Joan Jett Rocks Pittsburgh’s Iron City Stage

On Friday, rock legend Joan Jett & the Blackhearts lit up the Iron City Stage at Pittsburgh Brewing Company in Creighton. Jett even shared the fun fact that she's spent quite a bit of time in the area, and actually lived in Pittsburgh for a few years as a child. 

The Iron City Stage, sitting right on the Allegheny River, gave fans an intimate setting to enjoy the beautiful weather and a rockin' show; a perfect balance between a summer festival feel and a close-up concert experience. Plus, a chance to try some of the beer and liquor made just a few steps away at the on-site brewery and distillery.

Over the course of 75 electrifying minutes, Jett delivered a set that honored her legacy while also showcasing her current work. Early in the night, she revisited her Runaways days with “Cherry Bomb” and “You Drive Me Wild,” then moved into career-defining hits like “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll” and “Crimson & Clover.” The audience, of course, sang along to every word.

More than just a hitmaker, Joan Jett has built a career on breaking barriers and standing firm in her identity. From co-founding The Runaways as a teenager in the 1970s to fronting The Blackhearts, she has navigated an industry often stacked against women with unapologetic confidence. She helped prove that female rockers can achieve sustained mainstream success, her talent and tenacity outshining the social expectations. Her induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015 was a milestone that celebrated her influence on generations of artists, past, present and future.

Beyond music, Jett has been a consistent advocate for equality, animal rights, and LGBTQ+ visibility. She has used her platform to speak out against discrimination, support grassroots activism, and champion individuality. Her career reflects a belief that rock ‘n’ roll is not just about sound but about self-expression and defiance against the odds.

Joan Jett proved once again why she remains a consistent rock ‘n’ roll force. Her ability to blend the rebellious spirit of her early years with the drive of her newer work made for an unforgettable night. Between the classics, Jett mixed in covers and newer material, including “Everyday People,” “Androgynous,” and tracks from her 2023 Mindsets EP. Her gritty guitar work and raw vocals kept the crowd energized all night before closing with a spirited “Bad Reputation” and a warm Pittsburgh send-off of "thanks yinz!"

If you missed the show, Joan Jett will be back in PA at the TD Pavilion at the Mann in Philadelphia on August 16th.

Women Who Rock was proud to be on site to support and celebrate a night dedicated to such a legendary artist. Our Women Who Rock activation loved being part of the energy celebrating such a legendary woman who rocks, spending time with our incredible community, and hosting a ticket giveaway that gave one lucky winner the chance to experience it all. If you’re craving more music, we’ve got you covered with our September 5th Women Who Rock benefit concert featuring Jessica Simpson and benefiting life-changing research at Magee-Womens Research Institute. Come enjoy the ultimate girls night out and rock out in style in support of women's health! Tickets and info: https://womenwhorock.info/pittsburgh-2025

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