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Stampede: It isn't all country music |
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Written by Glenn BurnSilver
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Thursday, 21 June 2007 |
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 You don’t have to love rock ’n’ roll to love Joan Jett, but it doesn’t hurt.
A pioneer in women’s rock who broke through traditional barriers in a male-dominated profession that declared female rock bands couldn’t survive, Jett formed The Runaways and opened the door for future acts like L7, Bikini Kill, Sleater-Kinney, and the multi-platinum Hole, led by Courtney Love.
Though The Runaways have been hailed as one of the most influential bands of girl rockers of all time, Jett, who started the band as a 15-year-old, had to prove herself again as a solo artist.
“(Once) women have their run, like rappers, they’re done. Joan had the Runaways moment and then they crossed her off the list. She was 18 years old, had done her thing and was over. We got a lot of that,” recalled longtime writing partner, producer and Blackhearts guitarist Kenny Laguna.
Take, for instance, the first record she cut after The Runaways.
“We were offering the record for free. We were saying just put the record out and pay us off what you sell. We couldn’t even give it away.”
Certainly some of the 28 label executives who passed on Jett are still kicking themselves. The demo tape they were offered contained “I Love Rock and Roll,” “Crimson and Clover,” “Bad Reputation,” “Do You Wanna Touch Me” and “You Don’t Own Me” — all future hits. In fact, “Bad Reputation” is the theme song for American Choppers.
Undeterred, Jett formed her own label and sold the records out of the trunk of Laguna’s Cadillac after gigs. Once the record broke — and it took a few years — it really took off. Fans flocked to Jett concerts in droves, bringing out the riot police and causing traffic jams. “It was like Woodstock,” Laguna laughed. “People just  keep coming in huge numbers.”
Jett’s appeal hasn’t wavered over the years as her popularity has grown across the globe. Her latest album is “Sinner,” another album of solid up-front rock ’n’ roll. There are moments of early Runaways punk-inspired rockers, raw in-your-face rave-ups, edgy ballads, and an overall aggressive rock tone. Laguna believes it is Jett’s attitude as much as the music that still attracts punkers, metalheads and rockers alike.
“Even though it’s 25 years later, she is the girl version of Elvis Presley. There is no other girl who has that combination of looks, talent and attitude,” Laguna said, “and the attitude is a big part of it. Joan is pure, she is no bullshit and she’s not afraid to walk away from financial opportunities if it goes against her esthetics. She’s always been that way. It’s like a no-brainer. She is rock ‘n’ roll.”
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 TO GO TO THE SHOW
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts with REO Speedwagon
Sunday, July 1
Greeley Stampede
Island Grove Regional Park arena
600 North 14th Avenue
8 p.m.
$25-$41
866.464.2626 (TicketsWest)
www.joanjett.com
www.greeleystampede.com
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OTHER STAMPEDE CONCERTS
Friday, June 22
8 p.m. - Trace Adkins with Terri Clark
Fireworks following the concert
Saturday, June 23
8 p.m. - Brad Paisley with Kellie Pickler, Jack Ingram & Taylor Swift
Monday, June 25
8 p.m. - Josh Gracin and Tracy Lawrence
Saturday, June 30
8 p.m. - All American Rejects with Relient K
Sunday, July 1
8 p.m. - Joan Jett and the Blackhearts with REO Speedwagon
Wednesday, July 4
8 p.m. - Lonestar
Fireworks following the concert
For more information on All American Rejects, go to:
www.allamericanrejects.com.
Free Stage concerts run from 2-4 p.m., 6-8 p.m. and 10-midnight every day of the Stampede.
TICKETS:
Ticket prices generally range from $25-$41.
Tickets for the Greeley Stampede Rodeo, Demo Derby and Concert events are available through five ways to purchase Greeley Stampede tickets:
• Visit the Greeley Stampede Box Office located in Island Grove Regional Park, 600 N. 14th Ave., Greeley.
• Call the Greeley Stampede Box Office from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through
Friday at 800.982.2855 or 356.7787.
• Visit any Colorado King Soopers Store
• Go to www.TicketsWest.com or call TicketsWest 866.464.2626.
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