Return to Joan Jett

ET CETERA

I love rock n' roll, Joan Jett style
Legend comes to the Gypsy Tea Room
Brittney Serrioz
Posted: 11/16/06


Joan Jett and The Blackhearts took the stage with a loud roar Monday night at Dallas' Gypsy Tea Room.

Two bands opened for Jett, The Riverboat Gamblers and Eagles of Death Metal.

A minute with Kenny Laguna

When I met Joan Jett it was the greatest experience of my entire life, she was as sweet as she was fierce on stage. Good Luck to Joan and The Blackhearts for the rest of their tour, and thanks for stopping through Dallas

Joan's long time writing partner and producer, Kenny Laguna said, " Joan's message is to be honest and be true to yourself." "This is what Bad Reputation is all about." He said. "It's hard to write a protest song that is valid, but I think with this new album, we have conquered it."

"You really define yourself by the songs you cover," Laguna said. "Her inspiration comes from several places, she writes great song titles and riffs. But she writes about things that are real to her, and she defines herself through those covers."

But even in between sets the crowd was going wild for Jett before they were even on stage. When they stepped out to perform the fans pushed and shoved to make their way to the front.

The show was nothing short of amazing, fantastic and very edgy. Jett's stage performance was incredible due to the help of her toned body and petite frame. She put on a show that will stay in my head for a lifetime.


I found myself puzzled as I tried to decide if I was a reporter or a fan. I was raised on Joan Jett and The Blackhearts and the result has been that I'm a loyal follower.

It seemed as if all of Dallas' electricity was being funneled to The Blackheart's amplifiers as they started the show with a classic Jett song called "Bad Reputation." This song is an anthem for riot girls; for girls who now know who they are, and girls who are still finding them selves, without caring what happens on the way.

The music's sonic boom was so electrifying; that Jett and her band experienced some technical difficulties with an amp, just before "Crimson and Clover." Jett waited for the roadies to switch out the amp, and the show went on with forgiving fans.

The way she moved on stage during the song "Do you wanna touch me" was very erotic and it showed deep admiration for the meaning behind the lyrics.

Thommy Price, the Blackhearts' drummer, was forceful with his drum kit as fans in the crowd threw their hands in the air with balled fists to show their angst during the hit, "I love Rock n' Roll."

The small venue got hotter and hotter as the fans were moved closer and the lights got brighter.

The Blackhearts dedicated their show to Jett's great friend, former band mate and drummer for the Runaway's, Sandy West, who recently passed away from lung cancer. She surfaced some of her feelings towards Sandy and began the song, "Cherry Bomb" in her honor.

The Blackhearts performed music from their new album "Sinner" which includes the new hits "A.C.D.C." and "Riddles."

But Jett, having done many cover songs, gave originality to "Crimson and Clover," "Louie, Louie" and "Summertime blues."

Joan Jett is a jagged punk centerfold for all generations and she couldn't have made it without The Blackhearts. Well, she probably could have, but Thommy Price's drums, Dougie Needles' lead guitar and Enzo Penizzotto's bass, completes the circle of influential rock musicians in her band.

The Blackhearts are stopping through a few more cities before an end to the U.S. Tour. They will be in Orlando, Florida on November 17, Atlanta, Georgia on November 18, and Atlantic, New Jersey on November 25. The Blackhearts are expected to play for troops overseas and other countries as well.