Joan Jett: Rock and Roll, Powerful And Strong

Iman Lababedi|April 23, 2015

…. And then there was Joan Jett.

I only saw the Runaways once, late in the bands career, Cherie had already quit the band, and I was pretty unthrilled, particularly because I always too the band seriously, and the, when Joan Jett went solo, I loved her as well, was a big big cheerleader everywhere I wrote, and in 1982, when she broke pop, was awarded with a interview from her and a cover story from Creem. “Rock ‘n’ roll is where I belong and there’s no way I’d do anything else. What do you want to call it? Rock? OK, call it rock, call it whatever you want, but I like to sweat. I get into it, I love it, I love what I’m doing.” That’s what she said then and I bet the rent that’s how she feels now

I’d run into her at clubs every coupla years and we’d howdy but the last time I saw her, a coupla years ago at the Studio At Webster Hall, she didn’t recognize her.

I don’t mine.

After I love Rock And Roll, she never really followed it up Nah, that isn’t quite true, Album was great as well, but she never quite quite became an album artist She thrived as a live act

I still haven’t seen the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame gig, I am sure it was fine as far as it goes. I liked Miley Cyrus before you did (in print, in 2009, here) though I am getting a little bored with her by now -put those puppies away girl, we got it, you’re not Hannah). As for Joanie? Here is the money shot off the new Rolling Stone interview:

“I think people have to understand that rock & roll is not just rock & roll. It’s more than that. It can be a message sender. It is something that is powerful and strong. And it is something that can be used to fight ‘ people have injustices, and you can declare them and fight for it. I think rock & roll is a brash sort of medium, so you’re allowed to say what you want and what you mean.”

That’s a nice sentiment, and I don’t doubt her sincerity (the last time I saw her perform was I support of Against Me!), but, man she looks tired in that picture and in 2015 I doubt anybody really cares.