Jett set to rock the Forum
The “Queen of Punk” will reign over the St. Pete Times Forum tonight when Joan Jett and the Blackhearts take the stage at 8.
Jett is an icon in the music industry, having had three top-10 and seven top-100 songs on the Billboard charts as well as eight other successful singles. She was also nominated for a Grammy in 1989 and has released 21 albums.
With “I Love Rock and Roll” dominating the charts at No. 1 for eight weeks straight in the ’80s and Britney Spears covering the track in 2001, the song’s infamy spans generations.
And Jett did it all in a male-dominated record industry. Joanjett.com boasts that Jett is “the backbone of today’s rock and roll feminist revolution.” Jett is the first woman to own her own record label — Blackheart Records — and continues to be a role model for female rockers.
“The Blackhearts have a raspy old-school punk-rock sound,” said USF junior Melissa Maynard. “They’ve collaborated with members of The Ramones and Blondie, so if you like those bands you would like the Blackhearts.”
Jett’s tunes are a staple of American pop culture. Besides getting years of radio airplay, her songs can be heard in television shows, movies and all over MTV. Everyone knows “I Love Rock and Roll” and “Bad Reputation,” as they have become anthems for rebellious rockers everywhere.
Concertgoers are offered options when purchasing tickets. Tickets for the concert are $19.75, but $28.50 gets a ticket to the concert and a ticket to the Tampa Bay Storm vs. New Orleans VooDoo AFL game on Saturday. Hardcore fans can spend $51.75 and receive an unlimited gourmet buffet and drinks all night in the XO Club of the St. Pete Times Forum.
All tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster or at the St. Pete Times Forum.Anyone who loves rock and roll should share the love with the original riot girl tonight.