The Runaways And The Time Cherie Got Stage Fright In Paris—And Joan Stepped In

April 2, 2025

The night was electric in Paris, the kind of city where dreams danced in the lights of the Eiffel Tower. The Runaways were set to perform at a renowned club, their first show in front of a European audience. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement, and fans lined the streets, eager to see the rising stars of rock. Cherie Currie, the band’s lead singer, felt a mixture of thrill and anxiety. She had always been the confident one, wearing her heart on her sleeve. But tonight, something was different. As the minutes ticked down to showtime, Cherie’s palms grew sweaty, and doubt crept into her mind.

Backstage, the chatter of the band faded into a whisper as Cherie paced. The lights shone brightly on the stage, but they felt like the glaring sun, spotlighting her fears. What if she forgot the lyrics? What if the audience didn’t love them? These thoughts gnawed at her, and soon, she became paralyzed by her own worries. As she took a deep breath, she could feel the weight of the moment pressing down on her. The girls in the band exchanged worried glances, sensing that Cherie was not her usual self. Joan Jett, the strong-willed guitarist, stepped closer to her friend, her expression a mix of concern and determination.

When it was time to go on, Cherie stood frozen, her mind racing with uncertainty. That’s when Joan stepped in. “Cherie, you’ve got this,” she said with fierce encouragement, her voice cutting through the tension like a sharp knife. She placed a hand on Cherie’s shoulder, grounding her in the moment. “Remember why we’re here. We love this. We do it for the music, for the fans. Just breathe and let it all go.” Cherie looked into Joan’s eyes and saw the fierce belief her friend had in her. With a deep inhale, Cherie felt the doubt start to fade, overshadowed by the music that pulsed through her veins and the camaraderie of her bandmates.

As they walked onto the stage, the roar of the crowd hit Cherie like a wave. The lights washed over her, and in that moment, she let herself be swept away by the energy and excitement of it all. The music started, and with it, she found her voice. Each note brought her confidence back, and soon, she was lost in the rhythm, her worries turning into pure joy. The audience cheered as they played hit after hit, the connection between the band and their fans surging like a tidal wave. Cherie realized that the stage was her home, and it was where she truly belonged.

That night in Paris became a defining moment for both Cherie and Joan. Cherie learned that even the strongest can feel vulnerable, but with the right support, they can overcome their fears. Joan’s fearless spirit inspired Cherie to push through her stage fright, transforming a moment of anxiety into one of triumph. Their bond grew stronger that night, reinforcing the importance of friendship and resilience in the face of challenges. The Runaways would go on to rock stages all over the world, but that performance in Paris remained a special memory, a testament to the power of music and the strength that comes from standing together.

Years later, as Cherie reflected on her journey, she often thought about that night. It reminded her that every artist faces obstacles, but overcoming them is part of what shapes their story. Cherie’s experience taught her to embrace her fears and turn them into fuel for her passion. Through it all, she discovered that sometimes, the most beautiful moments come from the darkest places, as long as you have friends who believe in you every step of the way.