stood on the stage of a small, dimly lit club in Los Angeles. They were nervous yet excited, buzzing with energy as they prepared to perform their latest hits. With Cherie Currie’s fierce vocals, Lita Ford’s electric guitar, and the thumping rhythm of Joan Jett and the others, they were ready to rock the world. The atmosphere was thick with anticipation, and the crowd was eager to hear their favorite songs. But little did they know that their performance would take an unexpected turn, leading to a pivotal moment in their young careers.

As the music pulsed through the air, the energy in the room soared. The audience sang along, completely caught up in the moment, their voices mixing with the powerful chords of the band. But in the back of the club, the owner—a stern man known for his strict rules—glared at the scene unfolding before him. He had always believed music should be enjoyed at a moderate volume, and tonight, The Runaways were pushing his limits. After just a few songs, he stormed onto the stage, his face red with anger, and shouted above the music, “Enough! You’re banned for too much volume!” The crowd fell silent, shocked and confused, as the band members exchanged bewildered glances.

While some might have been crushed by such an abrupt end to their performance, The Runaways felt an unexpected fire igniting within them. They had poured their hearts into their music, and they weren’t about to let one man’s opinion rob them of their passion. After being escorted off the stage, they gathered outside the club, vulnerability dancing in their eyes but determination burning brighter. “Let’s not let this stop us,” Joan said, her voice steady. “We’re meant for bigger things.” Her words resonated with the group, strengthening their resolve. They knew that their sound was revolutionary, a raw expression of their experiences and emotions, and they were unwilling to silence themselves.

Rather than succumbing to disappointment, The Runaways used this setback as a launchpad. They took to the streets, organizing flash performances in parks and at local fairs, where they could play as loudly as they wanted. Each gig galvanized their following, and word of their talent spread like wildfire. With every strum of Lita’s guitar and every note from Cherie’s lips, they captured the hearts of audiences who understood what it meant to break free from the norm. It wasn’t just about the music anymore; it was about resilience, about the unwavering belief that they had something powerful to share with the world.

Over the months that followed, their reputation grew, leading to a recording contract with a major label. The Runaways released their first album, which featured songs that captured the spirit of their journey, blending grit with glamour. Their story became a beacon of hope for countless young musicians, especially girls, showing them that they could rise above obstacles and make their voices heard. The ban became a footnote in their history—a moment that brought them closer together and set them on a path to greatness.

Years later, The Runaways would look back on that night with a mix of nostalgia and gratitude. They had transformed a moment of rejection into a celebration of their strength. As they took the stage at sold-out arenas, they remembered the lessons learned from the club owner who had underestimated them. Their music was a roaring testament of resilience, proving that sometimes, when the world tries to silence you, the only option is to turn up the volume and let your voice ring out louder than ever.