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Legendary rock goddess joins punk rock festival for 2006
from: leader.net
by Christopher J. Hughes, Summit Soundtrack
JOAN JETT is the original "riot grrrl" credited with
breaking down the gender barrier that plagued rock and
roll for decades. After being turned down by almost 30
record labels following her departure from her
earliest band, The RUNAWAYS, Jett became the master of
her own destiny and created BLACKHEART RECORDS, which
celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.
Through everything, Jett continues a heartfelt
connection to the music she grew up with and the music
she loves to play. It’s not surprising, then, that
when an opportunity to play as a headliner on the 2006
Vans Warped Tour came along, she took it and ran.
"When I was offered a spot, it was something that I
was happy to accept," Jett said in a recent phone
interview following a Warped Tour stop in Pittsburgh.
"I love the whole idea of the Warped Tour. It’s like a
rolling block party punk rock festival. The tour is so
much more fun than I expected it to be."
Jett began writing songs at age 15, penning "Cherry
Bomb" for The RUNAWAYS’ debut LP in 1976. She struck
gold in 1982 when her smash hit "I Love Rock n’ Roll"
held the No. 1 spot for eight weeks. The single
prompted the sale of 10 million records by the same
name.
After not releasing a new studio album in more than a
decade, Jett and her bandmates, The BLACKHEARTS,
returned to the shelves in June 2006 with "SINNER," a
record that offers current political views, personal
feelings, and songs drenched in sexuality.
"When I’m writing a record, I just try to represent
myself - who I am and how I feel," Jett said.
"Everyone who listens to an album takes it a different
way. Some people dig the political stuff, others get
off on the sexual stuff. I just want people to have a
fun musical experience that connects with them in some
way."
The album opens with "Riddles," which focuses on
political doublespeak that often clutters the
airwaves. Jett admits that politics was a hard subject
matter to approach because she didn’t want the lyrics
to sound trite. Additional tracks include "A.C.D.C.,"
"Tube Talkin’," and "A 100 Feet Away."
Through the Warped Tour and the new album, Jett has
been able to connect with a younger generation of
listeners.
"We’ve had some really great audiences," she said.
"Everyone in the crowd has been really enthusiastic.
People are singing the new stuff, too, so it’s nice to
know that the record is getting out there."
Jett connects with the Warped Tour and how it brings
young listeners together.
"Most kids just want to rebel against what people want
them to be," she said. "The Warped Tour is geared
towards younger kids who may feel some sort of
alienation, and we all feel that way sometimes. The
tour provides a great day where kids can feel a sense
of community through music and a safe place to go to
hear a lot of excellent bands."
She’s right.
The Warped Tour, now in its 12th year overall and
second at Montage Mountain, brings a cavalcade of more
than 80 bands on numerous stages. Merchandise tents
engulf the lawn, the parking lots and the walkways
and, if the defunct water slides were open, audience
members could enjoy a dip in the pool, live music and
amateur skateboarding on temporary ramps all in one
shot.
Highlights for the Friday, Aug. 4, show at Montage
include punk-ska favorites Less Than Jake, live
hip-hop pioneers Gym Class Heroes, emo greats Motion
City Soundtrack and The Early November, and special
acoustic sets from Senses Fail and Saves the Day on
the first-ever Vagrant Records stage. Concert-goers
should check the huge set list at Montage as they
arrive on August 4. The fun begins at noon, rain or
shine, and the sets change with each performance.
"I’m always excited to play in Pennsylvania," said
Jett, who was born in Philadelphia and has roots in
Pittsburgh and Erie. "We’ve been to Scranton on the
road before, so we know that the area rocks."
Christopher J. Hughes will put another dime in the
jukebox, baby. "Summit Soundtrack" appears bi-monthly
in The Journal.
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