Joan Jett and the Blackhearts announce first UK headline tour in 16 years
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts are heading back to the UK this summer for their first headline run on these shores in 16 years, with a five-date tour set for July 2026.
The newly announced dates begin in Glasgow on 2 July before moving through Manchester, Leeds and Wolverhampton, wrapping up in London on 8 July. Support across the run comes from Colchester Britpunk duo The Meffs, whose fierce DIY spirit and politically charged songs make them a natural fit for one of rock’s most enduring rule-breakers.
Tickets go on general sale on Friday 24 April at 10am via AEG Presents.
A long-overdue return
For a catalogue built on snarling hooks, leather-jacket attitude and songs that never really left the culture, this run feels less like a comeback than a correction. Joan Jett and the Blackhearts will bring a set expected to draw from defining staples including I Love Rock N’ Roll, Bad Reputation and I Hate Myself For Loving You.
Jett said: “We can’t wait to be back on stage in the UK this Summer! I wrote and recorded ‘Bad Reputation’, my first solo LP in London. It’s been too long since we’ve been in the UK and we’re excited to see everyone!”
There is real history behind the return, too. London holds a particular place in Jett’s story, making the closing night in the capital feel especially apt.
Punk legacy, still fully alive
For more than four decades, Joan Jett has stood as one of the defining figures in rock and punk, carving out a career that stretches across music, film, television, Broadway and activism. Long hailed as the Godmother of Punk, she remains a towering presence not because of nostalgia, but because the records still hit with the same blunt-force clarity they always did.
Joined by the Blackhearts, and with The Meffs opening the evening, this July run promises a bill stacked with grit, volume and no-interest-in-asking-permission energy.
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts UK tour dates
Thu 2 July 2026 – Glasgow, O2 Academy Glasgow
Sat 4 July 2026 – Manchester, Manchester Academy
Sun 5 July 2026 – Leeds, O2 Academy Leeds
Tue 7 July 2026 – Wolverhampton, University of Wolverhampton at the Civic Hall
Wed 8 July 2026 – London, British Airways ARC
