What Joan Jett's Ex-Bandmates Have Spilled About Her

[@GrungeHQ]

What do you think of Joan Jett?

[@rodrigofonseca6241]

Her musical talent matches her beauty. Or vice-versa. She was so cute as a young girl, OMG...

[@kimlyons4882]

There's so much I think of Joan Jett I can't even begin. She is absolutely wonderful

[@timg3504]

I met her a long time ago and she was very friendly and down to earth.

[@katherineknapp4370]

Great singer not a great person.

[@storybellz]

@@katherineknapp4370 Where are you getting that she's not a great person?

[@tinamichelsnelson1563]

I met Joan at an airport once. I said hi as she was passing by. She stopped, flashed that awesome smile and took time to talk with me. She was so nice. My sister works for an airline. She says Joan and the band are always so gracious and kind to the fans.

[@storybellz]

Oh man! I've only been to an airport maybe twice in my life, for two trips, and I would have died to randomly meet her! Although, I say nothing is really random, You Were Meant to meet her, and how beautiful that was!

[@seanfoster6320]

I met her at an airport too on her I love rnr tour didn't take my camera for some idiotic reason

[@Freud_Mayweather]

I met her at a bath house glory hole back in '88

[@denalinde]

I met her at a very small show years ago & she was shy but gracious.

[@jamezkpal2361]

I've heard a few stories over the years of people seeing or meeting Joan Jett at airports. She must fly commercial airlines alone a lot.

[@lindagallant5985]

Every show of Joan's that I've been to (over 200 so far), she always introduced as "We are the Blackhearts!". Never put herself above any of the other band members. She's awesome.

[@daveg7878]

I got to meet Joan years ago at University of Lowell, killing time before her gig there. She was kind, approachable and sincere. I remember it because it surprised me how this absolute rock icon could have joined my group of friends and fit right in. She is the real deal, a rock star and a really cool (and very different) person too. Can't say enough nice things about her.

[@joanjettboy]

I saw her at ULowell in October 1989!!!!! Was it that show???🖤

[@daveg7878]

@@joanjettboy Probably. I think she only did the one show.

[@joanjettboy]

I read somewhere that she played there in 1987 as well. Crazy!!!🖤🖤🖤🖤

[@daveg7878]

@@joanjettboy For my experience, 1987 sounds more likely. Crazy someone so famous did gigs at colleges.

[@joanjettboy]

Awesome! She still puts on a killer show!!!🖤

[@xpicklepie]

I saw Joan Jett at the Texas Jam in 1982. She was so gracious and gave lots of praise to her band The Blackhearts. Wasn't really a fan but that sure struck me as a humble, kind gal.

[@ahill4642]

I could say practically the exact same things after seeing her 35 long years later in 2016! She rocked, she was gracious and she was kind. She gave a warm and caring shout out to our (Canadian) Micheal J. Fox. She was concerned when bouncers were overdoing it with a drunk guy who climbed on stage. She made it clear they needed to dial it back. It was humble and kind, exactly as you say.

[@dumpwoodhere]

Joan's one of those rare creatures, a decent caring unasuming human being. She is without question the greatest rock n roll goddess ever. Only when she is gone will her genius be recognised. I adore her.

[@smelltheglove2038]

“The Texas Jam” sounds like something explicit. As in, “I gave your sister The Texas Jam last night”. Hahahaha

[@xpicklepie]

@@smelltheglove2038 With a name like Smell The Glove you'd likely see that explicit connection, sir.

[@smelltheglove2038]

@@xpicklepie you shoulda seen my original name, it wasn’t a glove, let me tell ya.

[@acidreignstudio]

I met Joan back when she was filming the first Runaways movie (with Peter Noone) that was never released. I came down to the Whisky on Sunset, hoping to be an extra. I think they were not needing anybody else by the time I arrived. Dejected, I went around back, and sat on a pipe railing by myself... trying to figure out how to get an autograph. After a little while, the back door opens, and Joan walks out for a cigarette break. There's no one in the parking lot but me, and she comes right up and sits next to me on the railing. She pulls out a smoke, and says "How's it goin', man?". What are the odds? I thought I was going to faint - but held it together for the five minutes we talked. Joan was so chill, considering she didn't know me at all. I was just some dude sitting out in back of the club. And, I got that autograph...!

[@machupikachu1085]

That's a great memory! The pipe railing is still there LOL

[@Liz-g3d]

Cool, but joan doesn't smoke!! Never did. 🤔

[@MrSquirrel5292]

Joan has worked tirelessly from being a young teenage girl for nearly the next 5 decades to be a serious musician, to bring her music to the people and to kick open doors for women to have the opportunity to perform their music on their own terms. Lots of female artists owe their position to Joan. Its a shame that Joan and Lita dont see eye to eye anymore but i think that is more to do with Lita's feelings than Joan's. A little envy perhaps? A beautiful woman, inside and out. Fully deserving of the Rock and roll icon status and an inspiration. Proof that if you want it, you have to go out and work for it and if you are good enough, you will get it.

[@ahill4642]

WELL SAID 👍🏽

[@rickyparker9168]

She's no Stevie Nicks.

[@MrSquirrel5292]

@@rickyparker9168 In many ways i agree (i love Stevie and the Mac) but they are completely different performers in different genres and Stevie was part of a group as opposed to an individual performer as could be said the same for the likes of Debbie Harry (who again, i adore) and many other female artists that performed as part of a group. Joan was different because after the first all female hard rock group (The Runaways) disbanded that she fronted, alone and without mainstream backing, Joan set about opening doors for the female artist to be recognised as rock n roll'ers in their own right, and succeeded. This is why Joan Jett has the honour of the titles as "The Queen of rock n roll" and "The Godmother of Punk". What Joan did for the music industry and female artists in particular, is Priceless! Worth far more than record sales or 'shocking' behaviour. She gave women the right to be taken seriously by the music industry as rock and roll artists.

[@rickyparker9168]

@@MrSquirrel5292 Neil Stevie Nicks has had a solo career since 1981 when she released Bella Donna which went to number #1 and went platinum. She then released The Wild Heart which also went platinum then Rock a little which went platinum too. All her subsequent albums after that either went platinum or Gold. Do your research. Stevie did this for years and is still doing it while also being a member of Fleetwood Mac. She also put out a box set album in 1998 called Enchanted with a lot of rare cuts that had never previously been released. She also was the first woman to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame TWICE! No easy feat. In 1981 she was on the cover of Rolling Stone Magazine with the words Stevie Nicks Queen of Rock and she STILL is to this day. Don't get me wrong I LOVE Joan Jett! She Rocks but even with all her accomplishments she still pales in comparison to the accolades Stevie Nicks has achieved. Joan is definitely in the top twenty of female rockers. Others I would put in that club are Janis Joplin Pat Benatar Tina Turner Grace Slick Ann Wilson Patti Smith Deborah Harry Patty Smythe Bekka Bramlett Cherie Currie etc.

[@rickyparker9168]

@@MrSquirrel5292 Oh Neil I forgot Linda Ronstadt who was also considered the Queen of Rock in the 70s.

[@leesashriber5097]

I love Joan Jett!! I remember roller skating at the rink to this song. I miss the 80's. And the 70's. Thank you😊

[@Nrthmnsplbnd9]

Ditto! I love RnR, at the roller rink. 😁

[@leesashriber5097]

@@Nrthmnsplbnd9 , heck yeah!! Those sure were great times. 😊

[@ahill4642]

I saw Joan Jett in concert in 2016. She rocked as hard as ever, looking and sounding fabulous. Her new album at the time was excellent. She gave a warm and caring shout out to our (Canadian) Micheal J. Fox whom she had toured with a little at one point and made a movie with. She was concerned when bouncers were overdoing it with a drunk guy who climbed on stage during the concert, making it clear to them she felt they needed to dial it back. Humble, kind, talented, fabulous.

[@hughjass1044]

When I was a teenager, me and some friends used to pick up some work as extra labor at concerts. It was a great deal. We got paid 3 bucks an hour... a fortune for a teenager in those days... and you got to "see" the show for free. Well, at least what one could see from backstage, at least. More like hear it. The really big bonus though, was the big stars you got to see, or even talk to sometimes. Anyway, 1981 I think it was, Joan's outfit was touring with J. Geils and we'd just finished setting up, sound checks were done and we were just napping and relaxing waiting for the show when who walks out back with 3 pizzas and a case of Coke but Joan herself! She greeted us all, thanked us for our work and sat with us and chatted while we ate. Boy, that pizza sure hit the spot but what really impressed us, and what I've remembered until this very day, was how Joan Jett thought enough of us lowly gear haulers to bring some food out to us and chat with us for a while. And she wanted to talk about us, not herself. I always respected her for that. That was over 40 years ago and what kind of person is she today? How did she get along with other people? You know, I have no way of knowing that but all I can say is how special we all felt that she was so cool with us when she probably had a ton of other shit to do. She didn't have to do that, she wanted to. Those special few minutes of kindness will always stay with me.

[@storybellz]

Awe, what a special memory! Thanks so much for sharing that. I am impressed too, cause I imagine that wasn't typical. Correct me if I'm wrong, but it probably wasn't what most of the other musicians you met did. She seems to just be genuinely thoughtful and generous, which is not an easy thing to be in such a me, me, me world we live in.

[@hughjass1044]

@@storybellz It wasn't typical at all. I'd say out of every 10 "stars" we'd see, we'd perhaps get a nod or a "hello" out of maybe 1 or 2 and at most, 1 in 20 would come talk to us. I remember thinking at the time that they were all a bunch of stuck-ups but over the years I've realized they were just incredibly busy and had an enormous amount of demands on their time. Set-up / sound check is easily the most hectic and chaotic part of any tour stop and nobody has any time for small talk. And the other thing was that none of these people knew us. We didn't travel with the show. We were just local kids that the promoter hired to help lug gear and load the trucks. But these stars are all just people too and sometimes they just want to get away from it all and be with real people for even a few minutes if they can.

[@ahill4642]

I can’t help thinking this great story is simply who she is. And anyone who’s bitched about her over the years has been incapable of keeping up with her no-BS work ethic and drive, simple as that.

[@hughjass1044]

@@ahill4642 Perhaps. As I say, I have no way of knowing what kind of person she really is/was with other people because I've never experienced it. I only know what she did for us and how it affected us. The one thing I've come to realize most strongly in the years since is that we fans have a very misguided tendency to believe what we want to believe about these "stars" based on very little reliable information... and that goes both ways. We admire people who we should not and condemn others whom we should not. I think we very often forget that they are people first and foremost and are often under a tremendous amount of pressure and have people moving in and out of their lives on a daily basis who are always trying to pull them in different directions. That can make anyone jaded, bitter and short-tempered yet because of who they are and the high profile they have, one little blow-up can grow into a negative reputation which they can never shed.

[@Heathcoatman]

It was around 2005, but I dont remember exactly. I was at one of the last vinyl stores in LA (Rockaway in Silverlake) just flipping through stacks when I saw Joan flipping opposite me. She looked up and saw me mouth agape, eyes wide looking at her about to say something when she put her fingers to her lips in a shhhhhh gesture, then looked around to see if anyone else noticed. The store was almost empty. I mouthed 'love your work, you rock' and she smiled and mouthed 'thanks'. Moments later she was next to me with a few albums tucked under her arm and asked 'what do you have?. I showed my picks and she and I talked about music for several minutes. She was genuinely interested in my music choices and why I liked this band or that, and even gave a few suggestions. I had an old Budgie album as one of my choices and we talked about them and Burke Shelley for a couple minutes. Then she said take care and that was it. Living in LA my whole life I have run into musicians, movie and tv people and pro athletes from time to time. Joan was so down to earth and engaging, it still trips me out today

[@supergristmill6195]

Sandy West is the often unsung hero of The Runaways. She was a great drummer and had a unique sound that very few drummers possess.

[@forakermm]

Amen!

[@hhale]

Sandy's death is the real reason why a Runaways reunion never happened. She was the glue that kept the big personalities around her grounded and connected.

[@storybellz]

@@hhale well, actually runaways reunions would have happened, but Lita put a stop to it in the late 90s. She's the real reason why runways reunions never happened, because once that bad blood was stirred up again, there was no reason for Joan to ever look back on it after that.

[@hhale]

@@storybellz In the late 90s Lita was a large part of it, but my sense is that if they had put Sandy in the room with Lita and Joan, she might have persuaded them to bury the hatchet. I don't think the three of them were ever in the same room together after the Runaways broke up.

[@storybellz]

@@hhale Not physically in the same room perhaps, but in the 1990s when Lita screwed up the prospective reunion (which was set to launch a new album AND a whole tour), they were all on conference call together at least. Kenny and Joan were so into it, that it was going to lead to a whole new Runaways era! Kenny already had the album deal and tour planned. Lita was so selfish and foolish that day, she spoiled it for everyone. And now she says Joan should say yes to a reunion again. But to Joan, you mess things up once, all the more reason for her not to trust you again. So, even though at first, I was like everyone else who thinks Joan is just being stubborn. But now it's finally clicked with me. Joan isn't being selfish or stubborn, she's being smart.

[@tommyboy6267]

Loved and still love Joan Jett. Great player and stage presence.

[@dawntiffin9894]

Jett is a BALLER. I never saw someone sweat out a 2 hour set with so much passion for the music. Nothing but good things to say about her.

[@jomama5186]

I always loved the way she did her eye liner and make up. We all tried to copy it in High School.(Great time to be a teenager, that's for sure!) So cool to have a guitar playing rock star for someone to idolize. We had real power women in those days, Par Benatar included. Princess Diana got married and every young girl and teen to 20 yr old girls adored her. It was a magical time.

[@seanfoster6320]

Apparently she deliberately used liner that ran she said it looked cool,I agree

[@craigpoer]

In 88' Joan played at Norfolk navy base. She came out after the show. It was freezing cold. She signed my sailors cap. Was so nice. It was so cold but she came out anyway. One of my favorite memories

[@jananderson672]

My sister and brother in law won a visit with Joan before a show and they were very impressed with how personable she was.She gave them a CD and they enjoyed meeting her.My partner and I were jealous!

[@denisewilks1784]

Joan is THE BEST! I've seen her many times through the years. She is the QUEEN OF ROCK!! She still has so much energy & puts everything into her shows. 🔥

[@rickyparker9168]

Joan is good but Stevie Nicks is the Queen of Rock.

[@jmommy881]

I was just going to say the same thing, Stevie is the Queen of rock.

[@rickyparker9168]

@@jmommy881 Right on!

[@lynnehuff9659]

I like her, not the Queen Of Rock, though

[@jmommy881]

@@lynnehuff9659 Stevie Nick's is in the Hall of fame as a member of Fleetwood Mac and as herself. No women can touch her, zPeriod3 .sorry to hear that you don't know about the Queen of Rock. No question about that, Period!

[@petebyron1957]

I ran sound for a wedding where Joan attended, (circa 94) she also sang a couple of songs. I remember her to be a very nice person who engaged me in conversation while on the buffet line.

[@storybellz]

Cool! Whose wedding was it, and do you remember what Joan got from the buffet line?

[@ahill4642]

Nice! ☺️

[@2beJT]

@@storybellz beef stroganoff

[@storybellz]

@@2beJT Nice try, but at that time, Joan was primarily vegetarian. She would have gotten fish, if anything flesh.

[@Michael-yi4mc]

You scored, big time!

[@C.Brown5150]

I've always loved her. I saw her back in 1985 or 86 at a club in Indianapolis. Had 2nd row seats and I was in heaven. ❤️

[@danstone8783]

Saw Joan in a club in Charlotte in 86 or 87. I was right next to the stage and maybe four or five feet from here and still taller then her.

[@rayjohnson2387]

The Vogue???...wait...The Vogue didn't really have rows lol

[@C.Brown5150]

@@rayjohnson2387 Hello from Westfield , Ind :: You're right. The Vogue was Standing Room only during the show.... But my Bro and I had a small table that 2 or 3 people could stand around , up front on the left side of the stage. So how the table was placed , it would've been like the second row. But I've only there twice. First time was J.J.'s show , and the other time was some kinda Motown dance thing with my Cousin and some of her friends. And that time I was up on the second floor having drinks. I'm a drinker , not a Dancer..🤮 Stay safe and Focused out there .. 🦅🇺🇸🦅

[@rayjohnson2387]

@charlesbrown6072 The Vogue had tons of good shows back then...saw Henry Lee there many times...The Ramones...Meatloaf....Nazareth even played there...saw Joan at Deercreek opening for Aerosmith in 89 or 90 I think...she must have been having an off night...didn't sound good at all

[@flyingburritobro68]

@@rayjohnson2387 saw loads of shows at The Vogue which is still in Broadripple to this day. X, Smithereens, Stray Cats and my favorite show there Izzy Stradlin & The Ju Ju Hounds!

[@scottbiddle3967]

Sounds to me like she was someone who cared about the bands. But just got caught up with bad management like Elvis. It happens to alot of famous people.

[@LeopoldMaysonet]

Joan seems like a natural leader, down to Earth but very serious about the band

[@RReese08]

Kim Fowley was a real POS as The Runaways’ manager and as a human being. Too bad he was never held accountable for all the crap he did while he was alive. On the other hand, LA radio DJ and Fowley crony Rodney Binghamheimer is still around and should be arrested for the decades of predatory behavior and abuses he committed. Don’t care if Rodney’s an old man or that people still hold him up as some kind of celebrity, he should rot in prison.

[@thrillcker68]

As a member of a band for years I can tell you it’s like family. There’s feuds and cliques plus you do everything together it can get rough sometimes. Long term members are bonded to each other some never really fit in. However there is a love there even if they drive you crazy 🤪

[@RReese08]

@@thrillcker68 You are correct. That explains why many bands make reunion albums or go on tour again. If it’s not for the fam, then it’s for the money.

[@miahconnell23]

Not 100% sure, but I think Kenny Laguna was a good manager and I think because he totally believed in her, she had/has loyalty towards him

[@SweetSourMiss]

I met Lita and her manager at a comic con. She seemed really nice and she’s still very beautiful, but conversation turned to a Orianthi and she and her manger were really dissing her playing - this was about 12-14 years or so ago when Orianthi was still very young and just becoming known. I thought it was distasteful - almost like they were jealous of Orianthi, it was weird to hear them both go on and on about a young female guitar player. Orianthi was working hard to get somewhere and was very humble back in those days. Lita seemed jealous and not very supportive. It was a turn off. Why would an older established female guitar player dis on a new upcoming talent. It was weird.

[@storybellz]

I must say I like Lita because she pulled no punches. However, you're right that it is distasteful to diss another player. That's why I like Joan Jett the most of all, because she's so supportive of the younger people coming up, and of everybody no matter what their age. Joan is just a very motherly woman in general, she mother's people. It doesn't matter whether you're younger or older than her, she literally mother the people she loves. It's beautiful.

[@Fektthis]

It's funny to think of Lita dissing someone on how they play guitar. She's really nothing special herself.

[@iamjacksbrokenfemur8401]

Because Lita's very over rated and a crappy guitarist. Never liked her.

[@iamjacksbrokenfemur8401]

​@@FektthisCorrect. Her solos sound like they were played by a four year old.

[@BlackJackLopez]

My impression about Lita, due to all acconts and this you mention, is that she's simply too competitive, and competitive people are not always nice, even rarely. Too bad about it, as she's a legit Rock icon, but I guess it's all part of being Human, and therefore flawed.

[@granthurlburt4062]

I saw her in a long interview. She was thoughtful, intelligent, polite, insightful about music, and not arrogant. I guess you need this headline to get our attention. Worked with me!

[@ahill4642]

🖤 Joan’s a powerhouse. As kickass today as she ever was. “A force to be reckoned with”…? I should think so, and surely that’s been the case all the way up! You don’t get to be as good as she still is in the fickle, male-dominated, ever-changing world of rock music all these years later if you’re not. I imagine that the band members who were capable of leaving their egos at the door and working as hard as she always has have had incredible and rewarding experience with her. The rest need not have applied. 🖤

[@treborif]

Respect and admiration - I've been playing and singing in bands for near 50 years and apart from that 2 hours on stage it's a real grind. It's like people hear - I play in a band - just that 'play' ...and what's your day job? they ask ..It's hard work and when it's right on the night there's nothing better then 'playing' in a band and JJ was doing it at 16. Awesome.

[@SJTGirl]

Thank you for promoting RAINN at the end of the video, you guys rock

[@wayne7725]

Only got to see one Joan jet concert it was 80 or 81 when I was stationed In Germany it was awsome one of the best still love her.❤

[@Nrthmnsplbnd9]

Don't forget Joan Jett & Michael J Fox in Light of Day.

[@tamedshrew235]

Funny you should bring that movie up. It was filmed at the college bar i used to hang out at- Euclid Tavern in Cleveland. Thats why i remember Joan Jett otherwise i didnt know too much about her. Seems like just l7ke in the movie shes kinda a bar band rock star.

[@denniswinters2541]

@@Nrthmnsplbnd9 Light of day is a Bruce Springsteen song.

[@scottfitzpatrick1939]

Its hard enough to keep a group together for a semester to finish a school project let alone multiple world tours. Its a miracle when a band stays together. Bands like the stones and the eagles are so rare.

[@christineparis5607]

I loved Joan Jett!!! She was my idol then. I had a crush on her!! I wanted to be like her, but no one is Joan except her!!

[@ariesleorising9421]

I saw her last summer!! Sounded dynamite!

[@computerpurple]

LP's , cassette tape , CD's , internet & Joan Jett still here a Rockin the crowd.

[@josephtremel5392]

I’ve been a Joan Jet fan for over 40 years now. Rock on Joan.

[@jimwalshonline9346]

Met her once following a concert; she was delightful!

[@endlesshyenas]

She produced the GERMS (GI) LP, so she will always be a legend to me.

[@daniruegg4873]

Joan Jett has more talent in her little finger than Lita Ford has in her whole body. I think the real reason the Runaways never reunited was because Ford is jealous and intimidated by Jett.

[@ITIsFunnyDamnIT]

I never liked Lita Ford, She is indeed jealous of Joan's talent and success.

[@jackheisterman6731]

joan was definitely a better talent then lita when it came to music ,you still joans music even in film it holds up and dont sound dated .lita ford's music does when i see and here her i think 80's, and iam sorry i never cared for that duet she did with ozzy actually always hated it or atleast would change the station plus not that its a negative but lita had to use other assets to sale her music and image. i get it if it works for you and your fine with it go ahead but iam just saying if her music was that good she would not have to

[@cynthiabelknap8655]

Lita always had a cool look but she seems like an ass. Doesn't have the beauty or charisma of Joan

[@geraldfriend256]

Man talent wise they are peers. But Joan has star quality that Lita lacks , and Joan is very kind whereas Lita is a bitch. Her family does not talk to her any more. Is Lita jealous? Sure.

[@CC-jl7jz]

Joan had three hits with the Blackhearts. Two were remakes. She had only one original hit. She is talented and a great entertainer but doesn't belong in the RRHOF. She was a marginal act in the early 80's.

[@paulprovenzano3755]

I met her in Tampa, just as ‘I Love Rock And Roll’ was breaking big. Awesome woman.

[@Fiveash-Art]

Joan Jett was so damn beautiful. I remember that video Crimson and Clover in the early 80s and I was crushing hard on her as a kid.

[@keithkoenig5320]

Joan Jett epitomizes Rock & Roll to me!

[@jessemiller1774]

I love going to a Joan Jett show. She still rock n rolls.

[@MommaRose956]

In the 80’s I worked for Eisenhower Hall Theater at West Point. Joan Jett would drive up in her Jeep, do her show, smiling speaking to everyone just a very human person.

[@jimmurdoch7745]

I've watched three teenage daughters and their friends growing up for many years... When you add the Runaways mix of creative disputes and wish for success, you should never be surprised that there were emotional disputes and high drama... I'm a member of a Progressive rock group of five "adult" male musicians which started in 1992. We can generate teenage temper tantrums at the slightest provocation...

[@cincypiper]

One of my heroes! Joan makes music that I love. I named my cat after her. Meeting her and talking about music is on my list of coolest things I'd like to do!

[@drunk247]

She'll never let anyone know or see exactly how deep the breakup of the Runaways hurt her. I dont think she ever got over it. PAST it,yes,but definitely not over it.

[@joanjettboy]

Joan Jett is the kindest to her fans!!!!! Long may she rule!!!🖤🖤🖤🖤

[@vikkibrown2023]

@joanjetboy~~I hear ya~~She's a sweet one hell of a rocker chick~~I adore her and wish her the best always~~😀😀💖💖💖~~

[@keithhumpherys8343]

Went to a concert of hers when she was in Dallas, TX. Took a poster of a wall and went to her bus with other fans. She was very nice and signed the poster while sitting in the front of the bus. She paid attention to each person and looked at you. Gave her a old Navaho pin that I had gotten in Gallup, New Mexico for good luck in her traveling. I assume it would be lost traveling but wanted to wish her well.

[@chrismcdowell7138]

Joan Jett, like Jeff Beck, it’s all about the music, and nothing but the music.

[@fiddleback1568]

You can sum Joan Jett up in one word: Conscientious.

[@oldmanfromscenetwentyfour8164]

Joan was always a powerhouse of a performer and always gracious.

[@obryan240]

Seen Joan in concert 4 or 5 times over the years at a local casino. Always a good time. Haven't been able to meet her yet.

[@veekatore8983]

I saw the Runaways in 75? I think Michelle Steel later of the Bengals was the bassist. They played with a chip on their shoulder. It was raw. I saw Joan in 88 she was awesome! I loved her I love RnR which was one of the best Covers to ever make it but it was I hate myself for loving you which was and still is my all time favorite songs from Joan...

[@anthonymcdibble9496]

Gotta love the Bengals ... they are cool cats !!

[@cisumsevolbor]

I met Joan Jett in 2002, in Qandahar, Afghanistan. It was big PR: cameras, journalists, high ranking soldiers, etc. I was there to meet her, chosen by my chain of command, because, even though I’m a drummer, I knew I had to be without my drums for 6 months, but not my guitar and amp. Yes, both my guitar and amp, with immense thanks to my chaplain who offered space in his personal connex to bring it. I say the whole 25min-ish meeting was all very surreal. With one exception. Joan Jett simply seemed so polished, socially with me, that it simply felt like I never got to meet the real Joan Jett. She wasn’t fake, she just has done it a million times and I felt like their was this huge bubble, or facade, or barrier of expertise that kept me from feeling like it was really a real Joan Jett person in front of me, and not a super-agreeable job candidate at an interview.

[@BigBass-xf5yi]

About 7 years ago, we went to see lita play a club on Long Island. She came out 3 hours late. I left after waiting for an hour. The club actually gave me my money back for the ticket(which wasn’t much,lol). I heard lita didn’t even apologize for her lateness. Normally I wouldn’t go see lita ford, but the venue was about 2 miles from my apartment. At this point, you couldn’t pay me to see her lame ass.

[@plasticweapon]

i know, she couldn't even be bothered to show up to jackie fox's rape.

[@sarrjel]

I think that a Runaway reunion would’ve been great in like, 1991 or 1992 with Lita Ford slowly coming off the popularity of her heavy Metal band. It would’ve been great to have a two hour show of Runaway song with both Joan Jett and Lita Ford song being played as well. It’s quite clear that Lita and Joan were like water and oil. But any re-union before 2008 before Sandy West passed away would’ve been nice. It’s kind of to bad.

[@Splitshot1]

I've sometimes wondered how many rock n roll " managers" in the past have been the reason bands and friendships have not lasted, I. E., Sharon osbourne.

[@juliewaterfield1804]

i love her, she is amazing, a great musician, a great singer and very easy on the eye. i recommended her to many of my friends who became fans and even converted my husband. i still listen to one of her albums or another at least once a week.

[@thebluesrockers]

Joan Jett was amazing when I saw her live, back in 87' The band even did several covers and sounded great on them. I stood about 20 yards from her and thought she looked very sexy. My wife at that time found her show to be amazing too. I sure miss the nostalgia of the 80's. Everything was way better back then.

[@kelleychilton2524]

If you had played your cards right, you might have worked it out to where Joan and your wife could've had some fun together while you watched.

[@charlesharper7292]

Joan still, makes my heart skip a beat. Named my new switchblade after her.❤️🌹

[@claire-christmas-august73]

🤣 flattery.?! i beat you say / do that to / for all the girls.. 🤷🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️ ✌🏻🇦🇺🌏🤘🏻

[@ahill4642]

now that’s just hot

[@2beJT]

my buddy showed me a switchblade and it made me think of how cool that it would have been if we were like 14 still

[@charlesharper7292]

@@2beJT Ha! When I was 14 I was "importing" them from Italy and. Mexico! I still have a few nice ones. One named Joan.🤠

[@teresathomley3703]

If there's any object that deserves to be named after Joan Jett it's a switchblade.🤘

[@kathyyore309]

My husband saw her at Red rocks,said she was amazing onstage and she was tiny☺️

[@patriciainportland5567]

Thank you for the RAINN shout out at the end...

[@thinman8621]

Joan Jett is a star that earned her own place at the star table.

[@JackReynolds-w7g]

Kim Fowley gives the word 'strange' a whole new meaning.

[@kelleychilton2524]

He was a sexual predator, from everything I've heard about him.

[@storybellz]

Anyone who says anything bad about her is usually just bad themselves- and the truth of that WILL come out! Haters gonna hate, but their jealousy is clear. Eat your heart out, babies (you know who you are!) Joan RULES!

[@ivanterrible7362]

I did load in for Joan in the late 80's. She was one of the nicest people in Rock, second only to Kate Pierson of the B-52's.

[@bojo6607]

I knew her when I was a kid working at a her rehearsal studio in Long Island. She was always cool

[@skivvywaver]

Lita Ford quit because everybody in the band except Jackie was gay. She did come back after that but when she initially quit, that was the reason. She said she didn't know how to deal with it, so she left.

[@ITIsFunnyDamnIT]

There's always been rumors about this, but to this day Joan Jett has never admitted or denied being gay. But it's suspected she's bi.

[@storybellz]

​​@@ITIsFunnyDamnIT actually she admitted to being a lesbian in 2018, in the New York Times article. She admitted it, but just didn't say the words. And in fact she said The more you want me to say it, the more I won't say it, I'll just show it. And I think I declare everyday, loud. To prove that she is a lesbian, she showed her tattoo and mentioned that she sings Crimson and Clover- and she was basically irritated that some people still haven't figured it out.

[@tbd-1]

@@storybellz Started working as a union stagehand in '95. I don't remember the show but a group of us were setting up the lights with the road crew chatting as we do while we worked and the subject of Joan Jett came up. One of the local guys wondered if she was really gay when one of the road crew on the tour-a woman named Elvis (yes, really) snorted and said something to the effect that Joan has a different woman in every town. An embellishment I'm sure and maybe a bit of jealousy there but no, it seems she'll never outright admit it. Not that there's anything wrong with that. Be Joan, Joan and be happy with who you are. But, of course, guys like us never stood a chance 😞

[@kelleychilton2524]

I heard Joan in an interview several years ago admit to being bisexual ... "giving equal opportunity to both sexes" but with a leaning toward the girls/women.

[@kelleychilton2524]

Actually, I'm surprised that Lita isn't bisexual. She certainly comes across that way.

[@gwillis01]

Joan Jett is one of my favorite singers. I like her bold, in-your-face attitude.

[@billydeewilliams9104]

Produced the GERMS first album. Gotta give her props.

[@lamelama12]

She really appreciated her fans held the door for people leaving shows her roadies were very disrespectful back then women really has fight harder then dudes

[@dannydine5263]

Kim Fowley, what a creep. He was Skip Batten's songwriting partner in the Byrds and they did write some great songs but I suspected there was something weird about him then and this video confirms it. My heart goes out to that girl.

[@kelleychilton2524]

Fowley was a sexual predator, plain and simple.

[@billv1072]

Every group has drama. But these ladies were, and are, simply AWESOME !

[@kimmckillop3334]

Honestly I think the others have always been jealous of Joan Jett. She's the only one who made it big🎉❤🎉

[@hippiechic6772]

I am a life long fan of Joan Jett's music with the Runaways , Blackhearts , or just Joan Jett . When I first saw Joan Jett in concert .... it felt like Joan Jett and The Blackhearts reached a place inside of me and I was moved . Her guitar playing is among the Best in the business add her voice that growls with a sultry mix and she is really unavoidable .

[@danielk8906]

Honestly it sounds like Joan Jett is a real person and loves the stage but doesn't crave the attention to her personal life. She sounds like a professional musician that respects all of her band member and she listens to and values their opinions. Maybe she's just a little shy. My opinion tells me she's a warm person that doesn't need other peoples approval. Salute Joan.

[@storybellz]

You nailed it! That's her.

[@Marsbonfire007]

Wasnt Michael Steele of the Bangles in the Runaways?

[@GMStarshine]

yes

[@johnbest1978]

I love Joan Jett....not only is she extremely sexy she's also an extremely talented musician and writer. I've always had a crush on her since I was a kid in the 80's...I was always saying how beautiful she is and she is a very beautiful woman and has been since day one. I would love to see her live that's one thing I haven't gotten to do and I'm definitely going to go see her this year if she's back on the road. Joan Jett is a badass woman and she always will be....love you Mrs Joan Jett.

[@omfug7148]

She is gay you know. I remember her well in the scene, very petite, also very striking looking.

[@pinkfreud62]

A great writer? What hit songs did she write? Just about every hit she had was someone else's.

[@omfug7148]

@@pinkfreud62 A lot of their songs were penned by Kari Chrome.

[@storybellz]

​@@omfug7148 and yet Joan still wrote more than she did.

[@MemphisMama]

I’m the same age as those women (I almost typed girls). I remember when they were at their height. They made you feel like all those nights of dancing and singing into your hairbrush, in front of a mirror, could come true. As the years have passed I’ve read about their different opinions of those times. It seems to me, that most of their memories or opinions of Joan are the same…except for Lita’s. I’ve always wondered if maybe she was just a little jealous that Joan was the one who got most of the accolades. They were all talented in their own way, but Joan was the star of that band. There’s no denying it. You have to remember they were teenagers. Their minds were still forming at that time no matter how talented they were. As far as Fowley is concerned, he definitely was a weirdo, but he knew what he had when he put them together. His obsession for teenage girls would never fly in today’s world. He is even mentioned in Dianne Lake’s (the youngest of the Manson girls) book. She had an encounter with him at 14 years old. I bet if asked, if they had it to do over again, they all would.

[@johnnaylor1706]

I've said this before... no one every rocked a set of leathers like JJ.

[@storybellz]

Anyone who has anything less than nice to say about Joan that has worked with her is jealous. It's funny how Cherie is now against the way The Runaways copyright was organized, but back when Kenny was reaching out and helping her, she was all for it. She's only interested in herself. Anytime she doesn't get her way, suddenly it's victim city. Joan Jett is one classy broad, way too good for most of these people. You'd be hard-pressed to find anyone in the world more loyal and with more integrity than her. It's a shame that some of her disgruntled bandmates and ex employees don't have the same decency.

[@DimaShirshkov1]

Looks like these people have nice things to say about Joan Jett for the most part

[@sandrakenney567]

I love joan shes not like other people of her talent she never lets fame get to her head..shes down to earth and has a heart of gold.shes the girl next door who likes to rocking roll.Good on you Joan👍🌟👏😎🤩🤗✌🙏💜💙🖤💫🎭 🌟🌈🎸🎧🎤🔊🎵🔊🎼🎸👍

[@sallykohorst8803]

Yes rhanks for her story!❤

[@Cebelle823]

Saw Joan in concert twice in Amarillo, TX. And both times she p.o. the authorities in town by saying the word F**k in her concert! I thought she was so cool and brilliant. Rock on Joan!!

[@derekpierkowski7641]

Was in a band that was gonna open for her band about 1989 in Memphis at a place called Night Moves. Had people driving Hours from all over to see us. Rumor was she canceled an hour before the show because she didn't have a personal coffee maker in the dressing room. She's awesome

[@WakeyUpU]

Back in the 90s Barbara Streisand refused to go on until they brought her Evian water to wash her hair with can’t stand her till this day!

[@storybellz]

Yeah, that rumor is a lie. If you know anything about Joan, you know it takes A LOT for her to cancel a show, and she has travelled in a van with nothing before too. She wouldn't cancel cause of no coffee maker. Maybe some stars would, but not her.

[@derekpierkowski7641]

@@storybellz Blag, Blah, Blah! She's a grand C and a stinky one at that.

[@derekpierkowski7641]

@@storybellz Guess ya had to be there

[@LKre-vi5oq]

Yeah, sounds like a fable.

[@genrlgadget]

I was hesitant to watch this video... Nobody wants to find out one of their idols are Chevy Chase in real life. I was thankful this was not that. Just badass and classy - as I had always imagined. Thank you, Joan!

[@storybellz]

What about Chevy Chase? Does he have some kind of weird backstory? Fill me in, please!

[@kelleychilton2524]

@@storybellz Apparently, Chevy is an a$$hole in real life, not the funnyman we see in the movies or on TV.

[@ronnimetalpicodeathchamato6266]

I question the accuracy of some of this! According to what I know from conversations with Kari, Cherie, Jackie, and Vicki, everyone (including Sandy and Lita) were down for a reunion and Joan was the one holding out. She also filed many lawsuits against former members from using old RUNAWAYS songs (including Vicki's EDGEPLAY film).

[@storybellz]

Joan consented to a reunion in the late 1990s, and then Lita pulled out and everything was cancelled cause of the drama from her. After that, Joan hasn't wanted to do it because she realized her original hunch was right- it would be nothing but drama and diva attitudes. Joan's not about that and will avoid it at almost any cost. That's the truth of the matter.

[@sim1manson1]

I met Joan back in '83, it was great. She gave me a handy & signed my chest. She was a sweetheart.

[@Michael-yi4mc]

And you never took a shower after that moment?

[@sim1manson1]

@@Michael-yi4mc Exactly!

[@Michael-yi4mc]

@@sim1manson1 👍You should your skin pheromones on Valentine’s Day.

[@Variable-2-actual]

Probably should've had that tattooed.

[@kurthines8874]

I think Lita is suffering from jealousy. She was a flash in pan afterwards and Joan proved to be incredibly durable.

[@johnoliverio8729]

I was friends with Joan for several years. A very grounded nice person always.

[@storybellz]

Lovely to know! Why didn’t you stay friends?

[@johnoliverio8729]

@@storybellz I moved to Oregon

[@logicrules5793]

Without watching I can say they spilled a lot because Joan Jett don’t give a damn about her bad reputation!

[@butters395]

freaks and geeks 👍

[@tstan6827]

Best comment I've read on KZbin in ages! lol

[@beekay5914]

Can't stand her music on the radio, but I didn't have any choice but to sit through her set when she opened for The Who a few years ago. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of some of her material. She put on a good show; she had just gotten into the RRHOF a few months before.

[@niconine268]

Jett is gorgeous. She's a goddess

[@spikeisking007]

🎉I met Joan at the Tower theater outside of Philly in the late 80's. I was in the 6th row. Frankie Goes to Hollywood opened up for her. Very cool. In the middle of Love is Pain she threw me a guitar pick...A black heart shaped pick. My girlfriend at the time grabbed it. Joan looked right at me for the rest of the song...and concert. After the show a roadie came up to us. He said that Joan wanted us to come back stage....the roadie told us that we should be ready "for anything." He took us back stage to Joan's dressing room. She opened the door and she looked like she just took a shower wearing just a towel. I looked at my girlfriend and we said hello to our host and we went in. The room was actually very neat. She asked us to sit down and offered us a drink. Joan then asked us...........a fun night.

[@storybellz]

Are you saying what I think you're? Did she ask you for a three-way?

[@kelleychilton2524]

Sounds like one of those old Penthouse Forum letters ... "you're not gonna believe this, but I swear this really happened ..."

[@petej.8676]

You can never go back..back in time..when you let time go by it's the greatest waste of anything..time isn't something you can get more of......buy more of..you get 1 shot...

[@benwil1715]

I have a healthy crush "still" on Miss Jett... She can be 98 years old and I still would!🤗more than just looks!!!... Attitude,tanacity,,,the fact she plays electric guitar with the way she moves her body. And her punkrock look,is very appealing to me!!!!..... Ok..."enough outta me"!!!

[@billy6220]

Jackie Fox quit the Runaways and was shocked they didn't miss a gig and Joan filled in on bass. Jackie trash talked Jett for 30 years and only after Fowley died did she make the accusations. I don't believe her, I think she was jealous and sad and felt like she made a mistake quoting music.

[@tstan6827]

I would never victim shame over something like this, but I noticed the same. It also is surprising that someone who was so high they were paralyzed, would be able to see and remember faces in a room full of people. But if the term (rhymes with cape) literally means there was "no consent," then by today's definitions, she was caped by age and by lack of consent.

[@billy6220]

@@tstan6827 I agree, I just don't understand why she wouldn't have said something sooner being that all the girls trash talked Fowley and said he was a sleazy creep. Hell, they fired him, and were also good about NOT revealing that Jackie didn't play on the first album.

[@GMStarshine]

Most everyone wouldn't make a claim like that due to all of these people who say that she made it up. Nobody wants to be a victim. She didn't want the typical backlash that comes from everyone, including women, who should be supportive, and not victim-shaming. It's quite clear that Fowley regularly abused young women.

[@markothwriter]

"She liked an even beat" - her bass player WOW!!!

[@jamescarriere8478]

They should be in the rock and roll hall of fame

[@rickyparker9168]

I agree if not just for the fact that they broke new ground for women in music like Ann and Nancy Wilson did and Pat Benatar Stevie Nicks and Blondie.

[@jamescarriere8478]

@@rickyparker9168 think about it Sherry Curry was only 15 years old if it wasn’t for the runaways like you said all those other acts wouldn’t come to be look at the Donna’s perfect example to runaways paved the way should be inducted in the rock ‘n’ roll Hall of Fame

[@rickyparker9168]

@@jamescarriere8478 It's Cherie James

[@rickyparker9168]

@@jamescarriere8478 The Donna's are underrated.

[@rickyparker9168]

@@jamescarriere8478 Heart started in the music business in the early 70s and Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham we're opening for acts like Jimi Hendrix Janis Joplin and Santana in the late 60s so that was a few years before Joan Jett came on the scene.

[@jrb5353]

Joan is like fine wine....she continues to get better with age.

[@kelleychilton2524]

Yes, but she didn't need plastic surgery. She still had natural beauty.

[@ragnajonsdotter8333]

Come on, man. Joan is imperfect like all of us but has become an enduring star. She was wasted a lot in the early years -- it was the 70s. She overcame that. Lita Ford is an enduringly hot mess.

[@jeffstewart3342]

I threw a Grateful Dead shirt at her during a concert in Pensacola Fl. she looked right at me and said I love a show off. threw my shirt back. YEAH

[@SmokingRun]

Joan Jett is too cool for school! Please get back together girls!