The Runaways And The Argument Over The Setlist That Ended In Silence

April 3, 2025

The Runaways were buzzing with excitement in the cramped rehearsal room, the smell of sweat and teenage dreams hanging in the air like a thick fog. They had a gig coming up, and anticipation danced through the group as they argued about the setlist. Everyone had a favorite song they wanted to include, especially Joan Jett, who was passionate about showcasing their latest hit, “Cherry Bomb.” She believed it captured the essence of their rebellious spirit. But as the discussion heated up, so did the emotions. Cherie Currie felt strongly about including “Hollywood,” her favorite, while Lita Ford insisted on playing her electrifying guitar solo from “The Wild One.”

As the conversation turned into a full-blown argument, voices rose, and frustration crackled like electricity in the air. “We can’t just play the same songs every time!” Joan burst out, her eyes fierce. “We need to show our growth!” Cherie’s face flushed with determination. “But the fans love these songs! It’s what brought us here!” The room simmered with tension, each member fighting not just for their song but also for their individuality within the band. It was more than just a setlist; it was about identity, passion, and the heart of the Runaways.

In the midst of the chaos, something shifted. The arguing tapered off, and an eerie silence enveloped the rehearsal space. Each girl stood in her own corner, breathing heavily, realizing they were all on the same side. They were allies in a shared dream, yet the pressure to define their sound and belonging was immense. That silence, heavy with unspoken words, became a moment of reflection. It wasn’t just about the songs. It was about the journey they were on together and the struggles they faced as young women trying to carve out their place in a male-dominated music industry.

After the silence, Joan took a deep breath and turned to her bandmates. “What if we mix things up? We can include ‘Cherry Bomb’ for that raw energy, but also give ‘Hollywood’ its moment in the spotlight.” Slowly, smiles returned, and ideas began to flow again as they built a setlist that felt right, a true collaboration born from the fire of their argument. Instead of a divide, they had created a tapestry of their talents, merging each girl’s strength into one powerful performance.

The night of the gig arrived, and the stage lights bathed them in a warm glow. As they played their setlist, the energy between them crackled, electrifying the crowd. Each song resonated with a depth that spoke not just to their individual talents but also to their collective journey. The argument that had once threatened to tear them apart ended up weaving them closer together, reminding them why they formed the band in the first place: to share their voices and ignite passion in others.

As the final chords rang out and the crowd erupted into cheers, the Runaways knew they had created something special. They had faced the pressure, the fear of losing their identities, and emerged stronger. The argument over the setlist became a defining moment in their story, a reminder that even in the heat of conflict, there could be a silver lining. They learned that resilience is not just about surviving challenges but thriving through them, and in that, they found the true harmony of their music and friendship.