I love Joan Jett like she loves Rock and Roll. My first feast on her sound came in 1977, when a friend offered to give me the Runaways' self-titled album. It was too hard rock for him and they just didn't have any talent. At least that's what he thought. I thought differently.
Between 1977 and 1982 I ended up buying everything first by the Runaways and later solo by Jett that I could find. Came the army in 82 and college from 86-91 I lost track of music altogether. During that time, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts kept recording. It didn't matter if they could find a contract or if they were playing arena's or local festivals - they just kept on doing what they loved doing.
Jett reappeared in my life a few summers back when she played a lakefront festival in Racine, Wisconsin. Suffice it to say, the locals were highly supportive - that is the proper journalistic way to put it right? They loved her music, eating up every number. Jett and the band loved them right back. It was a small venue but that didn't matter. For one long set, Joan owned that stage.
The same was true the other night in Milwaukee. Everyone who came discovered that Jett still has it, can still pound out the rock. She went through the songs that everyone knew - I Love Rock and Roll, - mixed in more recent stuff - Change the World - and treated more die hard fans to stuff they'd remember – Androgynous.
If the chance ever presents itself go see Joan Jett in concert. It's fun and in the smaller venues it's beautifully raucous. And if it's in the Milwaukee/Chicago corridor look for me. If you see a a burr-headed old guy with a nose ring. and a camera make sure to say hello. But wait for a set break, I don't want to miss the music.
Mikasi
Between 1977 and 1982 I ended up buying everything first by the Runaways and later solo by Jett that I could find. Came the army in 82 and college from 86-91 I lost track of music altogether. During that time, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts kept recording. It didn't matter if they could find a contract or if they were playing arena's or local festivals - they just kept on doing what they loved doing.
Jett reappeared in my life a few summers back when she played a lakefront festival in Racine, Wisconsin. Suffice it to say, the locals were highly supportive - that is the proper journalistic way to put it right? They loved her music, eating up every number. Jett and the band loved them right back. It was a small venue but that didn't matter. For one long set, Joan owned that stage.
The same was true the other night in Milwaukee. Everyone who came discovered that Jett still has it, can still pound out the rock. She went through the songs that everyone knew - I Love Rock and Roll, - mixed in more recent stuff - Change the World - and treated more die hard fans to stuff they'd remember – Androgynous.
If the chance ever presents itself go see Joan Jett in concert. It's fun and in the smaller venues it's beautifully raucous. And if it's in the Milwaukee/Chicago corridor look for me. If you see a a burr-headed old guy with a nose ring. and a camera make sure to say hello. But wait for a set break, I don't want to miss the music.
Mikasi
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