The Sound of Joan Jett | Playing the Long Game

Joan Jett's unrelenting drive and unwavering creative voice has led her to produce some of the world's most iconic songs from "I Love Rock 'N Roll" to "Bad Reputation." We spoke with Jett at the storied Long Island venue, My Father's Place, host to some of the most memorable performances of her early career with The Runaways and The Blackhearts. She let us in on how she got started, her road-worn Melody Maker guitars (and the stickers that adorn them), and where she finds the passion to persevere.

[Missy-vmfr]

She can play a hard image but I met her in Florida and she was literally the kindest, smiling person you’d ever want to meet. A total sweetheart!

[catmoonmedia]

I saw her in the Runaways, 1978 I think, and she was clearly the dark shining star. We hung out with her and the band, all of them baddasses drinking until the sun came up. All of them very real. Then 3 times with the Blackhearts. One time her guitar player, I think Ricky was her guitarist then, was injured during a show before ours. Joan played both rhythm and the lead parts. She’s amazing. So good to watch this interview.

[SuzanneNuttall]

I really enjoyed hearing Joan talk about her iconic guitars and how she gets her signature sound.

[Louisjcx]

She is truly my hero. Such a touch exterior but on the inside one of the sweetest people ever.

[jeffevans]

Met her many times, always a sweetheart. She's the best.

[mikesmith]

I love Joan’s simplicity in her setup. This is precisely how you get your signature sound. 🎸

[storybellz]

Her talking about the stickers was my fave part! I wanted to hear about ALL of them, because that's often how Joan lets her secrets out a bit, through symbolism like that... through letting those things do the talking. It is by that and her songs that we really get anywhere close to knowing her... And that's just barely. But, I'll take what I can get from this mystery-loving woman!

[kristopherkrahl]

She really is the Queen of Rock 'n Roll!

[geoffpedd]

My family and I have had the opportunity to spend some time around Joan and her crew the past 10 or 12 years. She's the real deal and her crew is simply amazing. Last time we saw them Joan's white '65 Melody Maker had just come back from a stint at the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame so she wasn't using it that night. As I was there with her guitar tech during the show he was getting it re-setup and ready for the remainder of the tour. I had a chance to run my hand up and down the neck of that guitar and all I can say is that the mojo that guitar contains is real. It sent chills up and down my spine. It's also chowdered and beat to hell when you see it close up in person. Joan is an absolute an icon.

[timrobertson]

I love the fact she is using the pickups in her guitars that my Uncle Red Roads made, he hand made each and everyone of them and people would have them custom wound for their particular sound, last i knew one of my cousins was still hand making the Velvet Hammer pickups on the side.

[jaywright]

"I love Rock and Roll" was my very first rock album. I was in love with it and Joan. I picked up a guitar a few years later and the fist song I learned was "I Love Rock and Roll". I've now played for 35 years and still nowhere as good as Joan. Thank you for my love of Rock and Roll Joan!!

[evanisovich]

Just the closeup of that iconic guitar of hers gave me goosebumps. Once she picks it up and starts playing - to me, that is when the woman named Joan Larkin becomes the legend that is Joan Jett.

[AngieWolfK]

I had the pleasure of meeting Joan in DC and Baltimore. Very awesome person, down to earth, great humor and heart! She is R&R to her soul! Lots of love to her!

[yankeexpress]

Saw Joan in summer 1982 opening for Greg Kiln outside at Eisenhower Park Long Island.

[zakknpa]

how does one not fall in love w Joan Jett IMMEDIATELY after hearing that first power chord!!! always rockin, always real, always always sooo smokin hot!!!!

[barryrodriguez]

I saw Joan Jet and her group at the old Stone in San Francisco long ago ! She rocked then and is still rocking !

[nuke]

Saw her perform 2 years ago. From start to finish the energy didn't stop. She's the real deal.

[storybellz]

To the most magical, enchanting woman in the world – the one who makes me feel closer to the divine. I thank God for you, Joan Jett!❤❤❤

[vikramjitbanerjeetuki]

What a wonderful interview, thank you GC ❤️

[leevitalone]

This is one of the best interviews i have viewed on youtube that makes you feel what a great role model Joan Was on so many levels, honest, raw, and as a player just so much respect for her and what she accomplished as a muscian.