Is Punk Dead? We Asked Joan Jett

by Brenna Ehrlich 31 mins ago

Next time someone shows you a photo of a celebrity wearing a Black Flag shirt or a studded dog collar from Hot Topic and declares punk to be “dead,” just whip out MTV News’ brand-new interview with Joan Jett. This will silence ‘em faster than a particularly rowdy crowd-surfer’s boot to the head.

MTV News caught up with the iconic musician — best known for classics like “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll” and “Bad Reputation” — at a red carpet event for The Foo Fighters‘ new HBO documentary series, “Sonic Highways,” which premieres this week ahead of their record by the same name. In the series, Dave Grohl and Co. travel around the country, telling the stories behind eight cities’ music scenes and interviewing and collaborating with musicians like Jett.

Related: Rock ‘N’ Roll Is Not Dead — Here’s Living Proof

I got a peek at the first two episodes of the series, which feature a ton of info about the birth and proliferation of punk in America, so when I came face-to-face with the legend herself, I decided to ask Jett what she thinks of the state of the genre today.

I won’t spoil anything here. Just watch her answer over and over again. I’ll give you a minute — or 60.

Brenna Ehrlich

Brenna Ehrlich is a reporter for MTV News as well as the senior writer/editor for the O Music Awards. In the past, she served as associate editor at Mashable, penned a netiquette column for CNN and co-authored the blog and book “Stuff Hipsters Hate.” She likes trying not to die in moshpits and listening to songs on repeat. Follow her on Twitter @BrennaEhrlich for news on cats and punk bands.