Philadelphia, PA · rock · punk rock

Joan Jett and the Blackhearts

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The blueprint for women fronting a rock band on their own terms, still playing it with total conviction — 'Bad Reputation' as mission statement.

The band grew out of an unfinished film project tied to the Runaways' contractual obligations, on which Jett was paired with songwriter and producer Kenny Laguna, hired by her manager Toby Mamis. The two became close collaborators, and Laguna has remained, alongside Jett, the band's only constant member through years of lineup changes.

Jett's self-titled solo debut was turned down by twenty-three major labels before she and Laguna put it out themselves on Blackheart Records. To build a touring band, she placed an ad in the LA Weekly seeking

with X's John Doe sitting in on auditions; the lineup that formed included bassist Gary Ryan, guitarist Eric Ambel and drummer Danny O'Brien.

That group played early gigs at the Golden Bear and the Whisky a Go Go before touring Europe, including dates across the Netherlands and a show at the Marquee in London. O'Brien was let go after the tour, and the band regrouped around Long Beach, New York, as members continued to change over the years.

Beyond the singles already known to audiences, the band's catalogue includes "Fake Friends," "Good Music," "Light of Day" and "Little Liar," along with covers of "Do You Wanna Touch Me (Oh Yeah)," "Dirty Deeds" and "Everyday People." The 2015 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction included Jett, Laguna, Ryan, drummer Lee Crystal and guitarist Ricky Byrd.

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