The Runaways And The Distant Voice On Tape: “We Were Just Girls, And We Ruled”

April 3, 2025

The sun was setting over Los Angeles, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink as I walked into the small studio. It felt almost magical, a sacred space where dreams were born and music danced in the air. I was about to embark on a journey that would change my life forever, joining a group of fierce young women known as The Runaways. We were just girls, but we were determined to rule the world of rock and roll.

As we gathered around the microphones, a familiar voice crackled to life from an old tape recorder in the corner. “We were just girls, and we ruled,” it said, a reminder of the powerful spirit that had ignited our passion. That voice belonged to Joan Jett, one of the most iconic figures in rock history. She had once stood where I stood now, fighting to break through barriers merely because of her gender. The Runaways had forged a path for girls like me, proving that we could be more than just support acts or background singers.

The music began to play, and I felt the electric energy pulsating through the room. Each chord inspired me, fueling my desire to express myself and share our stories with the world. During rehearsals, we laughed and shared secrets, but we also felt the weight of the challenges that loomed ahead. The music industry could be merciless, especially for young women, but we were determined to prove that we were not just a fleeting phase. We were artists with a voice that deserved to be heard.

Our first tour was a whirlwind of emotions. We faced countless hurdles, from harsh criticism to the struggle of being taken seriously. Yet, every time we stepped onto that stage, the cheers from the crowd drowned out the negativity. It was exhilarating, a reminder that music had the power to unite us and inspire others. In our performances, we saw girls in the audience who dared to dream just as we had, and that made every challenge worthwhile.

Looking back, the lessons I learned as part of The Runaways shaped who I am today. We may have started as just girls, but we emerged as warriors, unapologetically claiming our place in rock history. Joan’s distant voice on that tape served as a guiding light, reminding us to embrace our passion and never back down. Each note we played was a declaration of resilience, a testament to the strength we found in each other and in ourselves.

As I continue to create music and tell our story, I carry that spirit with me. The Runaways may have been a band of girls, but we were more than that; we were a movement. We showed the world that girls can rock just as hard, and we inspired a new generation to pick up instruments and make their voices heard. We were just girls, and we ruled—now and forever.