Joan Jett, the rock guitarist known for her 1980s smash-hits and for becoming a figurehead for generations of female rockers, is this year’s honoree at the Sunset Strip Music Festival.
Jett, often called the “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” rose to fame performing alone the Sunset Strip with the all-girl punk band The Runaways. Later in her career, she founded the Blackhearts, who produced classics such as “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll,” “Bad Reputation,” “I Hate Myself For Loving You” and “Crimson and Clover.”
On Thursday, Aug. 1, the three-day music festival will kick off with an awards presentation for Jett, who will then perform alongside the Blackhearts at the House of Blues. Tickets, $79 to $145, are limited and can be purchased online. West Hollywood also is naming Thursday, Aug. 1 “Joan Jett Day.”
“I actually lived on the Strip, right across the street from the Whisky,” said Jett, who has eight platinum and gold albums and nine top 40 singles. “The Sunset Strip is a piece of rock ‘n roll history. I never thought all of those insane times would turn into an award, but I’m very honored, and inspired to keep making music.”
Past honorees have included Lou Adler, Mario Maglieri and Elmer Valentine (2008) — who were founders of Sunset Strip venues The Roxy, Rainbow Bar and Grill and Whisky A Go-Go — Ozzy Osbourne (2009), Slash (2010), Motley Crue (2011) and The Doors (2012).
The festival gets underway with the tribute to Jett on Thursday, followed by more shows Friday. Linkin Park, the Grammy Award-winning and multi-platinum California rock band, will headline the street festival with a performance on Saturday.
The festival, now in its sixth year, is a premier concert along Sunset Boulevard between Doheny Drive and San Vicente Boulevard, and includes two outdoor stages, beer gardens, an artist autograph tent, an outdoor VIP rooftop lounge, silent disco, VIP Lounge at On The Rox, food trucks and interactive experiences.
More information online.
