May 2024 News

By Justin Beckner [UG Writer]




A punk rock workhorse. JOAN JETT famously used a Les Paul during her time with The RUNAWAYS but seeked something a bit lighter for live performances. So she acquired her first Gibson Melody Maker from Eric Carmen of The Raspberries. That guitar would go on to serve as one of rock's most famous female icons from the final days of The RUNAWAYS to the dawn of her solo career all the way up to today. The guitar was used to record most of her hits, such as "I Love Rock n' Roll" and "Bad Reputation."



Jett's Melody Maker is a 1977 model. Much like the Gibson Juniors, it is simply a slab of mahogany with an ebony fingerboard. If the Junior was the cheap, no-frills version of a Les Paul, then the Melody Maker was a cheaper, lesser-frilled version of that - perfect for a punk rocker on a budget. The original model made its debut in 1959 and ran all the way up to 1970. After that, the Melody Maker went through several variations well past the turn of the century.

JOAN JETT's main workhorse for the duration of her solo career was a Melody Maker Double, which was made from 1977 until 1983. The body of the Melody Maker was even thinner than the Les Paul Junior, which made it noticeably lighter. Guitars being lighter is said to have certain tonal implications as well.



Jett's Melody Maker has been adorned with stickers - many celebrating feminism and gay identity. It wears the scars of its years spent on the road as a bare-bones workhorse. Other modifications include different knobs and a pickup selector that functions as a killswitch. A single humbucker rests in the bridge position next to the Tune-O-Matic tailpiece.

By Matthew Postins




The Baltimore Orioles will host one of their biggest fans, a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, on June 28 at Camden Yards.

The stars aligned perfectly for the Baltimore Orioles to host one of rock's true legends next month at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.

JOAN JETT will throw out the first pitch for the Orioles' game with the Texas Rangers on June 28 and also serve as the "guest splasher" in the Bird Bath splash zone in Section 86. She'll also be the special guest for 98 Rock Night, according to MLB.com.

Jett's evening works out perfectly with her current tour, which hits Columbia's Merriweather Post Pavilion on June 29-30. Jett and her band, the BLACKHEARTS, will perform with Alanis Morissette and Morgan Wade.

Jett grew up in Rockville, Md., and was an Orioles fan growing up. She had great luck as a child, as her father took her to Jim Palmer's no-hitter at Memorial Stadium in 1969.

She tries to go to Baltimore games when she's in town. She's sung the National Anthem several times, most notably before the game the night Cal Ripken Jr. broke Lou Gehrig's consecutive games streak.

But Jett is a die-hard fan. She told MLB.com that she usually takes her phone with her on stage to keep up with O's games before she performs.

At 65 years old, Jett continues a busy touring schedule. Last year she toured with Bryan Adams. She started performing with The RUNAWAYS in 1975, a band that achieved success internationally but not in the U.S. Once Jett went solo, she recorded her biggest hit, "I Love Rock 'n Roll" in 1982, which spent seven weeks at No. 1.

She was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame in 2015.

By Baltimore Orioles




98 Rock Night - $50 Bundle Offer!
98 Rock Night at Oriole Park is Friday, June 28, when the Orioles take on the Texas Rangers at 7:05 p.m.

Ticket package includes:
Game Ticket - Orioles vs. Rangers at 7:05 p.m.
$15 in Loaded Value which can be used on food and beverage or retail items

Tickets available here

98 Rock Night - Event Details

Appearances by Rock & Roll Music Legend, JOAN JETT
Pregame: Ceremonial First Pitch
In-Game: Guest Splasher in the Bird Bath
Meet & Greets with 98 Rock Talent including Justin, Scott, Spiegel, Amelia, and Marianne
Time: 2nd - 4th inning
Location: Legends Park
98 Rock Promo Table and Giveaways (while supplies last)
Time: Pregame - 7th inning
Location: Legends Park

Know Before You Go
Information regarding this loaded value ticket will be emailed as a reminder to all buyers 48 hours (about 2 days) prior to the game. In connection with your purchase, you may receive exclusive ticket information about this event in the future.

Offer includes $15 in Loaded Value. Orioles Loaded Value tickets can be used at most Oriole Park concession stands and team stores. Your loaded value is added to your ticket barcode. Just scan your ticket at the point of sale to redeem towards your purchase! Some restrictions apply.