The Runaways And The Letter Sandy West Wrote But Never Sent To Joan Jett

April 3, 2025

In the heart of the 1970s rock scene, a group of five teenage girls formed a band that would become legendary. They called themselves The Runaways, and they were determined to break the mold in a male-dominated music industry. Among them was Sandy West, the fierce drummer whose heartbeat kept the band alive, and Joan Jett, the bold guitarist and songwriter who would go on to have an incredible solo career. But behind the glitter and glam of rock stardom, there was a side of Sandy that many didn’t see—a side filled with doubt and a longing for connection.

One day, after a particularly challenging show where the band faced criticism and pressure, Sandy found herself alone in her hotel room. The fluorescent lights flickered, casting shadows on the walls, and the weight of the world felt heavy on her shoulders. She grabbed a pen and paper, feeling a surge of emotions that needed to be expressed. The letter she started was meant for Joan, the one person who understood her struggles. Sandy poured her heart out, telling Joan how much she admired her talent and strength. She wrote about the dreams they shared and her fears of not being good enough. It was a raw and honest dialogue, but in the end, Sandy never sent the letter.

Despite Sandy’s silence, her emotions didn’t go unnoticed. Joan, ever the perceptive friend, could sense the turmoil behind Sandy’s bravado. Their friendship faced ups and downs, complicated by the pressures of fame and personal challenges. But through it all, they found solace in their music, using it as an outlet for their frustrations and hopes. Even during moments of doubt, the two leaned on each other, knowing that their bond was unbreakable.

Years later, as The Runaways disbanded and each member pursued their path, both Sandy and Joan faced their own trials. Joan Jett’s solo career skyrocketed, with hits like “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll” making her a household name. Sandy, however, grappled with the realities of life after the band. She never lost her passion for music; instead, it transformed into a deeper, more profound love. Despite the challenges she faced, including personal battles and the search for her identity, Sandy always kept drumming, letting the rhythm carry her through hard times.

The letter that Sandy wrote but never sent became a symbol of her struggles—an untold story of vulnerability and resilience. It represented the countless moments when artists feel inadequate, even when the world sees them as stars. Sandy West’s courage to express her feelings, even in silence, reflected the complexities of being a musician. She may not have shared her letter with Joan, but her emotions were heard loud and clear through the beats of her drums.

In the end, both Sandy and Joan became icons in their own right, inspiring generations to follow their passions. Sandy’s story reminds us that even in the midst of doubt and uncertainty, there is beauty in resilience. And while she may not have sent that letter, the bond she formed with Joan Jett stood the test of time, proving that true friendship and passion for music can help us conquer any challenge life throws our way.