Gut Reactions (post-gig memories and other trips): Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, 02 Academy, Glasgow. Thursday 2nd July, 2026.

Thursday, 2 July 2026

Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, 02 Academy, Glasgow. Thursday 2nd July, 2026.

Stepping back in time tonight for Joan Jett & The Blackhearts.

Originally billed as her only UK headline show of 2026, the show expanded into a tour when her support slot with Sammy Hagar fell apart after his shows were downsized and rescheduled.

So what did we get?

The Meffs, a punk duo, provided support and made a lot of riff-heavy noise, filling half an hour. I didn't hate them as much as I thought I would. Their Prodigy cover was an interesting punk take on Breathe.

This was followed by an old-school rock'n'roll show. Very retro, with nothing too fancy, just Joan on vocals and guitar, along with her band: bassist, drummer, and guitarist, playing rock music for an hour and twenty. The big screen showed mostly abstract animations, but the sound was clear, her vocals strong within her range, and it wasn't so loud as to require earplugs (at least not in the front balcony).

Half the setlist was unfamiliar to me, but most of the songs were short. She played a number of covers from her past bands, as well as songs she liked. Everyone was here to hear her play the hits, though. The classics didn't disappoint.

At sixty-seven, Joan is still in fine form. A rock icon.

Setlist:

(Intro music 1) Let's Have a Party (Wanda Jackson song)

(Intro music 2) Rebel Girl (Bikini Kill song)

Victim of Circumstance

Cherry Bomb (The Runaways cover)

Do You Wanna Touch Me (Oh Yeah) (Gary Glitter cover)

You Drive Me Wild (The Runaways cover)

Change the World

(I'm Gonna) Run Away

Light of Day (Bruce Springsteen cover)

(Make the Music Go) Boom