I Love Rock 'N' Roll

I spent Saturday night hugging the stage at the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, WA.  The Blackhearts arrived a little late due to a power outage in Minneapolis.  They chartered a jet to get to the west coast.  The band certainly did not show signs of fatigue.  (The one exception was Manager/Keyboard player Kenny Laguna, who had to leave the stage a few times.  But we can certainly forgive him.)  It was a high-energy show from start to finish.

As usual, they began with "Bad Reputation" and "Cherry Bomb".  Two other Runaways songs were played in addition to "Cherry Bomb":  "I Love Playing With Fire" and the first song Joan Jett ever wrote, "You Drive Me Wild".  The most recent album, "Sinner" was highlighted with it's tracks:  "A.C.D.C.", "Naked", "Change the World", "Androgynous", "Fetish" and "A 100 Feet Away".  The latter originally appeared on "Album".  Other songs from "Album" performed were "Fake Friends", "The French Song" and what has become the last song played at most shows, "Everyday People."  (Yes, the Sly and the Family Stone song.)  Of course they played the hits: "Do You Wanna Touch Me", "Crimson and Clover", "I Hate Myself For Loving You", "Light of Day" and "I Love Rock 'N' Roll".  I was pleased they did a couple of my favorites, "Love Is Pain" and "I Wanna Be Your Dog." 

It was especially amusing to see Joan "prepare" for the cover of Iggy Pop's "I Wanna Be Your Dog" by bending over and shaking her hair out at the back of stage left.  When she stood back up, you could tell that she was "in the zone".  Lead Guitarist Dougie Needles and Drummer Thommy Price were as great as always.  Bassist Acey Slade was a welcome addition.  He tossed a couple guitar picks our way.

My disappointment was with the Emerald Queen Casino security.  I tried to give Joan some gifts we had brought, but the guard at the door was very rude.  Another guard lied to us and said that she was already headed to the airport.  Not only did Joan stay to sign autographs and take pictures that night, but she spoke at a high school in Edmonds, WA today.

If you have never seen Joan Jett and the Blackhearts live, I highly recommend it.  Even "non-fans" have said they put on "a helluva show".

http://joanjettbadrep.com/LiveDates/