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Joan Jett Hates Being Told That Girls Can't Rock
- Posted on Mar 22nd 2010 2:00PM by Emily Tan
While the new film, 'The Runaways,' touches on trials and tribulations that even today's teens experience, one thing that'll set it apart is the fact the '70s all-girl band was constantly told that they just couldn't play as well as the boys could. "I didn't like being told that girls couldn't play rock 'n' roll," guitarist and ex-Runaway Joan Jett told Spinner at press event. "I'm sitting in school with girls playing cello and violin, playing Beethoven and Bach. 'What do you mean girls can't play? Do you mean they can't master the instrument?' No, you don't mean that. What you mean is socially they're not allowed to because rock 'n' roll implies sex."
Despite the backlash at that time, Jett didn't let it faze her and looked to the big stars at the time like the Rolling Stones in order to learn how performing was done. "Being told you can't do it because you're a girl just didn't' wash," Jett said. "My parents always told me I could do anything I wanted, and I believed them. So I think it's important that you're able to own it. And women owning their sexuality is threatening."
After the Runaways made their mark, Jett has seen the tradition continue with many female musicians following suit but admits that the experiences were very different. "I don't think you can really make comparisons," Jett said. "Certainly people have drawn parallels to the Riot Grrrl movement in the mid-90s with Bikini Kill, Babes in Toyland, L7, a lot of bands like that had success, the Breeders, Sleater-Kinney. But beyond girls playing instruments, I don't know that you can say it's the exact same experience really. I think we were doing something a little bit different."
And while Jett thinks it's great that the band's story is finally told, she sees it more than just a biopic.
"The movie also touches on other issues that teenagers go through when you're talking about communication with family and friends and you know, trying to get through that whole mess that a lot of kids have a lot of difficulties with or just exploring your sexuality," Jett said. "Just the whole gamut of feelings teenagers experience when you hit that age."
If there's anything people can take away from the film, Jett hopes that it inspires them to go for what they always wanted to do. "It's really important to follow your dream, and if life takes you another way, at least you made an attempt at fulfilling yourself," she said. "And if you don't get there at least you'll have great stories to tell along the way. That's the message I'd like to get out beyond just showing what the Runaways went through."
'The Runaways' is playing in select theaters now and releases nationwide on April 9.
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standardtuning.wordpress.com
Joan Jett is the epitome of rock.
March 25 2010 at 5:38 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
Michael
Joan Jett is truly a rock icon. She blew the door wide open for female rockers everywhere to be allowed the opportunity to play anywhere and just as well as their male counterparts could.
Her string of hits and rock anthems have sealed her legacy forever. On top of that, no rocker is as devoted to our troops as Joan. She goes out of her way to give back as much as anyone.
We love you Joan!
JTL
Joan Jett is and always will be a humble innovator. From her days in The Runaways breaking down barriers for women in rock music to becoming the first woman to own an independent record label, she has always stayed true to herself and done it for the right reason: her love of music. For those of you naysayers out there, go to one of her shows and try to tell me that she doesn't embody the heart and soul of rock 'n roll. She is one of those few artists who creates a tangible bond with the crowd, in which every fan feels like they have a private audience with her.
March 23 2010 at 3:20 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
RONNIE
JOAN IS STILL HOT AFTER ALL THESE YEARS,,,,,,,,ROCK ON ,ROLL ON .....
March 23 2010 at 12:58 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
ben g
Joan flat out rocks! Her music and story is an inspiration to not only girls but young musicians everywhere. The movie is amazing and really touches on all the issues she speaks to in this article! Keep on rocking!!!
March 23 2010 at 12:56 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
punkybruster
Joan Jett is simply THE BEST! I saw her and the Blackhearts play recently in New Jersey and they put on an amazing show! And I'm glad she stood up for what she believes in! Rock N Roll! The Runaways paved the way for all girls who want to play music!
March 23 2010 at 12:54 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
heavymetalmary
To gmac: The Runaways is not just a movie, its based on the LA music scene in the 70's-80's. I saw them play numerous times at The Whisky AGoGo and lots of other venues in SoCal, including opening for Van Halen at Golden West Ballroom. It was a great time to be in LA- Rock was king! My friends & I used to go dancing at a club in the valley called the Sugar Shack and Cherie and Marie Curie used to be there all the time!
March 23 2010 at 9:08 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
RC
to Gmac -
A simple google or wiki search will tell you all about The Runaways. They were definitely an actual group, including Lita Ford and singer/actress Cherie Currie (Foxes). They were put together by Kim Fowley, put out several records, toured the world, and like many, were bigger everywhere outside the U.S. When they broke up, Jett was turned down by record company after record company and then put out "Bad Reputation" independently. "I Love Rock N Roll" followed.
david
she recently played at the Jupiter Florida Dog Wash!!!!!
NO LIE... Look it up!!!!
This is the best she can do.
Robin
I DON'T CARE WHAT SHE HATES, I STILL HAVE 2 CONCERT TIX THAT WAS RAINED OUT AND I'M OUT $60.00. STILL WAITING FOR MY CONCERT IN FT. MYERS FLA.
March 23 2010 at 8:17 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply
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