I saw Joan Jett and the Blackhearts live at The Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville Connecticut 3 weeks ago, and it was a life altering experience. Without a doubt one of the best shows I’ve ever seen. Joan comes on stage with a shaved head, dressed in leather and chains, tattoos the whole thing and you know what she can get away with it. Joan and the Blackhearts rocked like rabid bitches in heat. I also saw her open for XTC in 1981 and she blew them right off the set (Andy Partridge retired from live shows soon after).
Now to the record review “Backlash” was released as a 45 in Sweden and man is it ever a classic!!.The song was co-written with Paul Westerberg of The Replacements (he also appears on backup vocals.) The songs opens with some filthy Keith Richards/Johnny Thunders chords while The Blackhearts provide a skull crushing backbeat, Joan’s vocals are pure Rock and Roll attitude and they will nail you right on the spot. This song is filled to the brim with hooks galore and should have been a number one single worldwide if it got promoted (which it didn’t.)
“Backlash” is one of the greatest Rock and Roll singles ever!!!!No kidding!!!and Joan Jett is God!!!!