The Runaways And The Story Behind The Silence After Their First Encore

April 2, 2025

The lights dimmed as The Runaways, a young rock band made up of girls barely out of their teens, stood backstage at a packed venue in Los Angeles. The sound of screaming fans echoed off the walls, a chorus of excitement that sent shivers down Joan Jett’s spine. She gripped her guitar tightly, feeling the weight of her dreams and ambitions. They had just finished their first encore, a heart-pounding performance of their hit “Cherry Bomb,” and the audience was roaring for more, but an unexpected hush fell over the crowd. Joan glanced at her bandmates—Lita Ford, Cherie Currie, Sandy West, and Jackie Fox—and sensed a mix of exhilaration and uncertainty in the air.

As they stood there, facing the audience, the silence lingered like a heavy cloud. Joan’s mind raced with thoughts. Why had the crowd suddenly quieted? Were they disappointed? Did they want something they couldn’t give? With her heart pounding, she dared to step forward, but the sound of a single guitar chord broke the tension. It was Lita, bringing the moment back to life. It was a reminder that their bond as a band was more powerful than the fears that threatened to silence them. Joan felt a wave of relief wash over her; they were in this together.

The silence that had initially seemed daunting transformed into a moment of deep connection. The fans suddenly erupted into applause, cheering even louder than before. It was a turning point for The Runaways; they learned that the space between songs, the quiet moments, could be just as powerful as the music. It reminded them that they were more than just performers; they were storytellers, channeling the emotions and experiences of their generation. This experience ignited a fire within Joan and her bandmates, inspiring them to push harder, to create music that resonated with their fans on a deeper level.

From that night on, The Runaways embraced the silence, using it as an opportunity to connect with their audience. Each pause became a chance to reflect on their journey—a journey filled with struggles and triumphs. They traveled across the world, breaking boundaries as one of the first all-girl rock bands, paving the way for future generations of female musicians. Joan, inspired by that moment of silence, found her voice not just in her music but also in her advocacy for women in rock, a struggle she shared with her bandmates.

Years later, as Joan looked back on that night, she realized how pivotal it had been. The Runaways faced many highs and lows, but they never let fear drown out their passion. Their music and resilience became a beacon of hope for those who felt unheard. They proved that sometimes, in the quietest moments, you find the strength to rise and keep going. Joan had learned that silence could be as powerful as sound, bringing people closer and amplifying their stories. It was a lesson that not only shaped her career but also influenced countless aspiring musicians who dared to dream big.

Their journey didn’t end at that first encore; it was just the beginning. Together, they continued to rewrite the narrative of rock music, inspiring young girls everywhere to pick up guitars, form bands, and let their voices be heard. Joan Jett and The Runaways had not only changed the music scene—they had shown the world that in every silence, there is the potential for new beginnings and endless possibilities.