Jett opened her set with the seductive and liberating “Bad Reputation,” and she looked as stunning as ever, rocking her lead guitar. She continued with a soaring cover of The Runaways tune “Cherry Bomb” and it was followed by “Do You Wanna Touch Me (Oh Yeah) and yet another Runaways classic, “You Drive Me Wild,” where her former band-mate Cherie Currie would have been proud.
Equally noteworthy rock vocals were “Light of Day” and “Love Is Pain,” but the tune that resonated best with the audience was her chart-topping, signature hit “I Love Rock N’ Roll,” where every crowd member was singing along with her and the Blackhearts.
She also dusted off Tommy James’ “Crimson & Clover” and gave it a rock twist, and she closed with a dynamic performance of “I Hate Myself for Loving You,” where she showcased a lot of angst and charisma. The rock goddess thanked the New York audience for their love, and prepared them to “get ready” for The Who.
The Verdict
Overall, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts were superlative at New York’s Nassau Coliseum, and she was able to warm up the stage for The Who, if not upstage them. Her vocals were top-notch and her prowess on lead guitar is unparalleled in the music industry, and she proved that her recent, long-overdue induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was indeed based on sheer merit. She is worth seeing live whenever she is in town. Their Nassau Coliseum show garnered 5 out of 5 stars.
For more information on rock superstar Joan Jett and her forthcoming tour dates with The Who, check out her official website.
