Dirty Deeds

Joan Jett’s cover of Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap, featured on her 1990 album The Hit List, is a bold reimagining of AC/DC’s classic, tailored to her signature glam-punk style. In a 2020 retrospective by Ultimate Classic Rock, the track is described as a “girl-group/garage-pop makeover” with a squealing glam-rock saxophone adding a risky edge, though some felt the production was overly polished compared to the raw original. Jett’s double-tracked vocals bring a softer, more alluring tone than Bon Scott’s snarl, making it a standout on the album. Interestingly, a post on ACDCfans.net recounts a humorous anecdote where AC/DC’s Angus Young was told by a fan that the band did a great job “covering” Jett’s version, to which he diplomatically responded, “Right on, thanks.” This mix-up highlights the impact of Jett’s take, which peaked at No. 36 on the Billboard Hot 100. The music video, directed by Mark Rezyka, features Jett and the Blackhearts performing on a stage with vibrant lights and projected images, amplifying the song’s gritty charm.

Another layer of trivia comes from fan reactions on Last.fm, where Dirty Deeds is noted as a cover that some listeners initially mistook for an original Jett composition due to her distinctive vocal delivery and the punk-infused arrangement. A 2018 blog post on Steve For The Deaf praises Jett’s choice of the song’s “pulp fiction narrative” over other AC/DC anthems like Highway to Hell, suggesting it suits her leather-clad, rebellious persona perfectly. However, not all feedback was glowing—some AC/DC purists on ACDCfans.net criticized the poppy production and keyboard-like guitar sounds, though they acknowledged Jett’s “smoking hot voice.” The song’s inclusion on The Hit List, an all-covers album, was Jett’s way of paying tribute to her rock influences, as she shared in interviews about wanting to celebrate the music that shaped her career.

Joan Jett, born Joan Marie Larkin on September 22, 1958, in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, began her musical journey as a teenager after her family moved to Los Angeles when she was 12. Her passion for rock was sparked after hearing Free’s All Right Now on the radio, prompting her to pick up a guitar. By 1975, at age 17, she co-founded the all-female rock band The Runaways, alongside future heavy metal star Lita Ford. The Runaways, known for hits like Cherry Bomb, were groundbreaking as one of the first prominent female hard rock bands, though they faced significant industry skepticism. After the band disbanded in 1979, Jett faced rejection from 23 record labels while trying to launch her solo career. Undeterred, she collaborated with producer Kenny Laguna to form Blackheart Records, one of the first female-owned independent labels. They sold her debut album, initially self-titled and later reissued as Bad Reputation, out of Laguna’s car at shows and indie record stores, as noted in a 2025 post by Dina LaPolt on X.

Jett’s persistence paid off with the formation of Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, leading to her breakout hit I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll in 1981, a cover that became her signature anthem. Her career, marked by eight platinum and gold albums and nine Top 40 singles, reflects a commitment to raw, hook-driven rock. Jett’s influence extends beyond music—she’s acted in films like Light of Day and produced albums for bands like Bikini Kill. Her induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015 as the first female bandleader cemented her legacy, with Amazon reviews of The Hit List noting her ability to make covers “her own” while staying true to her punk-rock roots.

Fans can connect with Joan Jett through her official website, where tour dates and merchandise are available. Her Facebook page shares updates on performances and new releases, while her Instagram offers behind-the-scenes glimpses of her life on the road. On X, Jett engages with fans, often reposting their tributes and sharing nostalgic content, like a 2018 post about her documentary Bad Reputation. Fan communities thrive online, with groups like the Joan Jett and the Blackhearts Fan Club on Facebook fostering discussions and sharing rare photos. Dedicated fan sites, such as Joan Jett Bad Reputation, provide detailed discographies and archival material for devoted “Zoo Freaks” spinning her records.