The Runaways And The Song That Brought Them Together—And The One That Tore Them Apart

April 3, 2025

In the summer of 1975, a group of young girls in Los Angeles found something special in each other: a love for music that ignited their spirits and dreams. Known as The Runaways, they were an all-girl rock band led by the fearless Joan Jett, with Lita Ford on guitar, Cherie Currie as the lead singer, and Sandy West on drums. The girls bonded over their shared passion for rock ‘n’ roll, and despite being just teenagers, they were determined to change the music scene. They wrote catchy songs like “Cherry Bomb,” which was the anthem of their youth and marked the beginning of their journey. It was a song that symbolized their rebellious spirit and their desire to break free from the expectations placed on them.

“Cherry Bomb” resonated with young girls everywhere, empowering them to embrace their individuality and follow their dreams. The chorus was a battle cry, one that echoed through the hearts of fans who felt inspired by the fierce energy of The Runaways. As they performed across the country, they discovered the exhilarating rush of being on stage, where they felt invincible. With each show, their bond grew stronger, united by the electric thrill of music and the joy of performing together. The girls poured their hearts into their craft, each rehearsal and gig introducing them to a world where they could be anything they wanted to be.

However, as the lights shone brighter and the fame grew, cracks began to form in their once-solid friendship. The pressures of the industry and personal struggles started to take a toll. Cherie Currie, with her striking voice and charm, felt overwhelmed by the demands placed on her as the frontwoman. The song that once united them began to become a source of tension, as faded dreams and individual aspirations clashed. As the band moved forward, it became harder for them to agree on their musical direction, and the fun they once had began to fade into frustration.

The breaking point came in 1978 when Cherie decided to leave the band, feeling lost and needing to find herself outside of the group’s demands. The band was devastated, and the news felt like a heavy weight on their hearts. “Cherry Bomb,” which had once been a powerful expression of their shared dreams, became a bittersweet reminder of what they had lost. The Runaways continued on for a while, but without Cherie’s signature voice, their music felt incomplete. Joan Jett, Lita Ford, Sandy West, and the others struggled to redefine their identity as a band, but the magic they once shared seemed to slip away.

Yet, even as The Runaways disbanded, their story didn’t end there. Joan Jett embraced her passion for music, embarking on a successful solo career that would inspire countless artists who followed in her footsteps. She never forgot the lessons learned during her time with The Runaways, using her experiences to fuel her music and connect with her fans. The band influenced many future rock musicians and became a symbol of female empowerment in an industry dominated by men. Their journey, full of ups and downs, serves as a reminder that friendship and creativity can withstand the toughest trials.

In the end, the music that once brought The Runaways together continued to resonate through generations, with “Cherry Bomb” still igniting the spirit of young dreamers everywhere. The story of The Runaways shows us that even when friendships may falter and dreams might change, the passion for music can bring healing and inspire resilience. Their legacy reminds us to chase our dreams, to embrace our individuality, and to never stop rocking.