The Runaways And The La Times Article That Made Them Overnight Villains And Heroes

April 2, 2025

The night was electric, bursting with energy as The Runaways took the stage at the renowned Whisky a Go Go on the Sunset Strip. The crowd of screaming fans was a sea of excitement, and the band felt invincible. With Joan Jett strumming her guitar, Lita Ford shredding solos, and Cherie Currie’s powerful voice filling the air, the girls were living their dream. They were more than just a band; they were a symbol of rebellion and youth, challenging the norms in a world that often tried to hold them back. But just as they were reaching for the stars, a storm was brewing just outside.

Days later, the LA Times published an article that would change their lives forever. It was a scathing review, branding them not just as a band, but as teenage miscreants who were nothing more than a product of a broken music industry. The words cut deep, accusing them of promoting a dangerous lifestyle, and suddenly, the girls who were once celebrated as rising stars were thrust into the role of villains. The media frenzy that followed was overwhelming. Overnight, fans became critics, and the whispers of disapproval echoed louder than the cheers of their supporters. Cherie, who had always dreamed of being a rock star, found herself questioning everything.

In the face of public scrutiny, the band could have crumbled. But instead, they chose to fight back. Joan, ever the determined leader, rallied the girls. “We’ve worked too hard for this!” she exclaimed, her voice filled with passion. “We didn’t come this far to let a few hurtful words define us.” Drawing strength from each other, The Runaways transformed their pain into fuel for their music. They wrote songs that spoke to their struggles and resilience, channeling their anger into their art. They knew they had a message to share, and they weren’t going to let the world’s judgment silence them.

As time went on, they began to see the tide turn. Fans who had once been swayed by the negativity began to rally around them, inspired by their courage to confront the harsh realities of fame. Slowly, the narrative shifted. They started to be seen not just as misfits, but as pioneers—young women who dared to take charge in a male-dominated industry. An emerging generation resonated with their story of perseverance; they weren’t just looking at a band, but witnessing the fight of four girls who refused to be silenced.

With renewed fervor, The Runaways recorded their next album, pouring their hearts into every note. It became not just an emblem of their journey, but a beacon for others who felt misunderstood or marginalized. Cherie later said, “We learned that sometimes you have to take the hard knocks to find your true strength.” Their music became a rallying cry, and they began to tour again, no longer just performing but sharing a message of empowerment and resilience.

In the end, what began as a moment of turmoil transformed The Runaways into icons. They turned adversity into artistry, proving that even in the darkest moments, passion and perseverance could shine through. The LA Times article had indeed made them overnight villains, but it also made them heroes in their own right—a testament to the power of music to uplift and inspire, reminding us all that true strength lies in being unapologetically ourselves.