Like a thunderbolt on a stormy night, Joan Jett electrified Glasgow's O2 Academy with her first show in 16 years – and the punk legend did not disappoint. This was a masterclass in raw energy, delivered by a woman who is as fearless as she is revered, marking an unforgettable anniversary tour that celebrated 45 years since the release of her iconic albums Bad Reputation and I Love Rock'n'Roll.
Jett stormed onto the stage like a force of nature, sporting her signature black leather jacket and trademark poker face, silencing any pre-concert nerves with an unapologetic air of confidence. And what followed was a sonic onslaught that left fans breathless – her voice now deeper and more commanding than ever, with an added gravelly texture from years of belting out rock 'n' roll classics. Alongside the Blackhearts, now a leaner three-piece unit, the band tore through their setlist at breakneck speed, showcasing early hits from The Runaways to newer material.
The playlist was a veritable greatest-hits tour of rock history, with crowd-pleasers like 'Cherry Bomb' sending the audience into raptures. Jett's knack for cover versions also shone bright – a heartfelt rendition of The Replacements' 'Androgynous' and an unexpectedly rootsy take on Sly and the Family Stone's 'Everyday People' left some in the crowd mesmerised. Even her signature tracks, like the evergreen 'I Love Rock'n'Roll' and 'Crimson and Clover', felt unmistakably hers – particularly the latter's seismic shift from vulnerability to full-on rock 'n' roll chaos.
However, not all was harmony on this night of nights. A controversy that has long dogged Jett resurfaced when she opted to include Gary Glitter's notorious 'Do You Wanna Touch Me' in her setlist – a song whose inclusion has drawn widespread criticism over the years. While Jett has always maintained she wouldn't drop a song from her repertoire, it remains a contentious issue that overshadowed an otherwise phenomenal display of rock prowess.
The show closed with 'Bad Reputation', a defiant anthem that encapsulated Jett's unwavering commitment to being true to herself – even if the world around her is divided. While the performance celebrated her enduring legacy and impact on music, it also sparked crucial conversations about artistic integrity and responsibility within the industry.
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts' tour continues its UK leg. Get tickets while you still can via standard ticketing platforms – but don't expect to catch this electrifying show online anytime soon: no streaming options have been announced for this live concert.
Source: The Guardian