The Runaways And The Moment They Heard A Crowd Sing Cherry Bomb Louder Than Their Amps

April 3, 2025

The air was electric, buzzing with excitement as The Runaways took the stage at a packed arena in 1977. The lights flickered, and the roar of the crowd sent an exhilarating rush through Joan Jett, Lita Ford, and the rest of the band. They had worked tirelessly, pouring their hearts and souls into every note, every chord, and every lyric. Yet, nothing could prepare them for what happened when the first chords of “Cherry Bomb” blasted through the speakers.

As Joan screamed the opening line, she felt a surge of adrenaline. The crowd, a sea of faces, erupted into pure energy. It was as if the universe had conspired to bring every fan together in that moment. The guitars screamed, the drums pounded, but what truly took everyone by surprise was how the audience began to sing. The sound of thousands of voices raised in unison overwhelmed the band. They could barely hear their own music as the crowd sang “Cherry Bomb” louder than their amplifiers. It was a moment that transcended the usual excitement of a concert; it felt like a powerful wave of love and support washing over them.

Looking out into the crowd, Joan felt a mix of disbelief and joy. It was a reminder of why they made music in the first place — to connect with people and express the things that often felt too heavy to say. For a brief moment, the stage, the lights, and even the amps faded away, and all that existed was the sound of that collective voice. Tears filled her eyes, not from sadness but from a surge of overwhelming gratitude. She realized that they weren’t just performing; they were part of something much bigger, a movement of young women claiming their space in a world that often tried to silence them.

After that night, everything began to change for The Runaways. The energy and passion of that performance reverberated throughout the music scene. They found themselves not just as a band, but as trailblazers for female musicians everywhere. Joan and Lita became symbols of resilience, proving that girls could rock just as hard as any boy band. The moment they heard the crowd sing “Cherry Bomb” was more than just an unforgettable experience; it ignited their careers and gave them the courage to keep pushing boundaries.

In the years that followed, they faced challenges and setbacks, but whenever doubt crept in, Joan would think back to that magical night. She recalled the sea of fans, the thunderous voices, and how they had drowned out everything else. It fueled her passion to write even more empowering songs, encouraging others to find their voice and stand up for what they believe in.

As The Runaways continued to tour and release music, they left a legacy that would inspire generations to come. That unforgettable moment on stage served as a reminder that music has the power to unite, heal, and inspire. Each time they played “Cherry Bomb” after that, the memory of that crowd singing their hearts out lived on, a celebration of strength, passion, and the unstoppable force of music. Whether on a stage or in everyday life, Joan and her bandmates had learned that their voices were strong, and they would always be heard.