The Runaways And The Bitter Letter Cherie Wrote After Leaving The Band

April 2, 2025

Cherie Currie stared out of the window of her small apartment in Los Angeles, the city lights twinkling like stars against the dark sky. It had been a few months since she left The Runaways, the all-girl rock band that had taken the music world by storm in the late ’70s. They were young, wild, and famous, but merely being part of the bright lights and loud music didn’t mean she was happy. As she picked up a pen and paper, her heart felt heavy, and she knew she had to write a letter that would pour out all her frustration and sadness—the bitter truth of leaving a band that had once felt like home.

The Runaways had been her dream come true; their music was powerful and rebellious, resonating with teenagers everywhere. Cherie, with her iconic blonde shag haircut and fierce stage presence, had been the face of the band alongside Joan Jett and Lita Ford. Yet, behind the glitz and glamour, things were not as perfect. The pressures of fame, the constant touring, and the conflicts within the band began to take a toll on Cherie. She wrote about how she felt trapped, almost like a puppet dancing on strings. Some days, she could hardly recognize herself in the mirror.

In her letter, Cherie expressed her love for her bandmates and the unforgettable memories they shared. She remembered the rush of performing at the Starwood Club in Los Angeles, the roar of the crowd echoing in her ears, and the feeling of freedom that came with each song. Yet those moments were overshadowed by the darker times, the conflicts, and the struggles with addiction that she had to face. It wasn’t just about leaving a band; it was about reclaiming her identity and her passion for music without the weight of expectations dragging her down.

Cherie’s words flowed from her heart, capturing her pain but also her resolve. She wrote about wanting to find her own voice and the freedom that came with making her own choices, even if it meant stepping away from the spotlight. After sealing the letter, she looked out at the night sky again, feeling the weight lifting off her shoulders. In that moment, she decided that she wouldn’t let this experience define her. Instead, she would use it as fuel for her next chapter.

In the years that followed, Cherie rebuilt her life and career, refusing to let the bitterness linger too long. She ventured into acting, taking roles in movies like “Foxes,” and even returned to music, releasing solo albums that showcased her growth as an artist. Every note she sang was imbued with the lessons she had learned about resilience and the importance of staying true to herself. Cherie’s journey became one of inspiration, proving to others that it’s okay to stumble and fall as long as you rise again.

Now, Cherie reflects on her time with The Runaways not with bitterness, but with gratitude for the lessons learned and the friendships formed. Music remained her passion, a powerful way to express herself and connect with others. Each song she wrote now felt like a tribute to her journey—a reminder that sometimes, leaving something behind is the first step toward discovering who you truly are and what you can achieve. Cherie Currie’s story became a testament to the power of resilience, showing that even in our darkest moments, there is always a path to light.