Rock icon Joan Jett has been forced to cancel several upcoming September tour dates after undergoing orthopedic surgery for a fractured vertebrae. The 67-year-old musician, known for hits like "I Love Rock 'n' Roll," announced the cancellations via her Instagram stories.
Jett was scheduled to perform in Costa Mesa, California, on September 5, and in Louisville, Kentucky, on September 24. According to the statement, doctors recommended she take time for physical therapy and healing following the surgery. She expressed regret for disappointing fans but looks forward to returning to the stage and delivering concerts for years to come.
Details regarding the specific injury that led to the fractured vertebrae were not disclosed. Jett has maintained an active performing schedule recently, with shows in London in July and at the Tons of Rock festival in Oslo, Norway, in June. She also performed at the BottleRock Festival in Napa, California, in May.
In a previous conversation with USA Today, Jett discussed her approach to staying fit despite the demands of touring, mentioning she engages in daily walks, weight training, and core work. She also revealed having had a previous shoulder operation, emphasizing the importance of maintaining muscle strength. "The traveling, that's the one part of my job that I don't love. It's all wear and tear on your body," she stated.
Jett, often referred to as the "Godmother of Punk," began her music career at 16 as a founding member of the band The Runaways. The group, which also included Sandy West, Cherie Currie, Jackie Fox, and Lita Ford, released songs such as "Cherry Bomb" and "Queens Of Noise" between 1975 and 1979. Jett has spoken about The Runaways representing the pursuit of dreams and defying defined roles for women.
Following The Runaways' disbandment, Jett formed Joan Jett and the Blackhearts. Their 1981 album, which included the chart-topping cover of "I Love Rock 'n' Roll," propelled her solo career. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015. Their most recent release was the EP "Mindsets" in June 2023.