There’s a certain kind of rock show where the years fall away the moment the band hits the first chord. No nostalgia haze, no careful reverence — just volume, attitude, and the unmistakable feeling that the artist onstage still believes every word they’re singing. Joan Jett’s 2024 Hartford performance was exactly that kind of night: raw, loud, unapologetic, and fueled by the same defiant spirit that’s powered her career for nearly five decades.
From the jump, the message was clear. Joan Jett wasn’t there to reminisce — she was there to rock. The Blackhearts hit the stage with urgency, launching straight into “Bad Reputation,” and the crowd responded instantly. It was less of an opening song and more of a declaration. Hartford didn’t ease into the night; it exploded into it.
Joan Jett herself remains one of rock’s most commanding figures, not because of flashy theatrics or overblown stage banter, but because of her total conviction. Dressed in her signature black leather and wielding her guitar like a weapon, she stalked the stage with confidence, letting the songs do the talking. Her voice — gritty, direct, and unmistakable — cut cleanly through the mix, proving once again that authenticity never goes out of style.
The Blackhearts were locked in from start to finish. Guitarist Ricky Byrd brought sharp, muscular riffs that gave the songs their punch, while bassist Gary Ryan and drummer Michael McDermott formed a tight, relentless rhythm section that kept the momentum surging. There was no excess, no filler — just a lean, powerful rock band delivering exactly what the songs demanded.
Hartford’s crowd was a true cross-section of generations. Longtime fans who grew up blasting I Love Rock ’n Roll stood shoulder-to-shoulder with younger listeners discovering Joan Jett live for the first time. The energy was collective and immediate — fists in the air, voices raised, bodies moving. This wasn’t a polite audience; it was a fully engaged one.
Midway through the set, Joan dipped into her Runaways roots, tearing through “Cherry Bomb” with ferocity. The song still crackles with teenage rebellion, and hearing it live — decades removed from its original release — only reinforced how timeless that defiance really is. The crowd roared the chorus back at her, turning the moment into a shared shout-along that felt cathartic and alive.
One of the night’s strengths was its pacing. Joan Jett understands how to structure a set, alternating between straight-ahead rockers and darker, moodier cuts without losing momentum. Songs like “You Drive Me Wild” and “Crimson and Clover” showcased her ability to inhabit both swagger and vulnerability, while still keeping the edge intact.
Her cover of “Crimson and Clover” was a particular highlight, stretching out into a hypnotic groove that felt almost psychedelic under the stage lights. Rather than simply recreating the studio version, the band let it breathe, giving the audience a moment to sink into the atmosphere before snapping back into harder territory.
Joan’s between-song banter was minimal but meaningful. She spoke briefly about believing in yourself, about standing your ground, and about the power of rock music to bring people together. Nothing felt scripted. When she thanked the Hartford crowd, it came across as genuine appreciation rather than obligation.
As the set pushed forward, the hits kept coming, but they never felt like a checklist. “I Hate Myself for Loving You” landed with full force, driven by a massive chorus that echoed through the venue. The song’s mix of self-awareness and raw emotion resonated deeply, and the crowd responded with one of the loudest sing-alongs of the night.
Then came the moment everyone was waiting for.
When the unmistakable drumbeat of “I Love Rock ’n Roll” kicked in, Hartford erupted. The song remains one of the most indestructible anthems in rock history, and live, it still hits with undeniable power. Joan Jett didn’t overplay it — she let the audience carry much of the weight, stepping back at times and smiling as thousands of voices took over the chorus. It was a reminder that some songs stop belonging to the artist and become communal property.
Rather than coasting to the finish after such a massive moment, the band stayed aggressive through the final stretch. There was no sense of winding down, only a tightening grip on the night’s energy. Each song felt like a punch thrown with purpose.
The encore was brief but potent, underscoring Joan Jett’s no-frills approach. She returned to the stage to thunderous applause, ripping into one final blast of rock that sent the crowd out buzzing. No extended goodbyes, no drawn-out farewells — just a decisive ending that fit her ethos perfectly.
What made the Hartford show special wasn’t just the strength of the songs — it was the clarity of Joan Jett’s identity. In an era where many legacy acts soften their edges, she remains uncompromising. Her music still sounds like it was written to be played loud, played live, and felt in the gut.
By the time the lights came up, the audience looked exhilarated and spent, the kind of tired that comes from dancing, shouting, and fully giving yourself over to the moment. Joan Jett didn’t just perform — she reaffirmed why she matters, why she always has, and why she still commands absolute respect on a rock stage.
Hartford didn’t get a history lesson or a greatest-hits revue. It got a reminder: rock and roll isn’t about age, trends, or polish. It’s about attitude, honesty, and the courage to be exactly who you are. Joan Jett delivered all of that — loud and clear.
Setlist — Hartford, 2024
Bad Reputation
Cherry Bomb
You Drive Me Wild
Crimson and Clover
Change the World
Fake Friends
Do You Wanna Touch Me (Oh Yeah)
Love Is All Around
I Hate Myself for Loving You
I Love Rock ’n Roll
Encore:
Everyday People