Lita Ford And The Hurricane That Destroyed Her House—And The Riff She Wrote During It

April 3, 2025

Lita Ford had always been a fighter. From the moment she stepped onto the rock scene in the 1980s as the fierce guitarist for The Runaways, she had faced challenges that would make most people crumble. But nothing could have prepared her for the devastation brought on by the hurricane that struck her home in 2020. As the winds howled and the rain lashed against her windows, Lita felt a mix of fear and determination. The storm was fierce and relentless, but she was not about to let it steal her spirit.

With her home in the path of destruction, Lita had to act quickly. She gathered her most important belongings, including her beloved guitar, and hunkered down in the safest room of her house. While the storm raged outside, she could feel her heart racing, not just from fear but from an overwhelming surge of inspiration. It was as if the chaos outside was igniting a fire within her. She reached for her guitar, determined to create something beautiful even amidst the chaos.

As the storm roared on, Lita began to play a riff that poured out of her like a river. It was a raw, powerful sound filled with both anguish and hope. Each note resonated through the room, echoing the wildness of the hurricane. In that moment, she channeled her fear and uncertainty into music. The storm became a symbol, not of destruction, but of resilience. Lita thought about how much she had been through in her career—facing criticism, battling personal demons, and overcoming obstacles. She realized that the music would always be her refuge.

When the hurricane finally passed, the damage was severe. The roof of her house had been torn off, and her belongings were scattered everywhere. But amidst the wreckage, Lita felt an unexpected sense of relief. She had survived, and she had written a song that captured her experience. In the weeks that followed, she repaired her home with the help of friends and fellow musicians, sharing her story and her music along the way. The song she created during the storm became an anthem of hope for others facing hard times.

As Lita Ford stood among the ruins of her home, she understood that music was her lifeline. The hurricane had tested her strength, but it also brought forth a deeper connection to her passion. The struggles she faced turned into fuel for her art, and she knew that she would continue to rise, just like the phoenix. With every strum of her guitar, she reminded herself and everyone around her that storms may come and go, but the power of music and resilience is everlasting.

Years later, Lita would perform that song on stages around the world, a testament to her journey and the hurricane that tried to tear her down but only made her stronger. In her heart, she knew that life is filled with storms, but it is how we respond to them that defines us. And with each performance, she inspired countless others to find their own strength in the face of adversity, showing them that every challenge can lead to a powerful new beginning.