Joan Jett: From The Runaways to Rock Royalty
The 2010 film The Runaways reintroduced audiences to the groundbreaking 1970s band of the same name, captivating a new generation of music lovers.
With Joan Jett and lita Ford on guitar, Cherie Currie as the lead vocalist, Jackie Fox on bass, and Sandy West on drums, this iconic lineup laid the groundwork for their individual successes long after the band disbanded.
Despite their undeniable talent and relentless dedication, The Runaways struggled to achieve mainstream success in the United States, yet they found a devoted following in Japan, where they became a cultural phenomenon.
This biographical film provides an insightful look into their journey, highlighting the challenges they faced in the music industry and the emotional turmoil that ensued when the band officially parted ways in April 1979.
Reflecting on the breakup, Jett expressed her devastation in a 2010 interview with Guitar World, stating, “I was heartbroken when The Runaways ended; it felt like my dreams had crumbled.”
“I felt like we had let everyone down; I thought it might be my fault. It was as if I could feel the judgment from Los Angeles, as if everyone was saying, ‘We knew it wouldn’t last. Look at you now.’ I was probably drinking too much and spiraling out of control,” she admitted.
In the aftermath, Jett contemplated various paths, including a brief thought of joining the military, while Lita Ford shifted her focus to the beauty industry.
“I thought it might help me regain my focus; I could travel and gain some discipline,” she recalled.
Though,Jett’s transition to a solo career was met with numerous obstacles. “Kenny [Laguna, her long-time producer and partner] had connections and believed he could secure a record deal for me quickly. But every label he approached turned us down with excuses like, ’She can’t play,’ ‘She can’t sing,’ ‘She’s too intense,’ or even suggesting I should drop the guitar,” Jett revealed.
Faced with these setbacks, Jett took matters into her own hands by founding her own label, Blackheart Records. ”We had no choice,” she explained. “Looking back, I’m grateful it unfolded this way because we now own all our music.”
“It was a true DIY effort, selling records from the trunk of our car after gigs, connecting directly with our fans,” she added.
“At the time, we were sending out songs like I Love Rock ‘n Roll, Do You Wanna Touch Me, Bad Reputation, and Crimson and Clover to various labels,” Jett noted.
As she pointed out, these tracks eventually became massive hits, solidifying her legacy in rock music.
Her debut album, I Love Rock ‘n Roll, with her backing band, the Blackhearts, soared to number 2 on the U.S.Billboard 200 in 1981, establishing her as a true rock icon.
