With a new disc entitled Sinner, rocker chick Joan Jett is back—and set to hit the road this summer on the Vans Warped Tour.

By Lawrence Ferber
Photos by Michael Rubenstein

Rocker Joan Jett has decided to embrace the title of sinner—for her latest album. Filled with the same pop hooks and tasty guitar rock she’s been feeding us since “I Love Rock N’ Roll,” Sinner also boasts some truly provocative, naughty lyrics and song titles—including “Fetish,” “Naked,” and “AC/DC,”—as well as a dash of politics. Several songs feature songwriting and vocal contributions from Le Tigre’s openly queer Kathleen Hanna.

Having first garnered attention during the late ‘70s in an all-girl rock outfit called The Runaways, the Philadelphia-born Jett went solo and scored a long-running top hit with “I Love Rock N’ Roll” in 1982. Besides making music as Joan Jett and The Blackhearts, she’s also appeared in films including Light of Day, played Columbia in Broadway’s 2001 uber-gay The Rocky Horror Show revival (for which she shaved her head), and her ditty “Bad Education” became the theme song for cult TV gem, Freaks and Geeks. Now celebrating the 25th anniversary of her own Blackheart Records label (co-founded by creative partner/singer-songwriter Kenny Laguna), Jett is re-releasing her entire catalog—remastered and souped-up with extras. Currently, she’s on the road with the Vans Warped Tour throughout the summer.

Although Jett won’t answer questions about her sexuality, during our phone interview she fielded queries about bisexual gals, her rumored smooch with Carmen Electra at the Dinah Shore Weekend, and the deceitful fellow known as The Decider.

The new album is called Sinner. What’s the worst sin you’ve committed, Joan?

That’s interesting, because everyone’s take on a sin is different, but probably not being truthful at times in my life—for one reason or another.

How did the album come together?

We started two years ago. I was on Warner Brothers Records at the time, through my own label—Blackheart. We did a record, but then Warner changed administrations and they asked for another record. So we did another, with a different producer. At that time, I’m not quite sure what happened. They made changes again with their administration and it seemed like nobody knew what to do with the music. Our relationship [with Warner Brothers] ended and we just continued—trying to put something out on our own. At the time, I was pretty disheartened—all of us were. I’m sure we just threw ourselves into doing what we always do—being on the road and doing concerts. So, it’s been a really long process but I’m very happy with it.

You cover The Sweet’s “AC/DC” about a bisexual girl gone wild. Have you known many AC/DCs in your life?

Oh, I’m sure. Probably many more than I know. I want to sing to everybody. I never like to paint things down [specifically] because you want everyone to think you’re singing to them.

What about the song “Tube Talking”?

It’s a song written by Katherine Hannah. To me, it’s a song about gossiping and how poisonous it can be.

What’s the worst gossip you’ve heard about yourself?

I don’t pay attention, because, ultimately, it’s not important and it will only get you bent out of shape.

Do you actually give a damn about your reputation?

Yeah—to a degree. I want people to care. I feel genuine; I try to be humble and appreciative that I am blessed. But on a grander scale, if people are going to judge me on how I dress, then I don’t give a shit.

The song “Riddles” ends with the infamous sample of Dubya, aka The Decider, botching up the “Fool me once, shame on you” saying. What’s the song about?

“Riddles” is really about how the government doesn’t talk to us straight. I campaigned for Howard Dean. I went out and tried talking to Americans about why I thought he should have been our president. Howard Dean spoke straight to you. This [Bush] administration doesn’t. They use deceptive language, couching policies [in a way] that is confusing to Americans. It’s just overwhelming. We, as Americans, should not be fooled. We have to make our voices heard.

What’s this about Carmen Electra—who’s playing your lover in the music video for “AC/DC”—giving you a smooch during Dinah Shore Weekend?

That’s a good question. We didn’t even see each other until the very end and we just said hello. Nobody even saw us. It’s one of those made-up things.

If she wanted a kiss, could she have one?

I’m not telling.

I saw you in Rocky Horror with your shaved head. You looked great!

I loved it. The more people hated it, the longer I kept it [shaved]. It’s that thing where women have to have their hair—it’s part of their sexual identity. I saw, firsthand, how people reacted with disgust. It was quite an interesting experiment.

So people would look at you and go, “Eewww”?

Pretty much—even my friends. Men can shave their heads and everyone thinks its cool. I just didn’t get it. I love fucking around with gender issues.

You and the Blackhearts have played some gay pride events. Was it a big decision to play a big gay event?

I don’t think so—for me, not really. We wanted to make sure it would be fun for everybody and there was no reason why it wouldn’t be. It’s rock and roll, people are people.

What are you looking forward to the most with the Warped tour?

It’s been a long time since I’ve had any new music out and it will be really great to turn a whole bunch of people on to me, the music, and maybe put a face to the name for somebody who loves “I Love Rock N’ Roll.” It’s [just] a good chance to get out and play for a different audience.

For more information, see www.joanjett.com.