Bad Reputation: The Unauthorized Biography of Joan Jett

by Dave Thompson

(Book). Bad Reputation is the unexpurgated story of Joan Jett, the single most exciting rocker of the American 1980s, one of the biggest-selling acts of the age, and one of punk rock's most valued elder statespeeps. Through its pages, a welter of exclusive interviews and observations paint what might well be the last great tale of rock hedonism, but one that comes with a twist in its tail. The rockers are women, the groupies are guys. It could have been the plot line for a movie or even a sitcom, but the Runaways, Jett's first band, made it happen, and Jett made it last. The first serious female rocker of the 1980s, Jett became the template for everyone that followed. But unlike so many of her peers and counterparts, she never lost her credibility, never sold out, and never gave up. And she has backed her reputation up with genuine star power, following the chart-topping "I Love Rock 'n' Roll" one of the most played '80s anthems of all time with "Crimson and Clover," "Do You Wanna Touch Me," and "I Hate Myself for Loving You" before the decade ended. And, while the 1990s saw Jett purposefully step away from the spotlight, she remained, and remains, America's number one Queen of Noise.

Genres: Music, Biography Memoir, Biography, Nonfiction

282 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2011

About the author

English author Dave Thompson has spent his entire working life writing biographies of other people, but is notoriously reluctant to write one for himself. Unlike the subjects of some of his best known books, he was neither raised by ferrets nor stolen from gypsies. He has never appeared on reality TV (although he did reach the semi finals of a UK pop quiz when he was sixteen), plays no musical instruments and he can’t dance, either.

However, he has written well over one hundred books in a career that is almost as old as U2’s… whom he saw in a club when they first moved to London, and memorably described as “okay, but they’ll never get any place.” Similar pronouncements published on the future prospects of Simply Red, Pearl Jam and Wang Chung (oh, and Curiosity Killed The Cat as well) probably explain why he has never been anointed a Pop Culture Nostradamus. Although the fact that he was around to pronounce gloomily on them in the first place might determine why he was recently described as “a veteran music journalist.”

Raised on rock, powered by punk, and still convinced that “American Pie” was written by Fanny Farmer and is best played with Meatloaf, Thompson lists his five favorite artists as old and obscure; his favorite album is whispered quietly and he would like to see Richard and Linda Thompson’s “I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight” installed as the go-to song for the sad, sappy ending for every medical drama on TV.

Kurt Cobain, Phil Collins, Alice Cooper, Joan Jett, David Bowie, John Travolta, Eric Clapton, Jackson Browne, Bob Marley, Roger Waters and the guy who sang that song in the jelly commercial are numbered among the myriad artists about whom Thompson has written books; he has contributed to the magazines Rolling Stone, Alternative Press, Mojo and Melody Maker; and he makes regular guest appearances on WXPN’s Highs in the Seventies show.

Reviews

[Jeri Lane · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was really excited to see this book in my husbands hand as he turned it over to me at the library, thinking it would be something I would enjoy. (He knows my tastes pretty well). However, what I got from this book was very little actual biography of Joan; a little more glimpse into the Runaways, and a lot of strange trailings-off on the histories of places, glam rock/punk culture, and the stories of every other person Joan happened to come in contact with...as well as some people she never did (but they frequented her same locales). Just when I thought he was gunna get into the meat of the subject or touch on something symbolic, he goes on a 5 page detailed journey that takes us someplace else entirely. I was bummed. He certainly knows his stuff. His research is strong in every other aspect...He just didnt have enough information on this rock super star to carry an entire book alone. Which makes me sad. Somebody please write her story minus the garbage? Thanks...

[Stacy Holmstedt · Rating 2 out of 5]

After enjoying Patti Smith's "Just Kids" (and years ago, Grace Slick's "Someone to Love"), I'm reminded of the canyon-like gulf in intrigue between memoirs that women write about themselves and "unauthorized" biographies that men write about women to sell books. "Bad Reputation" is less biography and more of an extended but tedious essay on the rock industry from the '70s through the Riot Grrl scene. If you didn't know much about Joan before reading it, you won't know much afterward. Tiny compelling morsels of her life are padded with a sea of irrelevant information on her managers, collaborators and bandmates. Skip this and read Jett's Wikipedia page instead.

[ephyjeva · Rating 4 out of 5]

The idea that women could openly and publicly flaunt their sexuality on stage without simultaneously offering that same sexuality up to all takers was one that very few observers could comprehend.

I'm sure that for a lot of people the Runaways' name is inseparable from the ultimate bop that is Cherry Bomb, and I get that. But have you ever heard it sung by Joan Jett herself? With the Blackhearts thumping out the famous raw beat in the background? I dig Currie's version just fine, but if I had to choose, I wouldn't even think twice. Jett for life.

That is part of the reason why I was so excited to dive into Bad Reputation. I could smell I was in for an utterly entertaining and informative biography.

Prior to reading this book, my general knowledge of the whole glam rock scene had been very limited. Aside from a couple of the Sweet's hits and the notion of Slade's existence, pretty much all I had been aware of was the fact that by the early 1970s, some of the Ramones' original lineup had already gone through their hippie and glam phase, while Joey Ramone in particular went as far as adopting the name Jeff Starship and was notorious for dressing in glitter & gold. (I still crack up every time I try to imagine that.) That was before he abandoned it for Converse & leather and went on to sing the lead on the Ramones' self-titled debut album, shamelessly proclaimed by Cherie Currie as "one long song". (Which I'm still mad about!)

That's where Dave Thompson came in, offering magnificent insight into the glam rock phenomenon, along with both its roots and consequences. Although I had already been familiar with New York punk scene, for some unfathomable reason, I simply assumed that Joan Jett was a part of it, too. Imagine my surprise as Thompson's narrative unfolded the history of LA music scene, informing me in a superbly detailed chronicle that the Runaways (Jett included), in fact, came from the West Coast.

On the other hand, there were instances in which digressions like that only made the story drag on and on. Thompson's thorough explanations were sometimes really helpful, but a lot of the time I kept asking myself, was all that necessary? I'm reading a biography, right? I want to hear about Jett. Very little is said about her early childhood and family background. The author introduces her as a rebellious chick in her mid-teens, but what she was like before that is apparently left to the reader's imagination or Google search tab.

My initial rating was almost sure to be five out of five—I held my expectations really high, though. And I'm not disappointed, really. However, there are some major flaws that in the end drove me to dock one star. I'll try my best to present them here:

1. The author fails to mention that Kim Fowley is an alleged rapist. Rumors have been confirmed and denied, Jackie Fox has opened up about it, claiming that Jett herself was present as Fowley proceeded to have her way with her. Taking into consideration that Fox was the first of the most famous Runaways lineup to leave the band, I was very shocked not to find even the slightest allusion to that incident anywhere among 250+ pages, regardless of whether the story is true or not.
2. For those who are not afraid to be as petty as I am, flip to the page 177 and you'll find the story of Desmond Child and Joan Jett's song-writing collaboration. One song stands out as particularly interesting, as it is stated that Alice Cooper covered it shortly after it was written by the aforementioned duo. The title in question is inaccurately spelled House on Fire, while the correct title, House of Fire, just happens to be one of my personal favourites on Cooper's Trash album.
But that's not all. If you go back to the stack of black-and-white photos and look closely at page 3, you'll find that the Runaways' names are not in the right order. Under the photo in the bottom right corner, the caption should be Clockwise from top left: Lita Ford, Sandy West, Jackie Fox, Joan Jett and Cherie Currie.
When I first saw it, I thought, you messed these up royal. I know this is not a life-or-death situation, of course, but I still believe that information provided in any biography should be reliable and correct.
3. Biographies in general are supposed to be an objective account of a person's life, right? I'm okay with a little praising on the author's side, but there was no need to bash Pat Benatar, Bonnie Tyler, Belinda Carlisle, or even Blondie (How do you even bash Blondie?) to accentuate the value of Joan Jett's music. Her story is compelling and inspirational nonetheless. This way, it really came off cheap.

Overall—highly enjoyable and informative. I would recommend it to those seeking a thorough account of American rock 'n' roll revolution through 1970s, '80s and '90s. If, on the other hand, you're looking for information on Joan Jett alone, this might be a good place to start, but certainly not end your research.

[Matt ONeil · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think the book was mis-titled. Thompson gives the reader very little about Joan's childhood, no clue as to what drove her to be wise beyond her youth and hard driven to be respected as a legitimate guitar sligin' rocker, no more, no less. The book gives sort of a capsulated- mostly from qoutes out of other publications- history of the Runaways. Thompson does give us a closer but all to brief look at Jett's personal side during the transistion from The Runaways to Blackhearts. It's an almost fluffy ride through what Joan Jett did with too little of why she did it.

I find that the best biograghies- both celebratory and factual- of rock performers, are often long time fans of the artist who are able to turn a phrase. Thompson's done better.
Ironically, by default, this may the best Joan Jett biography in print.

[Erica · Rating 2 out of 5]

Maybe I already have a decent knowledge of Joan Jett's career, but this book was kinda disappointing. Nothing new or super in depth, no reason to buy it if you're looking for greater detail or any interesting tour stories.

[Lori · Rating 1 out of 5]

As much as I like Joan Jett, I was disappointed with the writing style of this book, I found that it dragged and was like pulling teeth getting through it. General good information on Joan and her life but not written well.

[James Workman · Rating 2 out of 5]

A few good tidbits. A good job of compiling years of existing info to make a bio. Nothing deep. But an OK fan read. Some weird typos though.
Kiss' Stutter? Thats bad.

[Tom Ryerson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was written to coincide with the release of the motion picture, "The Runaways," which came out in March 2010. (This movie is totally awesome, seen it three times) Joan was of course a member of the teenage all girl band The Runaways from 1975 to 1979 which also featured Lita Ford and Cherie Currie. I really wish I still owned Cherie's book, "Neon Angels," which I bought in a book discount bin in the 1990's. It's now worth a whack of cash. I liked it because it was written by her and had a certain edge. With this book about Joan, even though it's unauthorized, you can tell the author is a fan, and I find the book is very pro-Joan, which is okay, but I would have liked a little more edge. It feels like a Sesame Street version of the story, very sanitized. It's still a great story though, how she helped create the Runaways and toured with them for three years, and then had to start from scratch in 1979 when she went solo. This book is worth the read, but maybe borrow a copy or get it from the library.

[Fiona · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is very much an overview of her music career where I was hoping for something a bit more personal. I probably shouldn't have expected that much as it is unauthorised and I did learn a lot about her career which I didn't know before but beyond that it's disappointing. The writer also has an irritating tendency of insulting other artists which I don't think's particularly helpful, especially when he's slagging off bands like Depeche Mode which I count among my favourites.

I also feel like it needs some kind of warning for how often it brings up Gary Glitter, who's barely even mentioned in this country now and probably best known for being a paedophile. Whatever his influence on Joan and music at the time I feel like it's probably best to gloss over his name and allow him to be forgotten as he definitely deserves it.

[Mary Strand · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to love this: Joan Jett is my top rock & roll idol. And everything I read in this book about her made me love her even more. But ... it didn't feel like a book truly about her. It was a book about the eras in which she's played. Lots of tangential stuff about other musicians, other other other. It's not a deep dive into who she truly is or what makes her tick. I realize she likes to keep her life private, but too much material here felt like filler based on the range of music knowledge the author has, and he wanted to share it all, whether or not it truly related to her. Still: if you're a big Joan Jett fan, read it.

[Will Plunkett · Rating 3 out of 5]

When you have secondary sources about a primary person to the history of rock 'n roll, the result is often like a taping off the radio instead of a master tape recording. The information and words are almost the same, but it's not just the same. I learned quite a bit about her and her development as an artist and musician, but this sounded like others of the musical biographies where the writer seems to insert himself into the narrative (or, the ultra-cool $%#@& narrative, since you just gotta cuss through it, to show how you gotta keep it real and not care what people think).

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two stars for the writing style, but because it is the story and history of Joan Jett, I had to give it three stars. It is great learning that Joan Jett is a generous entertainer, providing real rock and roll to our military overseas, fund raising for causes she believes in, and helping other artists. Nice to see the discography at the end.

[Michael S · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mycket svag 3:a.
Intressant och detaljerad, men alldeles för mycket utfyllnad, både språkligt och historiemässigt. Jag saknar också Jetts egna ord på mycket av händelserna, för att inte tala om tankarna bakom låtarna - de saknas helt.

[Jane Carozza · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good overview of one of my rock heroes.

[Emma · Rating 2 out of 5]

It would be far more interesting to read something Joan Jett herself writes, or from someone close to her. Author doesn't know enough.

[kevin Guarino · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good look into the success of Jett but didn't show her personality.

[David Byrne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic biography with a great discography! Well researched, but sadly no mention her Joan Jett in the Rock n Roll Sports Classic.

[Juha Palotie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story marred by some blatant factual errors (example: Kim Fowley was NOT Napoleon XIV) and the writers excessive penchant for dissing music he doesn’t personally like.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's really hard for me to rate biographies, because no matter how good or bad an author is, most life stories are either really interesting, or dull, and nothing can change that. However, with Bad Reputation, I thought the author did a great job. Because a good part of the book takes place 20 years before I was born, I really didn't know much about Los Angeles in the 1970's. The author did a great job filling in the blanks, explaining the music and the youth culture that was so important to Joan Jett's story.

[Bjorn218 · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was fair to good compared to other rocker biographies I have read. I think it was a little hung up on that Joan is a lesbian and was driving that point home at least once a chapter. Once stated is enough unless the person changes their viewpoint which obviously Jett hasn't since the Runaways. The good stuff was superfluous at best and relied way too much on data from previously public releases such as fan club news and magazine interviews.

Overall it wasn't a bad read, just nothing remotely close to The Dirt or anywhere near that caliber.

[Paula · Rating 2 out of 5]

Terribly written, but in the absence of any other comprehensive Runaways/Joan Jett info, this will have to suffice.

[Andrea · Rating 2 out of 5]

I agree with the other reviews here--I don't feel like I learned anything new from reading this book. Too bad!

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

Long live Joan Jett.

[Armand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. I read it in one sitting.

[Randall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Part of my Woman in Rock series - I have always been a huge Joan Jett and Runaways Fan.

[Sandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh, boring. No dirt.

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

More of an anthology of a music category than a bio of JJ. Every recording, most concerts, all the other artists she influenced and/or was influenced by.

[Mad Giles (Giles A. Madding) · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 Stars

As a lifelong Jetthead I really wanted to love this book, but alas it didn't really work out that way. It was okay. Had a few snippets from articles I hadn't actually read yet.

[Thiala · Rating 2 out of 5]

Here is a link to my review:

https://thialasbookreviews.blogspot.c...