The Runaways And The Infamous Incident With A Sexist Stagehand In Hamburg

April 3, 2025

The night was electric in Hamburg, Germany, as the lights shimmered and the crowd buzzed with excitement. The Runaways, an all-girl rock band, were ready to take the stage. With Joan Jett on guitar, Lita Ford wailing on lead, and Cherie Currie belting out lyrics, they were determined to prove that girls could rock just as hard as any boy band. But as they prepared for their performance, an unexpected and unwelcome challenge emerged from the shadows—a sexist stagehand who thought it was his duty to belittle them.

Just moments before their set, the stagehand approached Joan, smirking as he said, “You girls really think you can handle this? You should be in the kitchen, not on stage.” Joan felt a rush of anger. The comment was not just disrespectful; it was a reminder of the way many people viewed female musicians at the time. Instead of letting his words crush their spirit, Joan gathered her bandmates. They huddled together, their resolve hardening as they whispered words of encouragement. This was their chance to show the world what girls could do, and they weren’t going to let anyone take that away from them.

As the lights dimmed and the first chords of their hit song blasted through the speakers, the atmosphere shifted. The stage became a battleground, not just for music but for self-respect and equality. The roar of their fans drowned out any negativity. Cherie’s voice soared, filling the venue with energy while Lita’s guitar screamed with raw power. Each note they played was infused with their determination to break down barriers and shatter stereotypes. The stagehand’s disdain only fueled their passion, turning their anger into an electrifying performance that left the crowd wanting more.

By the time they finished their set, the audience was on its feet, cheering and clapping. The Runaways had not only won over the crowd but had also shown that they could rise above disrespect. After the performance, as they left the stage, Joan turned to her bandmates and said, “We did it. We showed them we can rock.” The sexist remarks of that stagehand soon faded into memories as the girls realized they had the power to transform negativity into strength. They had become role models for countless girls everywhere who dreamed of breaking into the music industry.

The incident in Hamburg became a hallmark moment in the band’s journey. It didn’t just affect their performance that night; it changed how they viewed themselves and their careers. They were no longer just the ‘girl band’; they were The Runaways, a fierce force that demanded respect and recognition. As they continued touring and releasing hit songs, they inspired a generation of female musicians, proving that passion and resilience could overcome even the most outdated attitudes.

Years later, reflecting on that moment, Joan would often say, “We were on a mission to prove that girls could rock just as hard as anyone else. We showed the world that we weren’t just a bunch of girls playing music; we were artists with a voice.” The Runaways left a lasting legacy, demonstrating to everyone that music knows no gender, and that when faced with adversity, the best response is to stand tall and play your heart out.