Sunset Strip Music Festival: Tribute to Joan Jett – at The House Of Blues – Hollywood, CA

Joan Jett is an artist that really needs no introduction; however for those who are not as well verse in the lore that is Joan Jett’s historic career here is a quick breakdown of what she has done as well as what she currently working on. After all, Thursday August 1st 2013 was Sunset Strips Music Festival (SSMF) tribute and award show honoring Joan Jett’s vivid career.

A musical career that started with the forming of The Runaways in 1975, followed by a brief solo career and as front woman of Joan Jett & The Blackhearts.

Currently Joan Jett is set to release a new album entitled Unvarnished on August 8th 2013. This album according to the press release has been hailed by Joan as “the most autobiographical project I have ever done.” Unvarnished features collaborations with artist Dave Grohl and Laura Jane Grace. Joan also has an upcoming appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live on August 8th and will debut her new single “Any Weather” then.

The SSMF kicked off August 1st with a show at the House of Blues Sunset Strip that honored Joan Jett and her musical achievements.

Celebrities in attendance consisted of Exene Cervenka (lead vocals of “X”). Exene Cervenka talked about her current work on YouTube and her upcoming tour with Blondie. Rodney Bingenheimer (AKA. Rodney on the Rock), and Margret Cho were also in attendance.

The Key note speakers of the night began with a recorded introduction of Kim Fowley, who could not make it due to illness. Kim Fowley sported a Burger Records shirt as he talked about how much he admires Joan Jett as well as a fell nods to her creative talent. Kim Fowley ended his heart touching speech with a light hearted “Ladies and gentlemen for those who don’t know, this is Joan Jett”

The Mayor of West Hollywood (Abbe Land) talked about how she admires Joan Jett and how August 1st has been declared Joan Jett Day. Mayor Land had this to say about Joan Jett “She has been a role model for so many, forget about your reputation do what you want and you too can be a Rock star”

Pat Smear (guitarist for the germs) said a few words about Joan Jett “We’re not Gen Xers. We were their baby sitters. We are punks, and we love Joan Jett.”

Both Carmen Electra and Margret Cho both gave touching speeches about how they consider Joan Jett amongst their best friends. Carmen Electra had this to say “I know Joan, and I got to see a beautiful side of her. She's gorgeous, a rock icon an activist and a fighter. Joan I absolutely adore you. Yeah that's right I'm friends with Joan mutha fuckin' Joan Jett and I'm happy to be with you on this evening."

Prior to Joan Jett & the Blackheart, Joan spoke about her career and time growing up. A person of few words she did mentioned “I played Whisky a Go Go a shit load and learned a lot about life in doing so.” She finished up the night with simply saying “I did the best I could.”

The night ended with a performance of Joan Jett & the Blackhearts and served as a great way to start the 3 day Sunset Strip Music Festival.

 

 

 

       

    More photos of the show can be seen HERE

-Ryan R.-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter

 

 

 

 

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