Joan Jett, 67, has canceled two upcoming concerts after undergoing surgery for a fractured vertebrae stemming from a recent injury. Her team announced the cancellation and surgery on Wednesday via her Instagram Stories, stating that the rocker is on the road to recovery.
Jett was scheduled to perform in Costa Mesa, California, on September 5 and in Louisville, Kentucky, on September 24. "In close consultation with her doctors, Joan will not be able to perform at her forthcoming September scheduled shows," the statement read. "While Joan hates to disappoint fans, she will be taking this time to focus on physical therapy and healing."
Her team added that Jett is looking forward to "delivering tremendous concerts for many years to come," though no further details about the specific nature of her injury were provided. Cleveland Clinic notes suggest that recovery from spinal fracture surgery can take up to six weeks, with full bone healing potentially requiring several additional months.
Jett and her band, the Blackhearts, recently concluded their first UK tour in 16 years. As recently as Monday, Jett was promoting her upcoming U.S. dates, sharing on Instagram, "Stateside shows coming up Sept 5 at @oc_fair @pacificamphitheatre and Sept 24 at @bourbonandbeyond in Louisville 💥."
In an April interview with Far Out magazine, Jett spoke about her enduring passion for touring, describing the connection with audiences as "pretty special." She also reflected on the differences in touring as she has gotten older, noting the importance of common sense and self-care, stating, "I wish I knew then what I know now."
Jett first gained fame in the 1970s with the band the Runaways before releasing her debut solo album, "Bad Reputation," in 1980. She achieved further success with the Blackhearts, releasing the 1981 album "I Love Rock 'n Roll," featuring the hit title track that topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart.