The Runaways And The Backstage Voice Warmups That Always Turned Into Full-Blown Jams

April 2, 2025

The air in the backstage area was always electric just before The Runaways took the stage. The bandmates were a mix of bubbling energy and pre-show nerves, each girl lost in her own thoughts while preparing to wow the crowds. It was a familiar ritual: before the roar of the audience could drown them out, they would gather in a circle, their paint-smeared faces glowing in the dim light. They had discovered that voice warm-ups, rather than being tedious, were a perfect way to break the ice—transforming moments of anxiety into something magical.

Joan Jett, with her signature black hair and tough-girl attitude, would often kick off the warm-ups with a simple “ahhhh” sound. That single note would rise from her throat like smoke from a burning fire, immediately pulling everyone’s attention. Lita Ford would join in, harmonizing beautifully, while Cherie Currie laid down a smooth melody that made the whole room pulse with creativity. It started as a way to stretch their vocal cords, but soon turned into a full-blown jam session that could make anyone forget about their nerves. Each girl would add her flair, and together they were an unstoppable force.

As their voices mingled in rich, vibrant layers, the sounds would echo off the walls, wrapping around them like a safety blanket. It was there, in those exhilarating moments, that they created something truly special—an unspoken bond that made them more than just a band; they became a sisterhood. The music brought out their individual personalities and allowed them to express their hopes and dreams. Those warm-ups, often filled with laughter and spontaneous lyrics, were the secret that fueled their passion for music. Each note was a thread in the tapestry of their shared journey.

These backstage sessions didn’t just prepare them for the show; they became the heartbeat of The Runaways. Feeling the rush of creativity helped Joan to find her unique sound, and it pushed Lita to write some of the most unforgettable riffs of the ’70s. Cherie found her confidence, realizing that being a frontwoman wasn’t just about singing, but also about connecting with her bandmates and the audience. These moments of pure joy and expression shaped them as musicians, paving the way for their groundbreaking careers in rock music.

The Runaways faced their fair share of challenges in the male-dominated rock scene, but the power of their music and the strength of their friendship always triumphed. Whenever they encountered obstacles—criticism or personal strife—they would often retreat to those warm-up sessions, where they rediscovered their purpose. Each performance became a celebration of their resilience, and the memories of those powerful jams would carry them through the toughest times, reminding them that music was not just a job, but a calling.

In the years that followed, The Runaways left a legacy that paved the way for female rock musicians everywhere. Their story is one of empowerment, showing that with passion, friendship, and a little bit of creativity, anything is possible. Those backstage warm-ups, once simple sounds of preparation, transformed into anthems of self-discovery and strength. The magic they created together was an inspiration, proving that music has the power to change lives, spark hope, and unite people in unforgettable ways.