Honestly, the first thing you notice when you see Joan Jett on stage in 2026 isn't the leather or the signature black shag haircut. It’s the sheer, vibrating energy. Most people checking joan jett how old expect to find a retired legend living quietly in the suburbs. Instead, they find a woman who is currently 67 years old and sounds—some argue—actually better than she did in 1982.
She was born Joan Marie Larkin on September 22, 1958.
That puts her firmly in the "senior" category by government standards, but good luck telling her that. While peers from the 70s rock scene have slowed down or moved into the "nostalgia act" phase, Jett is booked solid. She’s currently gearing up for a residency at the House of Blues in Las Vegas this February and a massive summer tour across the UK with Sammy Hagar. She’s even opening for My Chemical Romance at Wembley Stadium in July.
It’s kind of wild when you think about it. She’s been doing this since she was 15.
How Old is Joan Jett and How Does She Keep Doing It?
Age is just a number until your knees start clicking, right? For Jett, the question of joan jett how old usually leads to a deeper conversation about how she has maintained her "Bad Reputation" for over five decades. She’s 67, yet her vocal range hasn't thinned out like many of her contemporaries.
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Recent TikTok comparisons of her performing "Bad Reputation" in 1980 versus 2025 went viral because the woman hasn't missed a beat. Fans were basically losing their minds. Part of that might be her lifestyle; she’s been a vocal vegetarian for decades and recently opened up about her journey with sobriety. In a 2024 conversation that surfaced from a fan who met her on a flight, Jett talked about the importance of her support system and the clarity she found after rehab.
Staying sober in the rock world isn't easy. Doing it at 67 while touring the globe? That’s next-level discipline.
The Runaways to The Blackhearts: A Timeline
- 1958: Born in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania.
- 1971: Receives her first guitar at age 13. Her teacher tried to teach her folk songs. She quit because she wanted to play rock.
- 1975: Forms The Runaways at just 16 years old.
- 1980: After 23 record labels reject her, she and Kenny Laguna form Blackheart Records. She’s one of the first women to own her own label.
- 1982: "I Love Rock 'n' Roll" stays at #1 for seven weeks. Jett is 23.
- 2015: Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at age 56.
- 2026: Still touring stadiums at age 67.
Why the Godmother of Punk Still Matters
A lot of people think she’s just the "I Love Rock 'n' Roll" lady. That's a huge mistake. Jett basically built the blueprint for independent women in music. When she started, the industry told her girls couldn't play electric guitars. They said it was "too masculine."
She didn't care.
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She took the rejection and turned it into an empire. By the time she was in her mid-20s, she was already a business mogul, running Blackheart Records when most artists were being fleeced by their managers. That grit is why she’s still relevant. Gen Z has discovered her through covers and social media, seeing her as the "Original Riot Grrrl."
There’s also the "ageless" factor. You’ve probably seen the "still a baddie" comments on her Instagram or TikTok. She hasn't changed her look to fit a trend. She didn't "mature" her sound into soft jazz. She’s still playing those three-chord, high-volume anthems.
The 2026 Tour Schedule (What's Left)
If you're wondering if you can still see her live, the answer is a resounding yes.
- New Zealand: She's spending January touring Taupō, Whitianga, and Auckland with Iggy Pop.
- Las Vegas Residency: Five nights at the House of Blues (Feb 13, 14, 18, 20, 21).
- UK Summer Tour: Opening for Sammy Hagar in Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, and London (July 4–9).
- Wembley Stadium: July 10, 2026, with My Chemical Romance.
The Secret to Her Longevity
Honestly, it’s probably just spite. She spent the first half of her career being told she didn't belong, so she’s spending the second half proving she’s not going anywhere. There’s a rich, gravelly quality to her voice now that actually adds more weight to songs like "I Hate Myself for Loving You."
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It’s not just about the music, though. It’s the authenticity. Jett has never been caught in a "rebranding" phase. She didn't try to be a pop star in the 90s or a country singer in the 2000s. She stayed Joan Jett.
At 67, she is the bridge between the original 70s punk scene and the modern rock landscape. Whether she’s collaborating with Miley Cyrus or producing for new punk bands, she’s constantly working.
Next Steps for Fans:
If you want to catch the legend in her prime (yes, 67 is a prime), check the official Joan Jett website for ticket drops for the Vegas residency. Those small club shows at the House of Blues are legendary for being much more intimate than the stadium tours. Also, keep an eye on her Blackheart Records YouTube channel; she’s been releasing high-def archival footage that shows exactly why she’s the Queen of Rock 'n' Roll.