The Runaways And The Grueling European Tour That Nearly Broke Them

April 2, 2025

The Runaways were just a group of teenage girls from Southern California with a big dream: to rock the world. They were an all-girl band, which was rare in the 1970s, but they didn’t let that stop them. With Joan Jett, Lita Ford, Cherie Currie, and the rest of the band, they hit the road for their first European tour in 1976. Excitement filled the air, and they were ready to conquer new stages and meet fans who adored their music. Yet, what started as an adventure soon became a grueling challenge that tested their strength and spirit.

The tour kicked off with electric performances in cities like London and Paris. Night after night, they dazzled audiences with their catchy songs and fierce energy. But the thrill of performing was soon overshadowed by the exhausting reality of life on the road. The girls traveled in cramped vans, often sleeping just a few hours between shows. They faced endless rehearsals, interviews, and the pressure to maintain their image. As they set their sights on bigger venues and festivals, the strain began to weigh heavily on them. The adrenaline that fueled their passion was slowly being drained by the cold reality of exhaustion and pressure.

One particularly rough night in Germany, after a show that didn’t go as planned, tensions ran high. They had suffered from a string of missed cues and technical issues, which left them feeling defeated. In a moment of frustration, Cherie Currie, the lead singer, broke down in tears. The weight of the tour’s demands became too much. But instead of allowing the moment to tear them apart, the other girls rallied around her, sharing their own struggles and fears. They realized that they were in this together, a tight-knit family bound by their love for music. This moment of vulnerability turned into a turning point for the band; they replaced frustration with understanding, reigniting their spirits.

With renewed energy and a sense of unity, the band pushed through the challenges of the tour. They learned to lean on each other, drawing strength from their friendship and shared goals. Each performance became a celebration, a powerful reminder of why they started making music in the first place. They poured their hearts into every song, transforming their struggles into a fierce determination to succeed. Audiences could feel the shift, and the girls gave it their all, leaving everything on stage night after night.

Though their European tour was demanding and often overwhelming, it ultimately became a defining moment in The Runaways’ journey. They returned home with more than just stories of exhaustion; they came back with a sense of accomplishment and a deeper bond. Their experience showed them that resilience was just as important as talent and that the strength of friendship could lift them through the toughest times. The tour may have nearly broken them, but it instead forged a tighter connection and a powerful sense of identity.

Years later, as they looked back on that tough tour, the members of The Runaways reflected on the challenges they faced and the strength they discovered. They learned that despite the trials, their love for music and their passion for performing could overcome any obstacle. Their story became an inspiration for aspiring musicians everywhere, a reminder that even during the darkest times, the light of friendship and determination can shine through, leading to brighter days ahead.