Cherry Bomb (Acoustic)

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning the raw, unplugged vibes of "Cherry Bomb (Acoustic)" by Joan Jett & The Blackhearts from their 2022 album Changeup for all the Zoo Freaks out there. This acoustic rendition of "Cherry Bomb" strips down the punk-rock anthem originally written by Joan Jett and Kim Fowley for The Runaways in 1976. According to a 2005 documentary, Edgeplay: A Film About the Runaways, the song was whipped up on the spot for Cherie Currie's audition because the band couldn’t play her chosen track. Jett’s 2022 acoustic version, as noted in an NME review, sheds new light on the lyrics, with her raspy vocals delivering a dive-bar intimacy that feels like stumbling into an impromptu set.

In a 2022 American Songwriter interview, Jett shared that the idea for Changeup, which includes "Cherry Bomb (Acoustic)," came organically during acoustic performances for her 2018 documentary Bad Reputation. The band loved the stripped-down sound, and fans at the premieres ate it up, leading to a full album to mark the 40th anniversaries of her albums Bad Reputation and I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll. Jett admitted she had to rethink her vocal approach, pulling back from her usual high-energy delivery to match the acoustic vibe, a challenge she found creatively refreshing. A post on X from March 28, 2022, quotes Jett saying, “It’s pretty cool to be able to find a new way of doing the thing that you’ve done your whole life, and experience it in a completely different way.”

Joan Jett, born Joan Marie Larkin on September 22, 1958, in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, kicked off her career as a teenager in the mid-1970s, co-founding the all-female punk band The Runaways. With her rebellious style—think dyed black hair and leather outfits—she became a standout, co-writing tracks like "Cherry Bomb" and playing rhythm guitar. After The Runaways split in 1979, Jett faced rejection from 23 major labels for her solo work. Undeterred, she teamed up with producer Kenny Laguna to form Blackheart Records, selling her debut album out of Laguna’s car at gigs. This hustle led to the release of Bad Reputation in 1980, followed by the formation of Joan Jett & The Blackhearts in 1979. Their 1981 album I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll skyrocketed with the title track hitting number one for seven weeks, cementing Jett as a rock icon.

Known as the “Godmother of Punk,” Jett’s influence spans decades, earning her a 2015 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction with The Blackhearts. Beyond music, she’s produced for bands like The Germs and Bikini Kill, acted in films like Light of Day, and championed activism, all while defying gender norms in a male-dominated industry. Her legacy is celebrated by fans across platforms, from her official website to social media on Facebook, Instagram, and X. Devoted Zoo Freaks can also connect with fellow fans through communities like the Joan Jett and The Blackhearts Fan Club on Facebook or explore fan-driven content at sites like Joan Jett Bad Rep, where her trailblazing spirit continues to inspire.