The Runaways And The Cover Song They Turned Down That Later Became A Hit For Another Band

April 3, 2025

In the vibrant world of 1970s rock music, there was a girl band that turned heads and broke hearts: The Runaways. Comprised of young, talented girls, they embodied the spirit of rebellion and freedom. Their sound was raw and electrifying, filled with thundering guitar riffs and passionate vocals. But behind the glamor and excitement of touring, they often faced tough decisions that could change the course of their careers. One such moment came when they were offered a chance to cover a song that would later shoot to the top of the charts, but instead chose to walk away from it.

The song in question was “Cherry Bomb,” a track that captured the essence of teenage angst and the thrill of being young. The Runaways had already made it their own, pouring every ounce of teenage rebellion into its lyrics. But as they sifted through potential covers, they were presented with “Since You Been Gone,” a powerful track that would eventually resonate with audiences when it was performed by the band Rainbow. At the time, however, The Runaways didn’t feel the connection they desired. They wanted their songs to represent their personal experiences, their stories. Turning it down was a gamble, a risk that weighed heavily on their hearts.

As the years rolled on, the melody of “Since You Been Gone” soared through the airwaves, becoming a massive hit for Rainbow. For The Runaways, watching another band shine with the very song they had let slip away was a bitter pill to swallow. At first, the girls felt a mixture of regret and doubt. Had they made a mistake? Were they foolish to turn down an opportunity that could have propelled them into the limelight? But after the initial sting, a sense of resilience began to brew among them. This moment became a reminder that their path was uniquely theirs, full of challenges but also rich with possibilities.

Instead of crumbling under the weight of what could have been, The Runaways poured their energy into crafting their own music, songs that reflected their true selves. They embraced the lessons learned from that experience, choosing to focus on what made them special rather than what others expected them to be. They were determined to create a legacy that resonated with authenticity, and this sparked a fire in their hearts. They wrote songs about personal struggles, friendships, and the rollercoaster of adolescence, finding strength in their unity.

In the end, The Runaways’ decision to stay true to their artistic vision shaped their journey in ways they could not have predicted. Their music resonated with countless fans who craved authenticity in a world that often favored conformity. Years later, even as the music scene evolved, The Runaways left behind a powerful message: that the courage to follow one’s heart and to remain true to oneself is more valuable than any fleeting opportunity. They learned that while one song might slip away, the impact of genuine art created from the heart would eternally echo through the ages.

Their story stands as a testament to the power of resilience and passion. The Runaways may have turned down a hit, but they gained something much more precious—a deeper understanding of themselves and the music they wanted to share with the world. They proved that sometimes, the road less traveled leads to the most extraordinary destinations, inspiring future generations of musicians to create boldly and fearlessly.