The Runaways And The Handwritten Tour Notes Joan Jett Still Keeps

April 3, 2025

Joan Jett sat in her cozy living room, surrounded by posters of her younger self, a wild-haired rock goddess who once tore through the stage with her band, The Runaways. As she sipped her coffee, her eyes landed on a dusty old box tucked away in the corner. Curiosity danced in her heart, and she slowly walked over to it. Inside, she discovered a stack of handwritten tour notes, filled with her swirling thoughts, song ideas, and memories from those whirlwind years on the road. Each note was a window into a time when she discovered not just her love for music, but also her strength and resilience.

The Runaways had been formed in 1975, a group of young girls rocking their way through the male-dominated world of rock music. They were barely teenagers, yet they had the energy and spirit of seasoned performers. Joan remembered the thrills of their first concerts, the way the crowd erupted with cheers as they took the stage. But behind that excitement was a struggle. Joan and her bandmates faced countless challenges—doubts about their talent, the pressure to fit into stereotypes, and the struggle for respect in an industry that often dismissed young women. The notes she wrote were her way of processing those experiences, trying to make sense of the chaos, and pouring her heart into the songs that would eventually define her career.

In those notes, Joan captured her dreams. She scribbled down ideas for songs that she hoped would inspire others, just as she was inspired by the rock legends who came before her. The excitement of writing lyrics often competed with the fear of failure. Yet, every time she felt like giving up, she would read her words, reminding herself of the passion that fueled her. One note read, “Music is freedom,” and it became her mantra. It wasn’t just about performing; it was about breaking free from expectations and showing the world that girls could rock hard, too.

As time passed, Joan’s journey continued to evolve. After The Runaways disbanded, she took a leap of faith and went solo. There were moments of doubt, moments when the music industry seemed to turn its back on her. But every setback drove her to dig deeper, to harness the fire that ignited her passion for creating music. The notes she had written served as her companion during those lonely nights as she wrote new songs, pouring her heart into each lyric and chord. Eventually, “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll” hit the charts, catapulting her back into the spotlight and establishing her as a fearless icon.

Looking back now, Joan understood that those handwritten notes were more than just memories; they were her map through adversity. They told her story of growth, resilience, and triumph. Each time she held a concert or heard her songs playing on the radio, she could feel the echoes of her younger self cheering her on. With every note she had written, she inspired countless girls to pick up guitars and drums, to express themselves, and to dream big.

Joan Jett’s journey is a testament to the power of music and the strength we can find within ourselves when we face obstacles. As she put the notes back in the box, she felt a renewed sense of purpose. She would keep writing, keep creating, and continue to inspire generations to come. The world needed that passion, that fire, and she was more than ready to share it, one song at a time.