The fairly massive stage was set up for the later appearing, classic rock favorites, Boston, and from my seat in section 101, Ms. Jett and the Blackhearts appeared dwarfed by their surroundings, although only for an instant, just before the downbeat, then once again they became bigger than life. Joan’s mezo-soprano vocals and energy are stronger than ever as they immediately launched into fan favorites. Dressed in a vibrant blue costume, the beautiful dark red Gibson guitar she chose to be her accompanist complimented her perfectly and the audience response was immediate, as they came to their feet cheering and singing along.
Joan Jett, an iconic American rock musician/singer/songwriter and actress that rose to fame in the early 80’s, with the Blackhearts, produced three certified platinum or gold albums and releasing such hits as “I Love Rock and Roll”, “Do You Wanna Touch Me…” and of course, “I Hate Myself for Loving You”. Among her peers and fans, she is famously, or is it infamously, known as the “Queen of Rock and roll’ and the “Godmother of Punk”. Joan was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015. Prior to the Blackhearts, Joan was a founding member of the all-female rock band, the Runaways, who were reasonably successful in their own right, touring both nationally and internationally and producing the 1976 big hit, “Cherry Bomb” that was re-recorded in 2010 for use in the Guitar Heroes Warriors of Rock, video game as a playable song. In 1987, she made her acting debut, co-starring next to Gena Rowlands and Michael J. Fox in the film, “Light of Day”, followed by several independent films. She has toured all over the world as an international headlining act and has opened for famous headliners, Cheap Trick, The Ramones, Van Halen and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.
As the sun set and the temperatures cooled over coastal Chula Vista, the night was heating up at the Mattress Firm Amphitheater. The crowd rose to their feet, chanting “We love you, Joan”, as she performed hit after hit, keeping her audience dancing and singing along. Included in her list was sound tracks from “Light of Day”, “Crimson and Clover”, “I Hate Myself for Loving You”, ending her set with a very energetic rendition of “Everyday People”. The 80’s made have made Joan Jett and the Blackhearts certified rock stars, but in 2017 they continue to prove that they will always be rock stars, who are humbled by their loyal fans, truly love their craft and are consummate entertainers that know how to heat up the night!
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts are currently on an American summer tour with headlining act, Boston. You can find their summer schedule and all their current news on their website at: http://joanjett.com, you can also follow along with them on most social media sites, and of course, purchase their music through all reputable music retailers and online stores.
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts:
Joan Jett: lead vocals and guitar
Dougie Needles: lead guitar
Hal B. Selzer: bass guitar
Thommy Price: drums