The Runaways And The Whisper Of “We’Re Not Done” Even When They Were

April 2, 2025

The bright lights of the stage shimmered like stars in the night sky as The Runaways prepared for their final performance. It was 1978, and the energy in the air was electric. The band, made up of five talented young women, had taken the music world by storm in the 1970s, shattering stereotypes and paving the way for future female rock musicians. Joan Jett, Lita Ford, Cherie Currie, Jackie Fox, and Sandy West had fought tirelessly for recognition in a male-dominated industry, but as they gathered one last time under those dazzling lights, they all felt a bittersweet weight in their hearts. They were about to perform their last concert together, and yet, something deeper stirred within them—an unshakable whisper that echoed in their souls: “We’re not done.”

As the opening chords of “Cherry Bomb” sliced through the air, the crowd erupted with a roar. The adrenaline pulsed through their veins. Each woman poured her heart into the performance, recalling the countless nights spent rehearsing in small, cramped rooms, the long drives from gig to gig, and the struggles they faced just to be taken seriously. They had made history, and though the dream felt like it was ending, the music they created together would never fade. Each note they played was a testament to their resilience, reflecting the battles they had fought—not just as a band but as young women who dared to chase their dreams in a world that often underestimated them.

But as the final song concluded and the crowd’s applause washed over them, a wave of realization came crashing down: this was it. The Runaways were breaking up, each member seeking their own path, facing the uncertainty of what lay ahead. The bond between them was unbreakable, yet the paths they must forge were different. As the audience began to disperse, Joan Jett stood backstage, feeling a mix of sorrow and resolve. “We’re not done,” she whispered to herself, refusing to let this be the end. She knew that music was her life’s calling, and even if The Runaways had reached their final curtain, her passion for rock and roll wouldn’t dim.

In the years that followed, the members of The Runaways each pursued their individual journeys. Joan Jett launched a successful solo career, producing hits like “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll” and becoming a powerful symbol of female empowerment in music. Every time she performed, it was as if she carried the spirit of The Runaways with her. Lita Ford found her own success with her signature heavy metal sound, while Cherie Currie ventured into acting and eventually returned to music. Each woman continued to create, to inspire, and to push boundaries, proving that though The Runaways had disbanded, their influence lingered like an unforgettable melody.

The whisper of “We’re not done” became a rallying cry—not just for them but for countless young musicians who looked up to the fearless girls who had rocked the world. The legacy of The Runaways was not just about their brief time together; it was about igniting a fire in the hearts of others. As they forged their own paths, each member became a beacon of hope, showing that resilience and passion could conquer any obstacle. Their story taught the world that even when it feels like something has ended, the spirit of creativity and inspiration can carry on forever, reminding us all to follow our dreams with unwavering determination.

Years later, when fans gathered to celebrate The Runaways’ music, the echoes of “We’re not done” grew louder. It wasn’t just a phrase; it was a reminder that dreams don’t have to end, they evolve. Joan, Cherie, Lita, Jackie, and Sandy had shown that true artistry transcended endings. Their music continued to resonate, touching new generations, proving that sometimes, the best is yet to come—even after the curtain falls.