The Runaways And The Moment Cherie Currie Froze On Stage—And How The Band Rallied Around Her

April 2, 2025

The lights were bright, the music was loud, and the crowd was wild with excitement. The Runaways, a band of fierce young girls who played hard rock, were on stage at the Whisky a Go Go in Los Angeles. They were a sensation, known for their rebellious spirit and catchy songs. Cherie Currie, the lead singer with her long blonde hair and leather jacket, was at the center of it all. But on that night in 1977, something unexpected happened. As the band launched into their hit song “Cherry Bomb,” Cherie suddenly froze. The energy that had filled her moments before vanished, replaced by paralyzing fear.

In that brief moment, time seemed to stand still. Cherie’s heart raced as the crowd cheered, and every eye was on her. It was as if the music had stopped, even though the band was still playing. She felt a wave of panic wash over her, drowning out the cheers. Thoughts raced through her mind—what if she messed up? What if everyone could see her fear? But just as doubt threatened to consume her, she caught sight of her bandmates. Joan Jett, Lita Ford, Sandy West, and Jackie Fox were all there, radiating their fierce energy. They believed in her, and that belief sparked a flicker of courage in Cherie’s heart.

With an empowering nod from Joan, who was the first to notice her struggle, the band rallied around Cherie. They adjusted their music, slowing down the tempo, creating a space for her to find her voice again. Cherie felt their solidarity like a warm embrace, and slowly, she took a deep breath and stepped back into the moment. The thrill of performing returned, and the music enveloped her, pulling her back to life. With the encouragement of her bandmates, she began to sing again, pouring her heart and passion into the lyrics, thrilling the audience and herself.

That night became a pivotal moment in Cherie’s life. It was not just about overcoming stage fright; it was about the power of friendship and support. The experience taught her that it was okay to have moments of vulnerability. Music was not just about the spotlight; it was about connection and resilience. Cherie realized that she didn’t have to face her fears alone. She had a band of sisters behind her, ready to lift her up when she stumbled.

Cherie’s courage and the band’s unity became a defining feature of The Runaways. After that night, they continued to tour, creating music that spoke to the struggles and triumphs of young women everywhere. Though Cherie eventually left the band to pursue a solo career, that experience remained with her. It shaped her as an artist and as a person, reminding her that fear could be faced with strength when surrounded by love and support.

Years later, Cherie would look back at that moment with pride. It was a testament to her resilience, a reminder that even in the most daunting times, there is beauty in vulnerability. Through music, she found her voice, and with the support of her friends, she learned that the stage could be a place of triumph, not just terror. Cherie Currie became a beacon of hope for many, proving that it’s not how you fall, but how you rise with the help of others that truly matters.