The Runaways And The Long Night They Spent Locked In A Dressing Room After A Show Turned Violent

April 3, 2025

The night started as a celebration. The Runaways had just wrapped up a high-energy concert in San Francisco, the kind where the crowd sang every word right back to them. Joan Jett, Lita Ford, Cherie Currie, and the rest of the band felt invincible as they left the stage, their hearts still racing from the music. But that feeling didn’t last long. Moments later, chaos erupted in the venue when some rowdy fans began to push and shove, creating a dangerous situation. In the frenzy, the band made a hasty retreat to the dressing room, thinking it would be a safe place to wait out the madness.

As the door clicked shut behind them, the once lively atmosphere turned dark and suffocating. The noise outside sounded like a storm – shouts, crashes, and an overwhelming sense of fear. ”What’s happening out there?” Cherie whispered, her voice trembling. Joan, trying to stay calm, paced the small room. “Just a little longer, we’ll be fine,” she assured everyone, though her own heart raced with uncertainty. Each girl felt a mix of dread, concern, and a strong desire to escape the overwhelming tension. They were more than just a band; they were a sisterhood united by music and dreams. But in that moment, those dreams felt like they were under threat.

Hours passed, and the adrenaline that had fueled their performance faded into exhaustion. Throughout the night, they shared stories, laughter, and even tears, creating a bond that was deeper than what the stage lights could ever illuminate. They spoke of their hopes, the challenges they faced as young female rockers, and how, despite everything, they wouldn’t trade their passion for music for anything in the world. Their music was more than just a job; it was their escape, their voice, and their legacy. Cherie recalled the time they played in a small club to only a handful of people, while Lita shared dreams of conquering bigger stages around the world.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the sounds of the chaos outside began to fade. The shouts turned to murmurs, and then silence enveloped the venue, signaling that the storm had passed. When the dressing room door finally swung open, the girls were greeted by the concerned faces of their crew. The relief was palpable as they stepped outside, but they also knew this night would mark them forever. It was a harsh reminder of the unpredictability of fame and the fragile nature of their dreams.

In the following weeks, the incident became a topic of conversations in rock circles, sparking discussions about safety at concerts and the culture surrounding live music. The Runaways used their experience to champion change, advocating for better conditions for musicians and their fans. This newfound purpose added depth to their music and made their performances even more powerful. They emerged from that night not just as survivors of a scary moment, but as voices for others who faced similar struggles.

Looking back, the night in that dressing room became a defining moment for The Runaways. It reinforced their resilience and strengthened their commitment to their art. Joan, Lita, Cherie, and the rest of the band recognized that while the road ahead might be fraught with challenges, their passion for music would always lead them through the darkness. The Runaways didn’t just play rock music; they lived it, and together they would continue to inspire others through their powerful melodies and unbreakable spirit. The long night locked away had changed them, but it had also ignited an unyielding fire that would propel them forward into their future.