The Runaways: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Facts
Eligible Since: 2002
Finalist: Never
Grammy Awards/Nominations: 0/0 (Lita Ford 0/2 as a solo artist, Joan Jett 0/1 as a solo artist)
Career Top 40 Hits: 0
Essential Tracks: Cherry Bomb, Queens of Noise, You Drive Me Wild, I Love Playin’ With Fire, Dead End Justice
Essential Albums: The Runaways (1976), Queens of Noise (1977), Waitin’ For The Night (1977), And Now… The Runaways (1978)
The Runaways have long been acknowledged as pioneers in rock music. In the mid-70s, women with guitars were rarely, if ever, seen in the mainstream, and certainly not in the hard rock genre. However, these ladies did not let that hold them back as they rocked just as hard as any of the men dominating the charts at the time.
With their far-reaching, punk-influenced music, and the inspiration they provided for many successful women in music today, the question still stands as to why these rock & roll legends have yet to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
The Runaways’ Rock Hall Credentials
Formed in 1975, the Runaways were touted as the all-female counterpart to some of the biggest rock bands America had ever seen. By 1976, they had finalized their line-up, consisting of Joan Jett, Cherie Currie, Lita Ford, Jackie Fox and Sandy West, and launched onto the scene with their self-titled album, The Runaways.
The album had moderate commercial success, as they played support for iconic rock bands across the US. In the following years, they cemented themselves as part of the West Coast punk scene and later headed abroad to hang out with punk bands like the Sex Pistols and Generation X.
However, it wasn’t until they booked a tour in Japan that things really began to take off. Thanks to their single “Cherry Bomb” becoming a sensation in the country, the Runaways’ time in Japan mirrored scenes of Beatlemania as fans went wild over the band.
The Runaways have become recognised as early influences on punk music, as well as trailblazers who paved the way for women in rock music. Before their emergence, hard rock was almost entirely dominated by men. As the first all-female rock band to play their own instruments, write their own songs and achieve international success under a major label, they were revolutionary.
The Runaways have been precursors to bands like the Go-Go’s and Hole, as well as bands considered part of the riot grrrl movement, such as Bikini Kill and the Slits.
Courtney Love gave direct credit to the Runaways for her interest in music, sharing, “I remember seeing the Runaways record in about fifth grade, and telling Musician magazine, “Man, that’s what I want to be. I want to be a girl rock star.”
Lzzy Hale of Halestorm commented, “I had a beacon of hope because The Runaways came before me.”
The Case Against the Runaways
Despite their cult following and enormous influence on women in music, the Runaways did not achieve significant commercial success. While they became superstars in Japan, selling out stadium tours and selling thousands of albums, in the US, they only entered the Billboard Hot 100 once, at #57 with “Cherry Bomb.”
Not only did their music fail to achieve large commercial success in the US, but the band also disbanded after only four years. Band members like Joan Jett and Lita Ford went on to have highly successful careers after the Runaways, but the band’s run did not last long enough to develop an extensive back catalog.
This means that, despite their massive influence and their songs becoming beloved anthems for rock music lovers today, their original run may not have been commercially successful enough for them to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
The Verdict: Will the Runaways Ever Get Inducted Into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?
Thanks to their influence on the cultural and musical landscape, there is a good chance that the Runaways may be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. However, this is unlikely to happen anytime soon. Their short run as a band and minimal commercial success create a barrier to entry.
Despite this, many agree that they should be part of the conversation. Joan Jett herself was inducted with her band, the Blackhearts, in 2015. The recognition for her impact in music increases the likelihood that the Hall of Fame will also recognize the band that launched her.
While we may have to wait a little while before we can see it happen, perhaps one day the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame will recognize the impact this band had and induct them these trailblazers.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: The Runaways
Odds of Getting Inducted Next Year: 3%
Odds of Getting Inducted in the Next Five Years: 15%
Odds of Getting Inducted Eventually: 50%
Do you think the Runaways will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame someday? Leave a comment and let us know!
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Last Updated on December 12, 2025