The Runaways And The Moment They Stopped Playing For Anyone But Themselves

April 2, 2025

The summer of 1975 was sweltering in Los Angeles, but inside the dimly lit club, The Runaways were about to ignite the stage with their fiery energy. The young all-girl band, made up of Joan Jett, Lita Ford, Cherie Currie, Sandy West, and Jackie Fox, had been playing for a few years, and while they were gaining popularity, it felt like they were constantly trying to fit into someone else’s mold. They were often compared to male bands, and many audiences struggled to understand that they were a force of their own. But on this particular night, something felt different. The nervous excitement was palpable backstage as they prepared for their show.

As they stepped onto the stage, the bright lights hit them, but instead of the usual thrill of performing for adoring fans, they felt a wave of pressure to impress the industry bigwigs in attendance that night. However, in that moment, Joan Jett caught Lita’s eye, and a shared spark of determination ignited between them. They couldn’t keep pretending to be what others wanted; they needed to play for themselves – to express their passion and love for music without the weight of expectations.

With that revelation, the atmosphere transformed. The opening chords of “Cherry Bomb” rang out, powerful and raw, as if the girls were finally unleashing their true selves. They belted out the lyrics with every ounce of energy, pouring their hearts into the performance. The crowd, initially reserved, began to feel the rhythm and sway, and soon, the energy in the room shifted dramatically. They were no longer just a band trying to be accepted; they were artists embracing their identity, and their music surged with newfound authenticity.

In those electrifying minutes on stage, something changed within each of them. They realized that music was not about the accolades or the approval; it was about the joy of creating something that resonated with them. The cheers of the crowd grew louder, but it was their own exhilaration that mattered most. The Runaways left everything on the stage that night, feeling liberated and empowered. From that moment forward, they dedicated themselves to making music that spoke to their own experiences, desires, and dreams.

This pivotal performance not only defined their journey but also set the stage for their career ahead. They began to create songs that were unapologetically honest and true to their hearts. Songs like “Queens of Noise” and “You Drive Me Wild” became anthems, not just for themselves but for girls and women everywhere who felt the limitations set by society. They might have started in a tough industry that often overlooked female talent, but they were forging a new path, driven by their passion and resilience.

Years later, when The Runaways were long past their peak, the impact of that night still echoed through Joan Jett’s career, who went on to become an icon in rock music. They had taught themselves and others that staying true to one’s self is the most important part of being an artist. They had found their voice when they decided to play for themselves, and the world opened up before them, transforming their passion into a legacy that inspired countless others to dare to embrace their true selves.