The Runaways And The Black Curtain That Dropped Too Soon—But Not Soon Enough

April 3, 2025

The night was electric at The Whiskey a Go Go, a legendary music venue in Los Angeles, where the crowd buzzed with anticipation. It was 1975, and The Runaways, an all-girl rock band that had burst onto the scene, was set to perform. I remember standing in the front row, my heart pounding in time with the thumping bass. The air was thick with excitement and the smell of hairspray, as fans gathered to see the girls who had become symbols of empowerment in a male-dominated industry. They were more than just musicians; they were dreamers, balancing the weight of their age with the fierce passion of their dreams.

As the lights dimmed and the first notes blasted through the speakers, my excitement soared. Joan Jett, Lita Ford, Cherie Currie, and the rest of the band exploded onto the stage, their energy infectious. Every chord seemed to echo the rebellion that was brewing in the hearts of every teenager in the crowd. The Runaways were not just entertainers; they were trailblazers who dared to break the mold, and they were inspiring a generation of girls to pick up guitars and take charge of their lives. Just as I thought the night couldn’t get any better, a shimmering black curtain dropped suddenly from the rafters, blocking my view and throwing the performance into chaos.

But the curtain dropped too soon—and not soon enough. For the band, it was a moment of confusion. The music paused, and the energy in the room shifted from wild excitement to collective disappointment. I could see Cherie and Joan exchanging glances, their faces a mix of frustration and determination. Instead of being disheartened, they rallied the crowd, urging us to sing along with the last chorus of “Cherry Bomb” even without the band’s guidance. The audience responded, their voices rising and filling the venue like a wave crashing against the shore. This unexpected moment became a testament to the power of music and community, a reminder that sometimes, even in chaos, something beautiful can emerge.

That night at The Whiskey became a defining moment for The Runaways. While the curtain may have interrupted their performance, it also showcased their resilience and ability to connect with their audience. The girls didn’t let the mishap define their experience or their careers. Instead, they used it as fuel for their passion, continuing to write and perform, eventually earning the respect and recognition they deserved. They would release albums that spoke of rebellion, freedom, and girls finding their voices in a world that often tried to silence them.

In the years that followed, The Runaways became more than just a band; they became icons. Joan Jett would go on to have a highly successful solo career, with her anthem “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll” becoming a staple of the genre. Their story inspired countless musicians, especially young women, to pursue their passion fearlessly, showing them that it was possible to carve their own path through any challenges life threw their way.

Looking back, the black curtain that interrupted that night served as a metaphor for the struggles all artists face. Life wouldn’t always be a smooth performance; sometimes, there would be sudden drops, unexpected changes, and disruptions. But as The Runaways showed us, it’s how you respond that truly matters. They turned an awkward situation into a powerful moment of unity and perseverance. It’s a lesson I carry with me: that resilience is key, and even when the curtain falls, the music must go on.