The Runaways And The Graffiti Tag That Followed Them On Every Tour Stop

April 3, 2025

The summer of 1975 was like a whirlwind, filled with the electric buzz of music and the wild spirit of youth. The Runaways, an all-girl rock band hailing from Los Angeles, had just started their first tour and the excitement was palpable. Joan Jett, Lita Ford, Cherie Currie, Jackie Fox, and Sandy West were not just a band; they were pioneers, breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry. As they traveled from city to city, their music spread like wildfire, igniting the hearts of teenagers everywhere. But alongside the exhilarating rhythms and roaring crowds, something unexpected began to follow them: a graffiti tag that read “Runaways Forever.”

Everywhere they performed, from smoky clubs to packed arenas, that tag seemed to appear, as if the walls themselves were celebrating the band. It was a simple, bold message that captured the essence of their journey. At first, the girls were curious about it. Who was the artist behind this tag? Was it a dedicated fan, a fellow musician, or someone simply caught in the rush of the moment? They would find it on the back of bathroom stalls, on the stage walls, and even in the alleys behind their venues. The tag became a symbol of their growing influence, a reminder of the fearless path they were carving out in the music world.

As the tour continued, the graffiti brought the band closer to their fans. They started to see the tag as more than just art; it represented the connection they had with their audience. One night, after a particularly electrifying show in New York City, Joan spotted the tag on a nearby wall. Inspired, she pulled out a spray can and began to add her own flair to it, turning it into a collaboration between the artist and the band. That moment was pivotal. It transformed “Runaways Forever” into a vibrant piece of art that echoed their passion and resilience.

But fame isn’t always kind. With every success came challenges. The pressures of the music industry weighed heavily, and soon, the band began to feel the strain. Personal conflicts and the demands of constant touring took their toll, leading to lineup changes and eventually, the band’s disbandment in 1979. Yet, the spirit of that graffiti tag lived on. Even as they faced their struggles, the message resonated with the girls. They had made a mark not just in music, but in the hearts of those who listened. For Joan Jett, it meant a new beginning. She refused to let go of her passion and fought to carve out her own path, eventually rising to become a rock icon in her own right.

Years later, as Joan reflected on her journey, she remembered the graffiti that had followed them. It was a reminder that their music had transcended the challenges they faced. “Runaways Forever” became a mantra not just for their band, but for anyone who dared to chase their dreams against the odds. It represented resilience, the idea that even when life gets tough, the passion for what you love never fades. As she stood on stage, performing to a crowd that sang along, she understood the true power of music; it connects us, inspires us, and makes us feel alive.

In the end, the tag wasn’t just a fleeting moment in time. It was a legacy—a reminder that even if the band no longer toured, their spirit lived on in every fan who felt the thrill of their music. The Runaways and their graffiti tag taught the world that dreams might be chased and sometimes lost, but the passion ignited in that pursuit is eternal. The music, just like the graffiti, would forever echo the call to be bold, to be brave, and to run toward the future with an open heart.