The Runaways And The Stage That Almost Collapsed Under Their Amps

April 2, 2025

The night was electric, filled with the hum of excitement and the chatter of eager fans outside the venue. The Runaways, an all-girl rock band that was breaking barriers in the 1970s, stood backstage, their hearts racing with anticipation. This was not just another gig; it was a chance to prove to the world that they were more than just a novelty. They were musicians, artists who had created a sound that blended punk and glam rock, and tonight, they were ready to make their mark.

As the band walked onto the stage, the cheers from the crowd surged like a wave. Joan Jett, Lita Ford, Cherie Currie, Sandy West, and Jackie Fox felt the warmth of the audience’s energy wrap around them like a blanket of support. Just as they launched into their first song, the ground beneath them trembled ominously. The stage, packed with their heavy amplifiers and equipment, creaked and groaned, straining under the weight of their dreams. Suddenly, in the midst of a powerful guitar riff, the backstage manager rushed to them, eyes wide with fear, warning that the stage was about to collapse.

In that moment, time slowed down. The adrenaline coursed through their veins as they exchanged glances, the gravity of the situation sinking in. Should they abandon the performance and rush to safety, or continue to play and risk everything? Joan, always the fearless leader, shouted, “We didn’t come this far to back down now!” With that, the band united in their passion for music, pushing through the fear. They played harder, faster, pouring every ounce of energy into their performance, as if the music itself would hold the stage together.

Their set was a triumph amidst chaos. The crowd roared, unaware of the tension that hovered just below the surface. Each chord resonated with determination, each note a reminder that they were not only musicians but pioneers, fighting for their place in a male-dominated industry. When the last song ended, cheers erupted, drowning out the creaks of the stage, and the girls took their bows, pride swelling within them. They had faced a literal risk of collapse but had emerged victorious, proving that their passion and resilience could withstand even the most precarious situations.

After that night, the story of The Runaways’ near-stage collapse became part of rock history, a tale that highlighted their bravery and the importance of chasing dreams despite fear. The band gained a reputation not just for their music but for their tenacity. They inspired countless young girls to pick up instruments, to sing out loud, and to believe in their own power. Joan Jett would eventually go on to have a successful solo career, breaking even more ground in the music industry, while Cherie Currie and Lita Ford carved their own paths, forever linked by the rush of that unforgettable night.

Looking back, the near disaster solidified The Runaways’ bond, reminding them that music is about more than just notes played; it’s about passion, courage, and resilience. They learned that even when the stage seems set to collapse beneath your dreams, the strength to rise up and perform can create a legacy that lasts far beyond the final song.