Monday, August 31, 2009

Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, Mitchell, SD

Joan Jett and the Blackhearts treated Mitchell, South Dakota's Corn Palace to a night of hot, sweaty punk rock on Friday, August 28, 2009.

With their usual minimum of stage decor (a large banner with the band's logo), the Blackhearts ripped through all the big hits and covers they are known for. "Crimson and Clover" and "I Hate Myself For Lovin' You" got great responses from a large crowd.

Not surprisingly with a new movie coming next year about Joan's teenage band The Runaways, several tunes from that era of her life were sprinkled throughout the set. "Cherry Bomb" has always been a fan favorite, but this was probably the first time in a long while for fans to hear "I Love Playing With Fire," "You Drive Me Wild," and "School Days."

Here are Joan and guitarist Dougie Needles.


Blackhearts drummer Thommy Price.




Despite a row of lights at the back of the stage that were causing Joan to sweat so much puddles were forming at her feet, she seemed to be having a good time and putting on the best show she could for the audience. I'm not sure why I could figure out that she wanted those lights turned off, but the lighting crew couldn't.



See older Joan Jett photos here.

One other thought - Any of you who are familiar with my tastes in music will recognize that KISS has been one of my favorite bands for a long time. It occurred to me after watching Joan Jett for the fifth time that her shows are pretty much the antithesis of the gigantic costumed, fire breathing, blood spitting, levitating drums, spark-shooting guitar spectacles that KISS does. Stripped-down punk rock played quick and loud is just as much fun!

1 comment:

Diane said...

I've heard about the movie coming out and Kristen Stewart from Twilight is going to be in the movie.

I was in Mitchell on Saturday night for David Cook. He was awesome!