The Runaways And The Broken Mirror Backstage They Called “Their Reality Check”

April 3, 2025

The sound of the crowd was deafening, a wave of energy that surged through the backstage area. The Runaways, a band of fierce young women, were getting ready for their next show. They were only teenagers, but they had already made a name for themselves in the rock world. Joan Jett, Lita Ford, and the others were ready to tear it up on stage. They had fought hard to be taken seriously in a male-dominated industry, and each performance was a chance to prove their worth. But behind the excitement, there was a lingering shadow, a broken mirror that leaned against the wall in the dimly lit dressing room. They called it their “reality check.”

One evening, as the band prepared to hit the stage, Joan spotted the cracked mirror. Fractured reflections stared back at her, a kaleidoscope of faces that seemed to mock their ambitions. Each crack represented a struggle they had faced and the harsh realities of the music industry. They had been called too young, too wild, too different. Yet, rather than letting the cracks discourage them, the mirror became a symbol of their resilience. They gathered around it, each girl taking a moment to look into her own broken reflection. It was a reminder that they were not perfect, but they were real.

The day after that show, they faced a tough decision. Their record label was pressuring them to conform, to tone down their image and sound to fit a mold. The girls huddled together, sharing their fears, dreams, and the pressure they felt to change. Joan, with her ever-passionate spirit, spoke up. “We can’t let anyone else decide who we are,” she said, her voice strong and unwavering. “Our imperfections make us unique. Let’s take our music and our identity back.” Inspired by Joan’s strong words, they decided to stand together, refusing to compromise their vision.

As they continued to write and perform music that spoke to their truth, the mirror became less of a reminder of their struggles and more of a celebration of their journey. They poured their hearts into their songs, each note and lyric a declaration of their belief in themselves. The Runaways released their albums, gaining a fanbase that resonated with their authentic message. They became pioneers in the rock music scene, inspiring countless young girls to pick up guitars and pursue their dreams, just as they had.

Years later, while reflecting on their journey, Joan would often think back to that broken mirror. It had been a turning point, a moment that had challenged them to embrace their flaws and stick to their guns. The Runaways eventually disbanded, but the legacy they left behind was one of empowerment and authenticity. The music industry was a turbulent landscape, but their passion and determination had carved a path for others to follow.

Now, when Joan Jett performs, she carries with her the spirit of the Runaways. Each chord she plays resonates with the voices of those young girls who dared to be bold. The broken mirror no longer haunted her; it inspired her. It reminded her that the cracks in their journey created the beautiful, complicated tapestry that defined their music. In embracing their realities, they had not just survived; they thrived, proving that sometimes, our imperfections are what make us truly remarkable.