The Runaways And The Battle With Management Over Their Image

April 2, 2025

The sun was just beginning to set, casting a warm glow over the dusty stage where The Runaways were set to perform. The band, made up of five talented young girls with a passion for rock music, was ready to show the world what they could do. But as they gathered for their soundcheck, tension crackled in the air like a live wire. Management had come in with a list of rules about their image, insisting they wear tight clothing and smile more to attract a bigger audience. The girls exchanged worried glances; they had worked so hard to be taken seriously as musicians, and now they were being told to compromise their identities.

Joan Jett, the fierce lead guitarist, clenched her jaw. She knew they were more than just a pretty face. The Runaways had formed in 1975, becoming one of the first all-girl rock bands, and their sound was raw and powerful. Relying on the strength of their music, they wanted to portray themselves as strong, independent artists, not just young girls in short skirts. As Joan looked at her bandmates — Lita Ford, Cherie Currie, Sandy West, and Jackie Fox — she felt a surge of determination. They had each faced challenges in their lives, but music had always been their escape and their voice. This was no different.

As the girls prepared to go on stage, they had to rally together. Cherie, the lead singer, spoke up, her voice trembling with passion. “We need to show them who we are,” she said. “Our music is what matters. We can’t let them change us!” The others nodded in agreement, feeling the energy build within them. They weren’t just here to play music; they were pioneers, breaking barriers for future generations of female musicians. So, they made a pact: they would wear what made them feel confident and powerful, not what someone else dictated.

When the lights dimmed and the crowd erupted into cheers, The Runaways thrummed with excitement. They poured their hearts into every note, moving seamlessly from one powerful song to the next. The audience felt their passion and energy, and in that moment, everything else — the pressure from management, the expectations of looking a certain way — melted away. They were lost in the music, and they knew they were winning the battle for their identity. As they finished their last song, the roar of the crowd was deafening, and the girls looked at each other in disbelief and joy. They had done it on their own terms.

After that night, things didn’t magically become easy, but they had proven something important to themselves and the world. They didn’t need to conform to fit in; their music and authenticity would speak for them. Though they faced many more challenges, both personally and professionally, they continued to push forward, bringing their message of empowerment and individuality to every show.

Years later, as Joan Jett looked back on those days, she realized that the struggle had not only shaped their music but also created a legacy. The battle they fought against management had inspired countless girls to pick up guitars and follow their dreams. The Runaways had shown the world that it was possible to be strong, unique, and unapologetically themselves — and that was the greatest victory of all.