The Runaways And The Insane Soundcheck Where Every Amp Blew Out At Once

April 3, 2025

The sun hung low in the sky over San Francisco, casting an orange glow on the venue where The Runaways were preparing for what they hoped would be a legendary night. As the famous all-girl rock band gathered for their soundcheck, excitement buzzed in the air. The girls—Joan Jett, Lita Ford, Cherie Currie, Sandy West, and Jackie Fox—stood together, sharing nervous giggles and last-minute notes on their setlist. This was their moment to shine, and they could already hear the cheers of the crowd echoing in their minds.

As they started their soundcheck, the noise of electric guitars and pounding drums filled the room. The sound engineer, who was always a little nervous around the fierce energy of the band, began adjusting the dials on the mixing board. Everything seemed to be going smoothly until, without warning, a loud pop echoed through the space, and all the amplifiers blew out at once. The sudden silence was deafening, cutting through the excitement like a knife. In an instant, the vibrant atmosphere turned tense, filled with confusion and frustration.

The band members exchanged wide-eyed glances, their hearts racing. This was not how they wanted to start the show. Joan, ever the fierce leader, stepped forward, her resolve shining through the chaos. “All right, everyone, let’s stay calm,” she said, her voice steady, even as her heart thudded in her chest. They were on the verge of performing before a huge audience, and they couldn’t let a little setback derail their spirit. They had come too far, endured too many challenges, and built a bond that could weather any storm.

As the crew scrambled to replace the blown amps, the girls took a break backstage, gathering their thoughts. Cherie, with her boundless energy, began sharing her favorite memories from past shows, and soon the air filled with laughter. It was in that moment that they realized the importance of their bond, not just as a band but as friends. They leaned on each other, reminding one another of why they loved music in the first place. It was more than just about the show; it was about the connection they had with each other and their fans.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the crew managed to fix the equipment, and the sounds of music began to fill the air once again. The girls sprinted back to the stage, adrenaline pumping. The cheers from the audience surged as they launched into their first song, pouring every ounce of their energy into the performance. The initial panic transformed into an electrifying energy that radiated from the stage to the crowd. In that moment, everything else faded away; it was just them and their passion for rock ‘n’ roll.

Looking back, that insane soundcheck became a turning point in The Runaways’ journey. They learned to embrace the chaos, to find strength in adversity, and to support one another through thick and thin. Their resilience not only solidified their bond as friends and musicians but also carved their place in rock history. Even as they faced obstacles, they had discovered the true essence of their music: it was about creating joy, overcoming challenges, and sharing unforgettable moments with their fans. And with that spirit, they continued to inspire generations of artists, reminding them to always play on, no matter what.